Best maternity dresses for spring

Made of breathable cotton knit with a little spandex for stretch, this dress will take you through pregnancy and the postpartum period when you may feel like nothing fits or looks good. The waistline hits just above the natural waistline and is tied with a bow to define your bump. Meanwhile, the top is double-layered, so you can pull up part of it to stay covered if you plan to nurse. We also like the patterns and colors, which are cute enough for social occasions but demure enough for work. 

Specs

• Size range: 2XS-4XL
• Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
• Color options: 7
   

Although almost every brand sells a maternity tank dress, moms in our community are fond of H&M's version. Made from breathable cotton knit and spandex for stretch, it has slits on the side of the hem that make walking more comfortable. And if you’re worried about revealing your bra, don’t: the shoulder straps are wide enough to hide them, but not so loose that they’ll fall down.

Specs

• Size range: XS-2XL
• Material: 95% cotton, 5% spandex
• Color options: 3
   

If you work out of an office, you’ll need a couple of dresses that are simple, comfortable, and under-the-radar enough that you can repurpose them. . . in the same week. This dependable pair of dresses from Old Navy is absolutely perfect: they have a plain, pared-down fit and look, and they're made of soft and breathable cotton knit for ease. The below-the-knee length is modest for most office settings, and gives you a little leeway if your dress shortens as your belly grows. But the biggest appeal is that there are two dresses in one pack; a short sleeve option for more coverage, and a sleeveless dress for warm weather. 

Specs

• Size range: XS-2XL
• Material: 96% cotton, 4% spandex
• Color options: 1
   

Way too many plus size maternity dresses are either shapeless circus tents or oversized t-shirts, typically in blah "ignore me" shades. That's why we love this elegant dress from Xpenyo, which comes in bright and beautiful colors and patterns. It also has a shape that highlights yours: a v-neckline that dips low to show off some skin, an elastic waistline that sits comfortably above your bump, and a long, graceful skirt that sways and swirls around you. 

Specs

• Size range: S-5XL
• Material: 95% rayon, 5% spandex
• Color options: 33
   

Many women don't have the budget for or interest in collecting a whole maternity wardrobe, and thanks to the current fashion for loose and stretchy loungewear, you don't have to. Auselily's forgiving and ultra-comfy dress has an empire waist that defines your bump without confining it, and a generous gathered skirt that eases over your bump at any stage. The rayon-spandex fabric is soft and giving, so it’ll easily adjust to your body as it changes. It comes in 31 colors and patterns, and from extra-small to 6XL so it can be worn by many different moms-to-be. 

Specs

• Size range: XS-6XL
• Material: 95% rayon, 5% spandex
• Color options: 31

Made of an ultra-soft and stretchy rayon-spandex knit, this dress has a classic scoop neckline (handy for those who don't want their bra hanging out), and gentle ruching at your waist to help this dress hug every curve lovingly. It comes in so many patterns and colors, and is so inexpensive that you may want to grab yourself a few. Moms-to-be love that the hemline lands just above the knee so they feel revealed, but not overexposed. 

Specs

• Size range: S-2XL
• Material: 95% rayon, 5% spandex
• Color options: 39
   

With its exuberant flounce and body-conscious fitted shape, this dress will wow when you wear it. And with its four-way stretch, you'll have a comfortable day or night ahead of you. We love the 22 beautiful colors and fabrics this one comes in, with up-to-date florals and beautiful brights like chromium yellow, royal blue, and scarlet. We also like the ruching at the waist that draws attention to your bump and shows your lovely shape. 

Specs

• Size range: S-2XL
• Material: Rayon, spandex
• Color options: 22
   

If you visualize a photoshoot that features your growing belly beneath a gorgeous flowing dress, this inexpensive Amazon favorite is a must-have. The soft lace drapes beautifully over your body and is long enough to trail picturesquely around you. Everything from the romantic off-the-shoulder bodice to the voluminous poets' sleeves will make you feel simply stunning. 

Specs

• Size range: XS-XL
• Material: Cotton, polyester
• Color options: 10
   

A part of Old Navy's Match the Fam line, this dress pattern is available in other clothes for  babies, toddlers, big kids, and adults up to a size 4XL. (You can even get something for your pet.) What we particularly love about this dress compared to others in the collections is its beautiful, on-trend floral pattern, romantic ruffled neckline, and flattering A-line skirt. Plus, many moms-to-be praise the dress for being light, loose, and comfortable — which is what you want in any warm weather maternity clothes. 

Specs

• Size range: XS-2XL
• Material: 55% linen, 45% rayon
• Color options: 1
   

An afternoon or evening affair calls for a dress with a bit more style and pizzazz than everyday options. Verabendi's flowing dress is ideal for warm-weather comfort, with a draped top that reveals your shoulders, and a long skirt that drifts beautifully around you as you move. The pockets are big enough for your phone and keys, and we appreciate that this dress comes in 27 different colors and patterns. 

Specs

• Size range: XS-XL
• Material: Rayon
• Color options: 27
   

Azazie has become a powerhouse in the bridesmaid and prom dress industry because of its unique offering: formal dresses in a rainbow of colors and a wide range of sizes. (You can even order a dress that fits your specific measurements for no extra charge.) Annabelle is Azazie's best-selling maternity dress for a reason, with its sweetheart neckline and sophisticated pleated floor-length skirt that looks good on a wide range of bodies. It comes in 44 different colors from brights to pastels and neutrals, and the light mesh fabric is light and breathable, distinct from other formal dresses in hot, uncomfortable fabrics. 

Ordering is low-stakes: Azazie will also ship three dresses for you to try on for $15, as well as fabric swatches for $1 a color (or $2 to $10 for swatch sets), so you can pick up just the right dress for your event. 

Specs

• Size range: 0-30 or custom sizing
• Material: Polyester
• Color options: 44
   

Weddings call for clothing that lands somewhere between festive and conservative. You don't want to wear something that shows too much skin or otherwise pulls focus from the bride and groom, yet you definitely want to look cute, as well as feel comfortable at a multi-hour event. This Wodstyle dress is simple, easy, and comfy, with a feminine and pretty silhouette. We like that the skirt lands right at the knee, and that the three-quarter sleeves look sleek; we also like the draped detail at the neckline and that this dress is available in sizes small to 2XL to fit a diverse range of bodies. 

Specs

• Size range: S-2XL
• Material: Cotton, polyester
• Color options: 3
   

This goddess-like gown with candy stripes of pink or blue will make you look and feel fresh no matter the weather. It provides plenty of coverage when you want it, but has a number of details to keep it from being overly modest. The square neck shows off your collar bones but gentle elastic keeps it from gaping as you bend over; the flutter sleeves flatter your upper arms while a clever gusset underneath shields your bra from sight. Best of all, the dress has pockets and it's as comfortable as a nightgown. 

Specs

• Size range: XS-XL
• Material: Rayon
• Color options: 2
   

You can count on being the subject of many baby shower pictures, so you’ll want a dress that looks elegant but is also comfy to wear. This Mother Bee dress fits the bill. The fabric has gentle stretch for all-day comfort, and it comes in 19 colors and patterns so you can find one that matches your taste and party decor. What we especially like about this dress is the neckline: it can be worn as a draped cowl, or pulled down over your shoulders. 

Specs

• Size range: S-XL
• Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
• Color options: 19
   

There are many white maternity dresses that can work as a wedding dress, but if you want more of a wedding gown, Seraphine has a whole range of glorious wedding dresses for moms-to-be. Our very favorite: This floor-length dress that floats around you as you walk. The detailed lace bodice and jeweled waist add a layer of elegance, while also accenting and accentuating your shape. An opaque lining keeps anything from showing through, and a nearly invisible panel on the keyhole back gives you a bit of comfy stretch when you need it. 

Specs

• Size range: 2-14
• Material: Silk, cotton viscose, polyester, polyamide 
• Color options: 1

Kelly Bailey contributed to this story