I’ll have a blog post about our Bermuda trip soon, but this was one of my favorite looks while in the colorful town of Hamilton! This tile print maxi dress is from Bloomingdales’ exclusive Aqua line. It’s non-maternity but the elastic waist makes it very bump friendly, and the same print comes in a peplum top that can also accommodate a growing bump. Both the dress and the top have adjustable shoulder straps – a key feature for helping sleeveless items fit better, especially on petite ladies!
I also wanted to share a little temporary tweak that I made to this dress. For someone who is not pregnant, I think this dress would be proportionate as-is since the top tier hits around my natural waist. But since said waist is now very protruding with a third trimester bump, I wanted to visually draw the waistline upwards to a narrower part of my body. I used temporary hemming tape and some safety pins to secure the top tier of the dress a few inches shorter (after folding it under and ironing flat), so that section now ends below my bust empire-style. You can also just use a loose stitch to hem the top part and take it out later on.
Fit-wise, I’m wearing an XS in this maxi dress so would say it runs true to size if not slightly roomy. The elasticized waist measures 13″ across when lying flat, and stretches up to 18″ across. The dress is good quality in a cool & comfortable material that does not wrinkle easily, and is lined. The shoulder straps tie in the back, and I have them secured pretty short to help “lift” the entire dress and raise the hemline (for reference, I’m 5 feet tall and wearing block heels here).
In lieu of a finicky strapless bra, I’m wearing my trusty adhesive Bristols 6 nippies (in the lightest color, sz B) which I live in each summer! And my exact Baublebar earrings are sold out, but here are two other pretty pink threaded options at a great price right now: Samba ball drop earrings and hoop drop earrings.
Here’s a few other affordable Aqua pieces that seem petite-friendly (based on reviews / fit on the model):
Thank you to Bloomingdales for partnering on this post.
This is such an elegant and quite sophisticated look you have. A dress that you could wear in various occasions. You look amazing.
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
Dress is so adorable, what a beautiful place to wear it on Front Street, Bermuda. 👍
Be aware that some of the clothes you’ve been showing may not work anymore after your pregnancy is over. The elastic stretches and may not bounce back as well as you’d like.
What a beautiful dress! Simply perfect! Happy Sunday xx
Super cute!
Super cute maxi dress! The print is pretty and the color is perfect! Great pick!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
What a cute dress!
Hi Jean, where are those shoes from? Are they sandals? Thanks
A very cute dress Jean and wonderful how you’ve slightly altered it to fit your beautiful baby bump. Have a great weekend. Love, Lieske
Good for you girl! Looks so darling!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
This dress is soo pretty! I love how it’s soo effortlessly elegant, a perfect dress for a vacation! Can’t wait to hear about your Bermuda trip, Jean!
XO, Elizabeth
http://clothestoyouuu.com
I love this maxi dress! Perfect for tropical vacations.
May || https://themoderness.com/
Always a cute and beautiful look!
Gorgeous dress! Love the print on it. x
http://www.yzwears.com
You look beautiful! I’m not in the stage of my life where I’m having kids yet, but now I know where to look back to for dressing tips when I am! 🙂
http://charmainenyw.com
This maxi dress is a great look . I just love the delicate blue dress .
Jandrew
Dress The Part
http://www.jandrewspeaks.com