As a fashion stylist and new mom, I’m always asked about what to wear during pregnancy . I can rattle off favorite designers and silhouettes at the drop of a hat. But the other day, a Facebook friend stumped me with a question: Are there ANY stylish dresses out there for nursing moms?
I admit—I was probably the least stylish stylist during the nine months that I nursed. I wore the same button down shirts All. The. Time. Also, I sorta shied from fancy social occasions because I felt majorly disheveled pumping in a public restroom. And (to be fair), I was a bit of a postpartum zombie due to lack of sleep and a colicky kid, so my cocktail convo wasn’t exactly at its A-game.
But what if I had some easy, nursing-friendly wardrobe staples to get me out of my funk and back into the swing of socializing? I’d likely push myself (and my husband) out the door more. So for all the nursing mommas who might be reading this, here are some great nursing dresses to buy now and wear all summer and fall long!
Check them out in the slideshow.
More Nursing Mom Fashion:
Stylish Nursing Dresses
ASOS tunic tank dress
If you're heading to a backyard BBQ, baby-friendly brunch, or daytime party, this reclaimed denim tunic tank dress from ASOS is chic, cool, and casual---plus, the button front makes it so easy to nurse. Added bonus? Think about how many ways it can be restyled! It's basically a closet staple. Love.
HATCH Riviera dress
The HATCH Riviera dress is so versatile, you'll be wearing it years after weaning---and into your next pregnancy! The caftan design makes it breezy and easy for pregnancy, but also forgiving enough for the "fourth trimester," when billowy designs and open necklines are a nursing momma's only fashion need.
Yumi Kim Soho Mixer Dress
Yumi Kim is known for her fun and flirty prints, and I just adore her Soho Mixer Dress , $190, for nursing mommas. To start, the wrap style makes discreet breastfeeding almost seamless...and the print itself is so upbeat and fun, you'll instantaneously look so much more peppy and refreshed than you likely are.
Au Lait Tea Dress
I seriously wish I knew about Au Lait when I was nursing. Founder Emily Hsu just gets it when it comes to breastfeeding mommas. Her Tea Dress , $168, is a nursing dress disguised as one seriously chic wardrobe staple. There are underlying panels, of course, but the jersey fabric is amazingly soft, which is definitely something to consider as your baby's cheeks will be up against anything you wear while breastfeeding.
ASOS reclaimed floral vintage wrap dress
The reclaimed floral vintage wrap dress by ASOS , $100, is the epitome of boho cool---and an effortless choice for the nursing momma heading to a brunch or chilled-out party. It would look equally fab restyled with a tank and distressed jeans for a casual summer-to-autumn outfit.
Au Lait - The Tank
The Tank by Au Lait , $148, is a nursing momma's main essential. It's shown here with an elegant A-line skirt, but can be restyled to the nines for less formal occasions. The Tank has special nursing panels that adjust as your bust size fluctuates throughout the day...brilliant!
Just Female Dusty Print Dress
I love the seasonless Dusty Print Dress by Just Female , $169. Available at ASOS, it has an open neckline for easy nursing, but still looks polished, fun, and majorly "normal"---you'll be one hot (nursing) momma, and no one will ever know!
Au Lait Going Home Dress
Another amazing Au Lait favorite is the Going Home Dress , $138, which can be vamped up for more formal occasions, but as the name suggests, triples as a hospital gown, a nursing nightgown, and that perfect little dress you’ll love being seen in. How's that for multi-tasking?
Malene Birger Kiwina Dress
Going somewhere glam and have a few sheckles to spare? I couldn't resist adding this beautiful ($1,195) splurge to my list. While a nursing mom might not breastfeed in the Kiwina Sequin Long Dress by Malene Birger (though it's certainly roomy enough), it's great for the new momma who is out for an evening and pumping, because she won't have to get completely undressed to do so. The gown is available on Shopbop and is an absolute vision for black tie affairs. Not only is it roomy and forgiving in the chicest way possible, but the sequins conceal any unexpected leaks that may arise throughout the evening.