Q. Hi Jordan!
I love your style and am hoping you can help me with something. I just found out I’m pregnant! I know it’s a little early to be thinking about maternity clothes, but the truth is I’m already bloated and cannot deal with anything tight around my waist. I’ve got a slew of bridal and baby showers coming up; can you recommend some stylish not-yet-maternity dresses that will work for the first trimester (and maybe beyond)?
Thanks so much!
Jessica
A. Congratulations! I totally get where you’re coming from – it’s common to “feel” a little pregnant (and want to wear less constricting clothing) even before your body visibly changes.
This worked out pretty well for me because I favor the potato-sack-ish look in my regular life, so I had lots of pieces already sitting right there in my closet…but what I discovered early in pregnancy was that it’s not just about wearing flowy pieces: it’s about wearing pieces that have visual elements – ruffles, ruching, interesting draping – that keep the eye moving, and then drawing focus to your face with a pretty updo (your hair, just so you know, is about to start looking spectacular) and a pair of striking earrings or a collarbone-skimming necklace.
Above are some high-end examples, just to give you an idea of the kinds of dresses I’m talking about.
And here’s a real-world example: a dress I wore when I was about 4 1/2 months pregnant. See how that neat layered effect doesn’t say “maternity dress”…but still adds movement? It was also really comfortable, thanks to the elastic waistline that was hidden by the draping. (More shots of the look – and product info – here.)
The dress looks different on me now, of course, but I still love it.
Here are a few options I picked out for you that work for daytime events like baby and bridal showers. L to R: Kate Dress ($230); Halston Heritage (available in select sizes in Tangerine; $85 on sale); Cynthia Rowley (also available in black; $169 on sale); MSGM ($225); Mariella Rosati (also available in navy and black; $109 on sale); Vix (has the same draping effect as the pink dress pictured on me; $166 on sale). One last thing: if you’re looking to keep your pregnancy a secret until you hit the second trimester, click here for some more ideas. 
