Reader Question: What To Wear To a Major Social Occasion While Pregnant?

Reader Question:

I'm an avid reader of your site and I need some HELP!  I'm attending the wedding of one of my closest friends in New York City in March.  Her fiance is a famous, very wealthy man from an old New York family and the wedding promises to be one of the most fantastic social events I will probably ever attend.  The dress code is black tie.  Not only will my old friends from graduate school be there but I'm guessing that paparazzi may also be there. I would like to wear something that makes me look and feel fabulous.  Here's the problem.  I'll be about 14 weeks pregnant at that point.  This is my second pregnancy and I'm already popping out a bit at 6 weeks.  I have no idea what my body will be like at that point so I'm afraid I'll have to shop  a week or two before the event.  I hate to spend a fortune on a dress I won't be able to wear again but I want to wear something fabulous.  Any advice?

-L

Answer:

Um….wow.  Just, wow.  I need a minute to get over my mad jealousy.  L, the thought of attending "one of the most fantastic social events [you] will probably ever attend" gives me goosebumps – in a good way.  So L, I will be happily living vicariously through you.  Whatever you decide, please send us pics.  How crazy fun!!

Ok – but this occasion calls for a serious dress.  Yes, you'll get some leeway because you are pregnant, but…well, here's the thing:  Given the kind of crowd that's attending, let's get you in something that has some red-carpet cred. 

M found some gorgeous dresses (Nicole Miller, Badgley Mischka etc.) on Bluefly.  These dresses are gorgeous, would hide/support a small-to-medium 14 week bump, and would work for an event of this magnitude.  However…some of the more fabulous dresses will still run you $250 – $300 (Granted, that's a far cry from the original cost…)

The other option, and the one I think I like the best, is to give Rent the Runway a try.  I've been perusing their site (and calling in quite a bit) trying to find a dress for my own sister's wedding this summer (I'm the maid of honor!).  Not only do they have an ah-mazing selection, but their customer service is stellar.  Truly.

I'm loving their bright red Halston Heritage Grecian Gown….renting for $125 (instead of the $600+ price tag).

They even have a whole category of dresses called "Bump Friendly" (under the Occasions tab) that feature non-maternity dresses to fit a growing bump.  Dresses like this blue Moschino Cheap & Chic number that retail for over $1000:

Rental price?  $150.

I even think this little Mark & James by Badgley Mischka dress (that rents for only $50) could work:

Here's what you do:

1.  Check them out.  Look at their bump-friendly recommendations.  Be sure to read customer comments – some customers have even uploaded pics, which I've found very helpful.

2.  Then, give them a call.  The customer support is insanely helpful, and very knowledgeable about their dresses. They can help you find something from their ever-growing selection.

3.  Order something now.  When it comes in the mail, try it on – it'll give you a better idea if it will fit later.  As long as you mail the dress back within 24 hours of receiving it, they will just issue you a merchandise credit.  You can then use the credit to place your actual order for the wedding.  Also, you can add additional dresses onto your order for $25.

WARNING:  This site is CRAZY ADDICTIVE.  I'm trying to fight the temptation to rent some sexy number everytime Mike and I have a date-night (God knows they are rare enough).  So don't be surprised if you see me at my next music class dressed like this:

Rental?  $125

Seeing the other moms' faces when I walk through the door?  Priceless.

L, you lucky, lucky ducky….have fun!!  And let us know what you choose!  

xo,

S