The Princess of Maternity Style
Kate Middleton stuns us with her impeccable style time and time again. What's even more impressive is that she doesn't let pregnancy get in the way of her fashion sense. She continues to wear dresses that are flattering, sophisticated and sometimes even flirty, proving to the rest of us that maternity clothes deserve a double-take.
Floral Party
So many women are terrified of prints when they’re pregnant. Thinking that you’ll look bigger if you wear anything other than black is just silly. Stop the madness! Something like this vivid floral print shift dress would be stunning with a bump. Prince George’s mom isn’t shy about wearing pops of color and pattern—you shouldn’t be either.
To buy: ASOS, $85
Shade of Gray
Kate’s style is focused heavily on tailored, timeless pieces. She always looks so put together and at ease in what she’s wearing. A structured but comfortable dress like this one can be worn from day to night. For the working mom-to-be, it’s a go-to for meetings at the office and transitions into something perfect for date night with the hubby.
To buy: Rosie Pope, $138
Sunny Side
This muted citrus is mellow enough to please even those who don’t have a lot of color in their wardrobe because it stays well within their comfort zone. The Duchess wore a similar shade by Jenny Packham and looked radiant in the color. Most of us who’ve already had children will notice the zipper in the front right away. For those who plan to breastfeed once baby is born, this one’s a winner! Easy access also makes it a great option as a postpartum dress. Plus, the pleating at the waistline is oh-so forgiving.
To buy: Isabelle Oliver, $104
A Vision in Crimson
We all know a red lip can make any tired mama feel like a million bucks, so just imagine what a red dress can do. Kate has been photographed wearing various forms of red and always looks so striking while doing so. This knee-length dress with a kick split in the back will fit beautifully and comfortably through all stages of pregnancy. And the fold at the shoulders provides just enough detail to set this red number apart from all the others.
To buy: ASOS, $95
Royal in Blue
Prince William’s then-fiancée stunned the world when she wore a royal blue cross-front dress by little-known London brand Issa for their engagement portraits. So much so that another brand has done a reproduction of the original design as a maternity version. This alternate wrap-over dark blue dress resembles Kate’s famous one, but because it’s cinched just off-center it has its own identity.
To buy: H&M, $30
Polka Dot Statement
A spotted print like this can be whimsical or sophisticated depending on what shoes and accessories you pair it with. It’s the perfect balance of modest and feminine with a high v-neckline and sleeves starting almost off the shoulder. Sometimes it’s just the little things, like exposing that beautiful clavicle and a cross strap detail on the back, that allow you to embrace your body during pregnancy. This dress represents Kate’s style in a nutshell—classic and so incredibly effortless.
To buy: ASOS, $53
The Little Black Dress
With her second baby on the way, the Duchess has already shown us that it’s OK to wear a hot little number even in pregnancy. At a recent public appearance, she donned a slightly flirty ensemble with cutout detailing, similar to this bobble lace fitted dress, and proved that expecting moms can be sexy, too.
To buy: Topshop, $68
Peachy Keen
Peach is one of those colors that only emphasizes a woman’s pregnancy glow. An expecting Kate took note and layered shades of this warm, pastel-like color while visiting a children’s hospice when she was pregnant with baby No. 1. This asymmetrical, tiered dress is reminiscent of her maternity look, with panels that accentuate the bump and hide any flaws you may not want to show off.
To buy: ASOS, $49
Colorblocking Moment
Wearing two or more bold solids at a time has been a trend we’ve seen on the runway that’s made its way onto the street. Whether you’re touring Down Under like Kate when she wore her graphic yellow and white Roksanda IIincic dress or sipping a mocktail at a party, this stylish statement says you’re staying in touch with fashion even with a bun in the oven.
To buy: Nordstrom, $168
Flattering Cross Front Dress
How dynamite would Kate be in this dress? Or any other expecting mother for that matter. It’s conservative but still fun. The texture gives this solid color enough dimension so that it looks like a printed pattern from afar. The best part about fabric crossing in the front like this is that it outlines that beautiful Buddha belly and creates shape.
To buy: ASOS, $57
