3 Summer Dresses under $50 (petite, maternity + nursing friendly)

petite dress maternity nursing friendly baby shower outfit idea

Only tie strap dress xs ($49), Castaner wedges 5 (similar), Sea & Grass tote (also styled here), mask sz S

Happy Friday! As a heads up on something different this year, the 2020 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale catalogue is now available online! The catalogue is not yet complete, but it’s a pretty good preview until the sale starts next month. If you’re a Nordstrom cardholder, you can start shopping up to 2 weeks before public access begins on August 19th. In the meantime, I’ll be sharing Nsale reviews over the coming weeks including on baby gear (one of the best value buys in my opinion during this event)!

Affordable Dresses (that are also bump & nursing friendly)

For today’s post I wanted to share 3 dress finds that are all in regular sizing (so not maternity-specific), but each happen to be bump AND nursing friendly! And all sizes are in stock at the the time I’m publishing this post : ) I’ve reached the stage in my 3rd trimester where the majority of clothes are now dreadfully unflattering, yet I don’t want to buy something maternity that will only get worn for another month. These dresses were definitely a happy pick me up – the first two are my favorite, and were easy keepers knowing that they will get plenty of wear after pregnancy too!

Bra-wise, when not nursing I swear by these Bristosl 6 adhesive covers – so much more comfortable and lightweight than fidgeting with a strapless bra for me. When nursing, if I’m not wearing a nursing cami then I usually tuck reusable nursing pads inside fitted tops and dresses, and use the adhesive nursing pads inside clothes that aren’t fitted.

1. Flutter Sleeve Navy Dress ($49; similar in white)

I got this recently and have already worn it several days just while at home, because it’s just that comfy and cool in the summer heat. The stretchy bust area is smocked with a lining in the front, so I can happily go without a bra. If you need to wear a bra for support, I put on a regular skin-toned bra in the below photo to show how the dress does a fairly good job of covering the majority of the bra straps. The flutter sleeves have a small adjustable length portion in the back, and the skirt is lightweight in a good length for petite ladies, even with flat shoes.

The same brand also has two smocked dresses in white that I’d expect to be equally stretchy: the ruffle strap midi dress ($49) and embroidered eyelet sundress ($59).

Measurements of sz XS when lying flat and unstretched (note torso is very stretchy & straps are adjustable): 14″ across the top of smocked bust, 12.75″ across the bottom of smocked bust, 13″ from top of shoulder to bottom of smocked bust on the shortest strap setting, 45″ total length on shortest shoulder strap setting. 

flattering petite friendly midi dress

Flutter sleeve dress xs, Castaner wedges (very similar)

2. Only Tie Strap Dress ($49)

I was drawn to the flirty tie shoulders (which functionally help a lot with fit, whether you’re petite or tall!) and the lovely rust color that will transition smoothly into Fall. The bodice is smocked all around, so is super stretchy and forgiving. Material is unlined 100% cotton with a cotton poplin fabric feel to it, and needed a steaming out of the package but has been fairly low maintenance after that!

petite tie shoulder dress what to wear for maternity photos

petite maternity photos photoshoot summer fall dresses

Measurements of sz XS when lying flat and unstretched (note torso is very stretchy): 13.5″ across the top of bodice, 13″ across waist, 38″ dress length not including the tie straps. 

And here’s how it looks belted in a dimmer indoor lighting:

affordable summer maternity dresses

3. One floral off the shoulder dress ($50)

I read the poor review saying this dress was too narrow, so I ordered one size up and thought it was plenty flowy! Of course if you are 8 months pregnant it will be less so (as pictured below on me), but for someone who is not expecting or in their early pregnancy, the skirt has a nice swing to it and the color is a true tomato red. My indoor lighting below makes it look a little dull, but in person it’s actually a little more vibrant and fresh!

The middle is a very stretchy blouson style waistline, which you can wear as-is or add a belt for more waist definition. The top of the shoulder is smocked all around so you can pull it higher or lower as desired, and easily bring it down for nursing. The skirt is lined partially down the knees, and there is a small ruffled tier at the bottom of the sleeves and along the skirt hems.

Measurements of sz Small when lying flat and unstretched (note shoulder and waist are very stretchy): 16.5″ across the shoulder band, 12″ across the waist, 40″ length.

stylish petite maternity and nursing dresses

Thank you to Nordstrom for partnering on this post. Which of the three is your favorite?

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

When you purchase through the links on this blog, I may earn a commission. Thank you for your support!

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18 Comments

  1. Stanley Thomas wrote:

    Having my little girl in 4 weeks so this was perfect!! Everything is so so adorable. I ❤️ wearing dresses in the Summer! So happy these are nursing friendly 😊

    Posted 9.16.20 Reply
  2. Abby wrote:

    Your hair is so cute! How do you do your bun?

    Posted 8.21.20 Reply
  3. Bijon Blueridge wrote:

    Hi Jen
    I’m lovin’ your espadrilles!
    Can’t find any with that pointed toe.
    Please share the brand you are wearing and where you got them if you can.
    Small feet can be overpowered with wedged shoes. These look so well proportioned.
    Thanks – Bijon-

    Posted 8.7.20 Reply
  4. Doreen wrote:

    I bought the off the shoulder flower dress per your recommendation and it’s a beautiful dress. Thank you!!

    Posted 7.29.20 Reply
  5. Jen wrote:

    Jean, thanks for all your consistent posting during this quarantine. I am wondering where you are getting your re-usable face masks? I have a petite/small frame and face like you and have been having a hard time finding ones that fit properly!! Thanks!

    Posted 7.27.20 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Jen, I have it linked above under the first photo, but it’s from Etsy! I highly recommend them as they’re reversible and a great fit for smaller faces.

      Posted 7.28.20 Reply
  6. Tricia wrote:

    I’m loving all the little snapshots of your new home! Those sconces above your nightstands are a really nice touch 🙂 I hope you’ll do a house tour post in the future!

    Posted 7.25.20 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Thank you, Tricia! Our home is still haphazardly / sparsely decorated right now, I’d love to do a tour after we work on that some more. The sconces were left by the previous owner but I’m happy to hear that they fit in, haha!

      Posted 7.25.20 Reply
  7. Mariya wrote:

    Gorgeous dresses!

    Mariya

    Posted 7.25.20 Reply
  8. angela Frank wrote:

    Hi Jean!, I’ve been trying to find a nude colored short full slip to wear under above the knee dresses that are sheer. I’m 4’11 . So far I haven’t found one that won’t stick out under the dresses. Do you have any resources for this item or should just get any slip and have it hemmed?

    Posted 7.25.20 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi Angela – I have these from Amazon in black and nude: https://amzn.to/2ZYD0rf With shorter dresses though I do hike these slips up and wear them higher up on my waist so that the hems won’t show, so you can hem it if needs be.

      Posted 7.25.20 Reply
  9. S wrote:

    I’ve been a longtime reader, for years now and I’ve loved seeing the evolution of your style and blog! It’s been really heartwarming too, to read about the growth of your family. I know you don’t need to know this, so I debated on this comment for a while, but I felt like I needed to say goodbye. I’m really sad to have to take a break from reading for a while after having a miscarriage. Although I’m nothing but happy for you, the photos right now remind me of how much I wish I were pregnant still, too, so for now, I have to take a break from reading. I hope to come back eventually too, and in the meantime, wish you nothing but happiness and health! I read about your fertility difficulties and I’m so grateful you posted them so honestly. Thanks and hope to see you again!

    Posted 7.25.20 Reply
    • Jean | Extra Petite wrote:

      Hi S, I’m not sure if you’ll see this, but I am so sorry for your loss and cannot imagine how heartbroken you must be. Thank you for taking the time to let me know with this kind message and share such personal news. Although we may not have met in person, please know that my heart goes out to you and that I’m rooting for you from afar. xx

      Posted 7.25.20 Reply
  10. Mireia wrote:

    These are all really pretty!

    Mireia from TGL

    Posted 7.25.20 Reply
    • Thao wrote:

      Hi Jean! I’ve been following you for 5 years now for inspiration. You always have impeccable style! I love the nude/ pink wedge you wear with the first dress and I want to get it. Can you please tell me what’s the style and color ? I looked on netaporter and the closest one to it is canvas in beige. Is that right ? Thanks a millions.

      Posted 8.7.20 Reply
  11. Betty | CHALK Academy wrote:

    I was just looking for longer summer dresses, so thank you for this post! Getting the first 2 dresses now! 🙂

    Posted 7.24.20 Reply
  12. Beth wrote:

    Gorgeous! I cannot imagine anything looking unflattering on you! I love the pregnancy looks and the way you continue to beautifully accentuate the waist line (like with the belt). Timeless fashion shining through a healthy, glowing pregnancy…I love it!

    Posted 7.24.20 Reply

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