Seraphine!

But also, definitely wait until closer to the wedding to shop. There were lots of styles (empire, pleated a-line) that could totally accommodate my bump, but the thing I was not prepared for when I went shopping for a wedding-guest dress for a wedding I’d be 5-mo pregnant to, was how much my rib cage expanded, making things impossible to zip up.

Anonymous wrote:Tysons will have probably have lots of options. When is the wedding? What activities will you need to dress for? If it’s in the Spring, I think you should plan to shop closer to the actual wedding — instead of trying to shop now for a wedding and the body that you will have in June.

The wedding is in April but in a slightly warmer place, it'll be about 70 degrees in the evenings. There are 3 different formal events, all of which I will need dresses for (ugh). Definitely planning to shop in March, not now - just don't want to run out of time.

I went with a maternity dress around this time, but it was form fitting (yet stretchy) because like a PP said, I wanted it to be obvious I was pregnant. I might have been around 26 weeks or so. Looking back, I thought I looked OBVIOUSLY pregnant, but it was a pretty petite belly haha. It was a very comfy dress.

The other thing to consider is your boobs might grow a bit and/or your rib cage might be bigger than you think. Meaning the bands of your bras and how things fit in the chest can shift.

Just get something that has some stretch.

Anonymous wrote:You would also be fine with an empire waist non maternity style - just make sure it cinches just below the breast and not on the belly.

This. You may need a tiny bit more room at the empire waist (maybe not) but halter or empire style will probably work.

Anonymous wrote:OP, look into Rent the Runway. There are a handful of dressier maternity dresses there.

But also look at halter style dresses - those should be able to accommodate larger breasts and a small bust. For example, the dress below has multiple pregnant customer pictures:
https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/tome_collective/pleated_halter_dress?lens=classic

Awesome option!

Tysons will have probably have lots of options. When is the wedding? What activities will you need to dress for? If it’s in the Spring, I think you should plan to shop closer to the actual wedding — instead of trying to shop now for a wedding and the body that you will have in June.

OP, look into Rent the Runway. There are a handful of dressier maternity dresses there.

But also look at halter style dresses - those should be able to accommodate larger breasts and a small bust. For example, the dress below has multiple pregnant customer pictures:
https://www.renttherunway.com/shop/designers/tome_collective/pleated_halter_dress?lens=classic

Anonymous wrote:You would also be fine with an empire waist non maternity style - just make sure it cinches just below the breast and not on the belly.

This could work, but your chest might also be much bigger at that time, so plan accordingly.

I just looked through my pictures from 21-23 weeks and it was right on the cusp for me. I took selfies in regular work dresses where I was able to conceal it (announced a couple weeks later), and then there are pictures where I tried to accent the bump and look obviously pregnant.
My best guess is you won’t need a strict maternity dress, but plan ahead around the right fit.

You would also be fine with an empire waist non maternity style - just make sure it cinches just below the breast and not on the belly.

Anonymous wrote:Buy a maternity dress! You want to look obviously expecting not just chubby. 22 weeks can be before you pop but are at peak puffiness.

This!

Pink Blush Maternity has some pretty, affordable dresses. They are online, but they have free returns. I’ve gotten several nice options for weddings there over my three pregnancies.

Buy a maternity dress! You want to look obviously expecting not just chubby. 22 weeks can be before you pop but are at peak puffiness.

Anonymous wrote:Is this your first child? If yes, I think you can probably get away with a non maternity. If you think you will need another dress while pregnant, I would just buy maternity. If it is not your first you will show earlier.

Yes, my first! I’m nervous about buying a non-maternity dress and then having a last minute fit issue.

Is this your first child? If yes, I think you can probably get away with a non maternity. If you think you will need another dress while pregnant, I would just buy maternity. If it is not your first you will show earlier.

I’m a 31 yo FTM and will be attending a multi day wedding at 22 weeks. Will I need a true maternity dress by then or just loose around the stomach? Any suggestions on where to shop? Would love to try things on if at all possible, I live near Tyson’s but can go wherever.