not-quite-maternity dresses...

[Pagetta]

ok so i'm 11 weeks and have a hint of a bump, which, lets face it, is going to be a little more than a hint come xmas and New year.
We're spending Xmas day with my family and NYE with the in-laws, so I'd like a nice new frock to wear - BUT last time i was pregnant I tried to wear normal dresses with a small bump and they ride up at the front. But maternity dresses will be way too big at this stage. Any tips or good places to look? something flattering on what essentially looks like christmas bloat! Doesn't have to be a bargain (i'm saving a fortune on wine lets face it i can get a treat!)

[April2013]

Maybe some kind of empire line winter-friendly maxi dress that was floaty from under bust downwards, but not too long incase you trip up, added bonus of this type of dress looks good in flat shoes. Perhaps try coast?

[Pagetta]

Oh i'd forgotten about Coast as not one near us - good idea thnx! will take a look online :-)

[ThePug]

I've got a couple of these dresses from Amazon - bought in my normal size and they look great on. Because they have darts, they'll grow with your bump but will still hang nicely now and after you've indulged in Christmas dinner

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00TQVBYX6?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00S68B1MY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[emmac3616]

I've got some ted baker shift / tent style dresses in their sale and on eBay - they are fab - I'm 22wks and still in those, holding off the maternity dresses as long as possible! I also have a couple of Issa wrap dresses (from eBay and banana republic collection) those also still fit - in fact wore those right through to birth last time!

[Featherstep]

Those dresses look nice and a bargain, pug. Is the neckline very low though?

[cloudjumper]

Try Jojomamanbebe - I got a couple of nice festive dresses from there a few years ago, with an empire line, so they would float over a bump of any size. Not sure if they still do them, though! Next is also quite good.

[ThePug]

Feather no, not at all as low as it looks in the pictures!! I was worried about that too (thought I'd have to wear a vest top underneath) but was pleasantly surprised. The neckline stayed in place really well actually (far better than lots of my normal dresses where I'm often at risk of bra-flashing!) Here's me in the crimson one a few weeks ago

[Pagetta]

oh that looks lovely pug! not nearly as low as the pictures look!

[Pagetta]

Just remembered i also have a wedding on Jan 2nd...I probably shouldn't have gone on Coast as now am a little in love with this!
www.coast-stores.com/p/roccobella-dress/1467741?locale=en
which isn't maternity but could be fab for a small bump!

[clarabellski]

I'm 30weeks and still wearing my 'not quite maternity' dresses which are basically smock/empire/tent dresses in my normal size from various high street and supermarkets, with a wee bit of lycra in them. I wear maternity tights or leggings underneath. I don't think I'll need an actual maternity dress in the last weeks as there is still plenty of room in the smock styles that I have.

If you've got a next or m&s outlet near you, that might be a good shout for something in above style that is a bit dressier for your christmas parties, but not too pricey (if smock dresses aren't your usual style and you're unlikely to wear again after birth).

[ammature]

Try cos they do lots of anti fit stuff that works

[Featherstep]

Great dress pug thanks! I may be persuaded to get one myself...

[mannequinonthemove]

This is my top buy! It's not maternity but I sized up and reckon I'll be able to wear it through to the end. If you're only 11 weeks you'd be fine with your normal size. It's roomy but not a massive tent, just skimming. Also in tall and petite sizes.

www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?Ntt=smoch&storeId=12556&productId=20947470&urlRequestType=Base&categoryId=&langId=-1&productIdentifier=product&catalogId=33057

[GoApeShit]

New Look have some lovely fitting maternity dresses which aren't baggy so suit earlier pregnancy well.