holidaze

The One Holiday-Party Dress You Need to Buy If You’re Pregnant

It’s always tough figuring out what to wear to December’s plethora of holiday office parties, get-togethers with friends, and requisite family dinners — but it gets even harder when you’re pregnant. You want to look good, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money on clothing you might never wear again. Instead of buying multiple options for each of your obligations, think about getting one inexpensive dress and changing up the accessories.

A sleek, formfitting black dress in festive velvet like this Topshop style will get you through the season, especially when you add sparkly jewelry and fun shoes — accessories you actually can wear long after the baby arrives. Scroll ahead to see how to style this dress for your every holiday-party need and keep in mind: You probably own a few similar pieces already.

The Office Party

Topshop velvet cold shoulder dress, $75 at Topshop; Rochas bow embellished flats, $409 at MATCHESFASHION; Fallon Monarch feathered silk sash, $250 at Neiman Marcus; Zara long gem earrings, $20 at Zara; Mansur Gavriel mini Moon clutch, $295 at Mansur Gavriel

Around your work colleagues, you need to strike a balance between stylish, professional, and — above all else — comfortable. Forget the heels, since you’re likely going to spend the night walking around chatting. These Rochas slides are a splurge for sure, but they happen to be on sale and they’re a fun bright spot in your look. Tack on inexpensive, dangly earrings and a classic clutch. The skinny scarf is optional, but it’s a nice alternative to a choker when you’re feeling swollen, and it adds another festive touch to your outfit.

The Family Dinner

Topshop velvet cold shoulder dress, $75 at Topshop; Bottega Veneta metallic intrecciato leather pumps, $590 at Net-a-Porter; Vanessa Mooney Astrid knotted tassel earrings, $40 at Revolve; Mansur Gavriel mini Moon clutch, $295 at Mansur Gavriel

When you’re the pregnant lady at the family party, everyone coos over you anyway, so you don’t need to go as all-out as your office party. Swap out the sparkly earrings for a rich red tassel style and keep the same clutch if you absolutely need to bring a bag. Add low-heeled pumps, and plan to wear them again as stylish work shoes.

The Get-Together With Friends

Topshop velvet cold shoulder dress, $75 at Topshop; Rochas bow embellished flats, $409 at MATCHESFASHION; Fallon Monarch feathered silk sash, $250 at Neiman Marcus

So, a friend has decided to host dinner, drinks, and a gift exchange for your group at their place? Here’s your chance to recycle pieces you wore to your work party and call it a day. Since you don’t need to be as over-the-top festive, you can skip the earrings. Ditch the bag, too — you’re probably going to leave it on the couch anyway.

New Year’s Eve

Topshop velvet cold shoulder dress, $75 at Topshop; & Other Stories velvet sequin heels, $125 at & Other Stories; Whiting & Davis Starlet minaudiere, $258 at Free People; Zara long gem earrings, $20 at Zara

If you’re rallying and heading out to a NYE party, you might as well go all-out sparkly. Recycle those extra-long rhinestone earrings and then look for inexpensive, fun heels. Tack on a clutch that’s basically a disco ball and you’re as festive as you can possibly be when you’re forbidden to touch Champagne.

The Holiday Party Dress You Need to Buy If You’re Pregnant