Q. Jordan,
I’m almost 32 weeks pregnant and my baby shower is coming up later this month. My friend thinks maxi dresses look cute on pregnant people, and while I agree I have no idea how to wear one in the winter. I guess I would need a cardigan or light coat (even indoors at the shower), but what would I wear for shoes? Please help.
-Ronja
A. Congrats congrats congrats! And I agree with your friend: a maxi dress is a great way to feel dressed up and chic (but still cozy) at a wintertime shower. Just maybe skip it if its snowing or raining outside (or change into it when you get to the venue), because damp hemlines are no fun whether you’re pregnant or not.
How To Wear A Maxi Dress In The Winter
OK first, to make this question a little more universal, let’s talk how to wear a maxi dress in the winter generally speaking. You’ll want to think about four things:
1. Fabric. First, choose a maxi dress that’s made from a winter-friendly fabric as opposed to, say, that unlined chiffon one you wore over the summer. Try a luxe fabric like silk for a fancier look, or a heavier one like a substantial jersey if you want to go more casual.
2. Color. For color, steer clear of bright shades (which can look too tropical) in favor of neutrals or jewel tones. And if you’re going floral, make sure you choose a dress with a dark shade (like navy or black) as the base color.
3. Layering. Really, anything goes, but I like either layering a knit sweater on top (pregnancy caveat is below) and adding a scarf, or keeping the look more streamlined with a leather jacket or great blazer.
4. Footwear. You’ll definitely want boots or booties to ground the look (and if you choose the latter, don’t forget tights, because maxi dresses may be long, but they can get breezy).
How To Wear A Maternity Maxi Dress (In The Winter):
Now, let’s talk maternity maxis.
The above rules still apply, but when you’re pregnant the last thing you want is to add additional bulk, so you might want to skip chunky knit sweaters in favor of lighter fabrics and open-front cardigans. I especially like the idea of topping a neutral maxi with a cropped bolero in a bright color, and then adding darker accessories in the same color family (above left), or going for a cowl cardigan and over-the-knee boots, and then adding a little color with a great pair of earrings.
Hope that helps. Have so much fun!
Love
J
P.S. Just because we’re on the topic, above are a few maxi dresses (some maternity, some not) that work well in the wintertime. And that I love. (Especially that Rachel Pally, oh my goodness.)
