Summer is fast approaching, temperatures are rising and bumps are blooming! What better time to start shopping for cool, comfortable and stylish maternity dresses?

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There was a time not so long ago when a maternity dress was either a shapeless sack or a stretch jersey affair in unflattering patterns, but these days there are plenty of chic and fashionable dresses that will house your bump in style whatever the occasion.

We’ve rounded up our favourite buys that will work for every day comfort and style as well as a few stunning dresses to wear for special occasions such as weddings and baby showers, or just to feel fabulous in. It was hard to narrow down the selection to just ten dresses but we think we’ve found something to suit every taste and dresses that you’ll want to keep on wearing way after you’ve had your baby.

Here’s our pick of the best everyday summer maternity dresses…

H&M Mama Smocked Dress, £29.99

Sizes: XS to XXL

h&m smock dress

This elegant, pared back maxi dress would be an easy breezy addition to your pregnancy wardrobe and would look fabulous with flat sandals and a denim jacket or dressed up with mules and jewels.

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We love the cool white fabric with classic ticking stripe and the on trend smocking detail around the bust.

The adjustable shoulder straps are a great addition so you can make this dress sit perfectly for your height to provide support. Definitely a summer maternity dress we’d wear way after pregnancy.

Available from: H&M

ASOS design Maternity Daisy Smock Dress, £38

Sizes: 6 to 16

ASOS Daisy smock maternity dress

Something cool and floaty like this ASOS smock dress is always going to be the first thing your reach for while you’re pregnant in the summer.

The cornflower blue midi dress with white floral print is stocked in both the ASOS mainline collection as well as the maternity collection, so it’s a great example of fashion carrying on as normal during pregnancy.

The ¾ length sleeves with frill detail are super flattering and the ruffle trimmed neckline is extra cute. Style with white boots, converse or sandals and layer up with a chunky cardigan for chilly evenings.

Available from: ASOS

Mamalicious Women's Mllea Organic Y/D Tank Maxi Dress, £28

Sizes: S to XL

Mamalicious maternity dress

A simple stretch maxi dress is such a joy to wear when you’re pregnant. The fabric hugs your bump, the length comfortably covers legs and the free arms keep you cool and comfortable.

This classic Breton striped version in cotton is great quality and would look fab layered up with a denim or khaki jacket. The gathered details along the side seams also guarantee plenty of room and comfort as your bump grows.

Available from: Amazon

Next Maternity Jersey Tea Dress, £24

Sizes: 6 to 22

Next maternity dress

Devoted leopard print lovers will be thrilled with this super flattering tea dress in jersey that features a flattering v-neck, stylish puffed sleeves and falls on the knee so you don’t have to worry about your skirt riding up as your bump grows.

This a fantastic every day dress that you’ll turn to again and again for easy style and comfort.

Perfect with tennis shoes, ankle boots or sandals, you’ll be lending this to friends who get pregnant after you and demanding it back if you ever need it again. We’d recommend looking at the pretty floral print version too.

Available from: Next

Zara Gingham Check Dress, £29.99

Sizes: XS to XXL

Zara maternity dress

This gingham fitted shift dress is a great buy if you want a dress you can easily dress up or down and will work just as well for a kitchen table date as a chic day at work.

The ruched detailing down the front, the streamlined silhouette and the checked fabric are all very on trend as you would expect from Zara, who are now renowned for super cool maternity wear that works hard to look just as desirable mainline collection.

We can see this dress working well over tights and a fine knit if you want to extend its life into the winter.

Available from: Zara


Here’s our pick of the best occasion wear summer maternity dresses…

Esprit Crocheted Lace Dress, from £90.70

Sizes: 6, 8, 14, 18

Esprit crochet dress

If you want to get dressed up, this super cute crocheted lace white maternity dress will give you a pretty 60’s look, while keeping you cool as a cucumber.

The lining of the dress is 96% stretch cotton so it will hug your bump closely without making you overheat.

We love the crocheted hem detail that hangs below the lining giving a sweet delicate feel to the whole look. This dress can be worn with or without the belt depending on how formal or form fitting you want it to be.

Available from: Amazon

Isabella Oliver Emmie Dress, £139

Sizes: 4 to 18

isabella oliver maternity dress

Red with polka dots is always going to be a winner in our books and this beautifully cut dress by maternity wear experts Isabella Oliver is a great buy for staying cool and chic this Summer.

The classic shirt dress design has been adapted for pregnancy with a sewn in belt detail that will flatter your bump and the lightweight crepe fabric, generously cut sleeves and floaty skirt will keep you cool and comfortable.

One reviewer commented on the flattering wrap fit saying, “Carefully designed, I feel celebrated for the miracle of life my body is bringing forth rather than hidden under a tent. Great, light fabric and great design!”

This summer maternity dress would be perfect for garden parties, baby showers, weddings and christenings and would also look great for a smart day at work. The front button fastening also means it would be great for breast feeding when baby arrives.

Available from: Isabella Oliver

Seraphine Sky Blue Maternity & Nursing Gown with Neckline Tie, £149

Sizes: 6 to 18

seraphine maternity dress

Looking for something to make you feel extra special at a big event? We’ve found the most dreamy dress for you.

This sky blue chiffon halter-neck with pussy bow tie and delicate lace shoulder and back detailing is cut to drape to perfection over your bump no matter how far along your pregnancy you are. It comes in both a midi and maxi version and is also available in midnight blue and black if you prefer a deeper shade.

This is one of the more expensive dresses on the market, but the great thing about this design is that it also provides discreet and easy access for breastfeeding so it won’t go back in the cupboard for months after your pregnancy.

We’re pretty sure you’ll want to wear it again and again anyway. A fantastic option for pregnant or breastfeeding bridesmaids or wedding guests.

Available from: Seraphine

New Look Maternity Black Floral Midi Dress, £17.99

Sizes: 8 to 20

new look maternity dress

If you’re looking for a summer maternity dress to wear to a bit of a do but you really don’t want to spend a fortune, this pretty ditsy print frock from New Look is a great option.

The fit is loose and flowing around the legs and we love the flattering ¾ length sleeves. The split hem adds a bit of fun and is balanced out nicely with the high neckline.

Great with flats or a bit of a heel, this dress could work just as well for a smart garden party as an evening BBQ.

Available from: New Look

The Natty short-sleeved long dress, £59

Sizes: XS to XL

the natty maternity dress

Calling all Audrey Hepburn fans. This super chic, little black dress is going to work so hard for its money. Whether you wear it pared back and simple with a pair of over size sunglasses and ballet pumps or you dress it up with heels, jewellery and a clutch bag, “chic” will be the word on everyone’s lips.

Designed by a mother who couldn’t find anything that suited her more pared back aesthetic when she was pregnant, this is a great dress for minimalists who don’t want to compromise on comfort. Oh, and it has pockets!

Available from: The Natty

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