Hello from the West Coast! We’ve been in California this past week, visiting family and celebrating our dear friends’ wedding (congrats Bobby & Jenny!). My in-laws offered to babysit so we weren’t initially planning on bringing baby Nori to the festivities, but got a hotel room last-minute to be closer to the venue. As Nick was in the bridal party, it was a full day affair so I needed a nursing-friendly wedding guest outfit with quick and easy access!
Update: Per your requests, here’s how this dress in sz S looks with a pillow “bump” as maternity wear (right), and also on me at 5 feet, 95 lbs (left). The other photos in this blog post show how the dress fits when I was around 100 – 105lbs. If you’re petite, I suggest pairing with a snug belt and elongating skin-tone shoes.
Tiered Pleated Dress
The dress I originally packed did not work, but thankfully I found this dreamy one from Morning Lavender. The shoulder and waist are elasticized so it’s very stretchy and forgiving, and the top pulls down easily for a breastfeeding or pumping session. Several of you asked whether it’s maternity-friendly, so I just tried it on with a pillow stuffed in the belly and thought it looks so cute with a bump! The dress is lined, the tiered pleats flow as you walk, and a major bonus is this is travel-friendly and doesn’t wrinkle. I had jammed it into my diaper bag, and the pleats survived just fine.
Fit-wise, this dress is fairly true to size. Unfortunately size S is the smallest available – it works on me postpartum (I wear 0/XS in most brands currently), but may be loose at the waist on very petite ladies. I liked it unbelted, but ordered a wide belt just to add some waist definition (this one is very average quality, but I was short on time and all my belts were in Boston!). I had only packed nude heels and a blush bag for my original outfit, so this look ended up monochromatic with some of the shades slightly off…oh well!
Bra situation: If you’re not nursing, a standard strapless bra would work or I recommend my trusty Bristols 6 adhesive nippies (several mamas have said these still work for them between breastfeeding sessions!). I only had a regular bra with me so had to make do with the straps tucked in, but ideally for nursing I’d suggest a soft fabric bandeau bra (like this one or this one) that can fold down easily from the top, with your own nursing pads tucked inside if needed.
Measurements of sz S when lying flat: 12″ across the waist, stretches up to 15″ across. 17″ across the armpits. 16″ across the elasticized top that goes across the shoulders, 38″ total length.
Circle Bag
This mini circle bag is from one of my favorite mid-priced handbag brands. See how else I’ve styled it here and here! I also own and love their chic box shaped bag (see it styled here and here) which is a dupe for Marc Cross for a fraction of the price. Both of the TDE bags I have are petite-friendly, great quality, and made of durable saffiano leather, plus have detachable shoulder straps for versatility!
Block-heeled Sandals
Since the ceremony was on a grassy surface, I made sure to bring my stable block heeled sandals instead of stilettos that’d end up aerating the lawn! See these shoes also worn in my maternity photoshoot. This style sandal has been around for years and comes in dozens of colors and materials, but I went the safest neutral, classic nude leather. The Sam Edelman site is the only retailer I’ve seen that carries them down to a size 4!
Baby Gear
At the suggestion of a friend, we ordered these noise reduction baby earmuffs for the wedding last minute and were so glad we did! There were several other young attendees at the wedding with the same exact earmuffs. Despite loud music and noisy chatter, Nori was able to sleep soundly for the majority of the reception in our Baby Bjorn “Mini” carrier. I’ve gotten lots of questions on this carrier via Instagram since Nick uses it everywhere! The downside is you can only use it the first year because it’s Mini and designed for newborns, however it is MUCH smaller and more compact than the “transitional” carriers we tried on. We love the size and streamlined style, and Nori fusses a little initially but ends up getting comfy in it pretty much every time.
Right: Nori fast asleep in her L’oved Baby footie, with Banz earmuffs on in the Baby Bjorn Mini (top folded back)
I am in love with that dress❤💛Its so feminine and soft. You look gorgeous in it
http://www.sundaydahlias.com
You look amazing girl. Love this outfit! SOOOO CUTE!
Thanks for sharing!
much love, Linda
Gorgeous dress!
Such a really pretty dress! Ain’t no way my body will look great in a pleated dress ); It looks great on you and formal enough for a Wedding!
@happilyeveralanis | Happily Ever Alanis
LOVE this outfit! Such a beautiful dress!!!
I love the pleats and layers on the dress. And the fact that it doesn’t wrinkle is amazing.
You look amazing, Jean! You always manage to look stylish no matter what. Love the colour of your dress, it’s super girly and beautiful! 🙂 ❤️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
What a pretty dress Jean! It’s so reassuring to see that you can still look stylish and beautiful even post-partum. I’m wondering if you could ever comment on how your body changed post-partum and how you feel about it. I’ve grown up hearing many women criticize their post-partum bodies and I have a really negative perception of the changes, so I’m wondering what you think.
Hi there – yes I’m definitely open to doing a post after I get back into a rhythm. I’ve had a challenging time postpartum emotionally / mentally, but I’m actually really happy with my body despite a pretty significant belly still and breasts that are starting to sag! I don’t mind the physical changes because of the life it created and is nurturing on a day to day basis, and I haven’t started working out just because time is so limited for now. However, the changes I described above are just what I’m experiencing personally… I know tons of women whose bodies bounce back in no time, some thanks to healthy eating and working out but some just thanks to genetics!
This is such a classy dress, Jean <3 🙂 I'm in love with the pleats and the tiered details! You styled it beautifully! Hope you all enjoyed your time in LA!
XO, Elizabeth T.
http://clothestoyouuu.com
A very romantic dress Jean and travel-friendly too, which is a bonus I highly value in dresses. Love, Lieske
Love that circle bag! I really need to get one. Do you think the Daily Edited ones are comparable to Mansur Gavriel in terms of quality?
Jae
http://www.allthatjae.com
They are pretty similar, but the Mansur one I have is a thicker smooth leather so its not like comparing apples to apples.
Love this dress! Too bad size small is sold out. Ordered a medium, just to try it out.
Hi Rosy, if the Medium doesn’t fit, I just heard from Morning Lavender that they should be restocking the S in mid december.
Absolutely elegant! You were smart to go for blocked heels. I loveee that you can monogram that bag! xo
Allison | Peplums & Pie
Great dress! Would love to see a post about tips for plane travel with a newborn.
Can you write a post about flying with a 2-3 month old? I am anticipating having to do the same thing for a wedding this spring and am looking for reassurance and tips.
Hi Reese – yes, I’m working on it now! I had tons of anxiety leading up to the trip but after having one under your belt, you’ll be fine (although I’m definitely not in a rush to do another one soon lol)
Do you have recommendations for baby carriers that will fit petite moms?
Yes please! I had such a heard time finding one. The classic ones overwhelmed my body.
Hi Kaya, I use the Baby Bjorn Mini as well! Especially more now that Nori doesn’t like the soft wraps very much anymore. The Baby Bjorn Mini fits me so much better than the traditional ones, but as mentioned above it will only fit baby up to a certain stage.
Love this dress; you look gorgeous! Is there a belt you would recommend if you had more time (or access to your closet!) instead? I do see the variations in color which still looks good, but perhaps something that may go better with your shoes that you could suggest? I have similar nude sandals from Stewart Weitzman so just curious.
Hi Kara! My default for dressier outfits is almost always my Hermes Constance or Talbots belts that don’t have the tail flopping around (the design is so that the tail is hidden on the inside). I would’ve probably chosen white or orange for a pop of color but I do like the more monochromatic look with a nude color here too!
This dress is too cute!
Mireia from TGL <3
You look stunning! Glad little Nori is doing well 🙂
Rebecca | http://www.peppermintdolly.com
Your pleated dress is absolutely beautiful, Jean! And those noise cancelling headphones are the cutest! Loving all of your posts as always! Sending love from North England!
I hope you have a great Tuesday,
Michael
https://www.mileinmyglasses.com
The dress is wonderful and you look perfect in it!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
This dress is so pretty! X
https://www.thoughtsinstyle.com/
Hi Jean! Could you write about how you and nick traveled with an infant? For example, did you pack the car seat and stroller? Check bags or carried on? Thanks in advance !
Hi Jessica! Working on a post now! But definitely check with your airline their policies about baby-related baggage since I know some differ.
The dress is beautiful, Jean, and so handy too! I love the colour of it! 🙂 ❤️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Always looking pretty in everything you chose to wear. Very lovely!
🍂🌸🍁ROSES FOR FRIDAYS 🍂🌸🍁 | by mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
Those noise cancelling earmuffs are the cutest! Such a beautiful dress, I love how nursing friendly it is and will definitely be keeping this in mind for the very near future myself!
XO – LydiaLouise
This is gorgeous & I will order ASAP! Could you recommend a nursing friendly bra to wear with this? I would greatly appreciate it!
HI Kandi! Thanks for the reminder – I just updated the post with a section about bras!