9 Best Maternity Formal Dresses for Every Occasion

If you’re a budding mother, you must draft your newborn checklist. But crafting the perfect pregnancy wardrobe is equally essential. Great maternity work pants are key, but adding a few chic maternity formal dresses to your closet is a major move—and we get it! It's time to show off that gorgeous, party-worthy bump.

What to look for in the best maternity formal dresses

No matter your age, a classic, formal dress is a wardrobe staple—even when you’re pregnant! Formal dresses are an ideal way to look stylish and elegant without much thought.

Whether you’re in the market for a short cocktail dress or a billowing maxi gown, the ideal maternity formal dress is comfortable and supportive—it has a good amount of stretch and comes in a breathable, lightweight fabric—which perfectly accommodates your evolving belly!

Pro tip: before you add to cart and hit pay, select your maternity size based on your pre-pregnancy size.

The best maternity formal dresses right now:

• Best overall: Maacie Maternity Dress Formal Wrap Front Dress
• Best budget: Long Sleeve Turtleneck Maternity Bodycon Dress
• Best full-length gown: Seraphine Forest Green Maternity & Nursing Maxi Dress
• Best cocktail maternity dress: Old Navy Maternity Long-Sleeve Twist-Front Bodycon Dress
• Best cotton: Everlane The Long-Sleeve Riviera Dress
• Best plus size: Pink Blush Maternity Burgundy Ruffle Accent Velvet Maternity Plus Dress
• Best transitional: Ingrid + Isabel Meadow Chambray Dress
• Best extra support: Ripe Maternity Selma Shirred Body-Con Maternity Dress
• Best sparkly: Old Navy Maternity Waist-Defined Cami Midi Dress

Best overall

Maacie Maternity Dress Formal Bodycon Wrap Front Dress

With its soft and delicate texture, this wrap dress is incredibly comfortable to wear. The dress's gracefully overlapping bust and hemline beautifully accentuate the feminine silhouette, accommodating your growing baby bump without compromising on elegance.

Reviewers praise this formal maternity dress for its resistance to fading and durability for long-lasting wear.

Pros

• Flattering silhouette
• Flexible waistband
• Ideal for every stage of pregnancy
• Invisible back zipper
• Available in size S-XXL
• Available in six colors

Cons

• Hand wash or dry clean only

Best budget

Long Sleeve Turtleneck Maternity Bodycon Dress

This maternity bodycon dress is suitable for every occasion—from tailored law firm looks to teachers who want something modest and easy to move around the classroom in. The soft and comfy maternity dress has a flowy hemline that sits perfectly above the knee.

Better yet, with every trimester, the dress has enough room for growth and can be worn as women dress after birth.

Pros

• Made of 95% rayon
• Flattering silhouette
• Versatile
• Ideal for pregnancy and post-partum
• Machine washable
• Available in eight colors

Cons

• Pull-on style can be tiring to put on

Best full-length gown

Seraphine Forest Green Maternity & Nursing Maxi Dress

Heading to a special event? We’ve found the perfect maternity dress. Crafted with a luxe deep forest green fabric, this flowy maxi dress offers an elegant drape that compliments your growing bump.

It also features a cleverly hidden nursing access so you can wear it even after baby has arrived. Complete with elegant long sleeves and a classic wrap front, this timeless style will become your go-to for weddings, parties and special events—trust us!

Pros

• Luxurious fabric
• Elegant, sleek silhouette
• Hidden nursing access
• Can be worn post-partum
• Available in sizes 2-16

Cons

• Dry clean only

Best cocktail maternity dress

Old Navy Maternity Long-Sleeve Twist-Front Bodycon Dress

Although you can’t drink a true cocktail, a chic cocktail dress is a close second place. This flexible, comfortable bodycon dress will be your go-to throughout your pregnancy. Perfect for wearing on a night out, it features unique details including a twist-front design and ruched side seams—which draw attention to your beautiful baby bump in the best way!

Pros

• Made of 95% rayon
• Unique design
• Super stretchy
• Affordable price
• Can be worn post-partum
• Available in five colors

Cons

• Some reviewers don’t like the front seam detail

Best cotton

Everlane The Long-Sleeve Riviera Dress

Ideal for layering, this dress is made from stretchy Supima cotton and features a long-sleeve knit top and a voluminous woven bottom. The slim-fit dress is made from ultra-soft and durable cotton, meaning all-day breathability—it’s the pinnacle of durability!

Did we mention it has pockets? It does, and they're glorious for necessary items like your fave anti-nausea lollipops.

Pros

• Made of 92% cotton
• Comfy and flexible fit
• Versatile dress
• Side pockets
• Ideal for every stage of pregnancy—including post-partum!
• Available in four colors

Cons

• On the pricier side

Best plus size

Pink Blush Maternity Burgundy Ruffle Accent Velvet Maternity Plus Dress

This solid velvet maternity plus dress is the epitome of fun. The flattering dress features a ruffle neckline and trim with a luxurious button keyhole closure at the back. This design even includes pockets.

Available in an ultra-soft velvety fabric, you can wear this elegant dress throughout your entire pregnancy—from holiday parties to a night out on the town.

Pros

• Chic silhouette
• Soft, comfy fabric
• Can be worn post-partum
• Include pockets
• Available in two colors
• Exclusively available in size 1X-3X

Cons

• Hand wash only

Best transitional

Ingrid + Isabel Meadow Chambray Dress

You can’t go wrong with a classic, vintage-esque stunner—think high neck, puffed sleeves, smocking—the works! This chic midi dress is perfect for pre- and post-baby, thanks to its comfy chambray fabric.

Speaking of, the breezy piece is made of lyocell, one of the most soft and breathable sustainable fibers.

Pros

• Made sustainably
• Breathable material
• Timeless silhouette
• Smocked bra-optional bodice
• Fits throughout all stages of pregnancy and post-partum

Cons

• Hand wash only

Best extra support

Ripe Maternity Selma Shirred Body-Con Maternity Dress

This maternity dress feels like a true hug! Combine comfort and style with this body-con dress and its cutesy ruffle trim. The entire silhouette is made of a flattering shirred material that fits over the belly for added support.

Whether you’re running errands or attending your baby shower, this dress is a must-have. Even better, the sleeves can be worn off the shoulder for an elegant look!

Pros

• Delightful pattern
• Flattering style
• Versatile dress
• Ideal to wear for your entire pregnancy and post-partum
• Available in two colors

Cons

• On the pricier side
• Hand wash only

Best sparkly

Old Navy Maternity Waist-Defined Cami Midi Dress

Become a walking mirrorball in this maternity dress. Perfect for celebratory moments, throw on a sparkly frock to light up the event. With adjustable straps and a flexible neckline and waistband combo, comfort is key with this dress.

Reviewers praise the shiny midi for its flattering fit and stretchy material. Wear it post-baby, too.

Pros

• Relaxed fit
• Adjustable spaghetti straps
• Includes pockets
• Elasticized neckline and waistband
• Ideal to wear post-partum
• Affordable price
• Available in size XS-XXL

Cons

• Not ideal for later stages of pregnancy