Maternity Style | Little Black ( Spotted) Dress

Isabella Oliver 'Helene' maternity print dress

black polka dot maternity dress

So, I seem to have reached a point in this pregnancy where I basically don’t have a waist any more, and all anyone ever wants to talk to me about is how huge I look.

It’s… kind of awkward, really.

I know it’s weird of me, but I just can’t seem to get used to the way that people will comment on my body, rather than my outfit, now, and I’m not sure I ever will. I know I’ve talked about this before (But it’s not going to stop me talking about it again: sorry), but having your body change so dramatically in such a (relatively) short period of time, and then all of a sudden be the centre of attention everywhere you go does take a bit of getting used to. I mean, we’ve been taking outfit photos for so long now that I pretty much know my angles (as cringey as that sounds): sure, I always get more than my fair share of out-takes, but, for the most part, when Terry hands me the camera at the end of a shoot, I know more-or-less what to expect.

Not any more, though.

No, these days he hands me the camera and I’m just all, “THE HELL? WHERE DID MY WAIST GO? WHEN WILL IT COME BACK? IS THAT EVEN ME IN THESE PHOTOS?!”

Like I said: awkward.

Luckily, though, feeling awkward is something of a special talent of mine, so this experience is giving me plenty of opportunities to hone my skills. (Then maybe I can, I dunno, feel awkward on a professional level, maybe? Feel awkward for Great Britain in the next Olympics? Who do I speak to about this?)  Like, right now, for instance, where I go from making some semi-serious observations about body image and identity, to basically saying, “Oooh, lookit my new dress!”

This is another Isabella Oliver number, as you’ve probably guessed from the fact that that’s pretty much all I ever seem to wear these days. (I might also just have ordered another one in the sale, too: sorry, bank account…) I picked this because I loved the way the little dots help break up the black, plus the t-shirt shape will make it really easy to dress up or down. We had family visiting from Kent this week, and I wore this out to dinner with everyone, but I think it’ll also work with tights in winter, or with a pair of flats/sneakers and a denim jacket if I want to wear it more casually. Both of those, by the way, are outfits you’re likely to be seeing at some point, too – pregnancy basically forces you to adopt a capsule wardrobe, whether you want to or not, so the more versatile each item is, the better.

Not that that’ll stop me wanting to buy one in every colour, of course…

outfit details

‘Helene’ maternity print dress c/o Isabella Oliver
Studio TMLS shoes*
Dune handbag
Related: My Maternity Essentials

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COMMENTS
  • Myra

    REPLY

    It’s lovely to see you wearing your new maternity capsule wardrobe. Each outfit adds something. Love how you look pregnant – you’re looking swell ?

    August 11, 2017
  • I’ve always thought that true style could be found when someone was able to adapt to changing situations / circumstances and still look effortlessly put together, and that is exactly what you look. You look stunning and I am growing quite envious of your maternity capsule wardrobe – you clearly have a knack for selecting versatile, beautiful pieces that you, quite simply, rock! Hope you are starting to feel a bit more like yourself during this trimester xx

    August 11, 2017
  • I totally feel with you! If it makes ya feel better, I looked at your outfit before I looked at your bump 😉 I think you look great, even if your waist is becoming non-existant.

    Have a great weekend!

    xo,Rosie // Curvy Life Stories

    August 11, 2017
  • Even with your waist gone you look stunning! I’ll probably have the same once I get pregnant (If I ever get pregnant that is). Non the less, this dress is fabulous! Good luck with all the attention <3

    August 11, 2017
  • You have a new ‘waist’ now – ie., your narrowest point which is right under your boobs. If you want to cinch outfits in (and you might, come cardigan weather in the autumn), try a belt under your boobs and embrace the A-line shape. x

    August 11, 2017
  • Don’t feel badly about buying maternity clothes. Sure, you might only wear them for a limited number of months, but it is also all you get to wear, so you are still getting your money’s worth. Sadly, the body commentary continues for several months after you give birth too (not sure when that ends, because my kid is 6 months old and I still get comments on my body….wtf?) But you look cute in this dress, and will no matter your body shape or where your waist 😉

    August 11, 2017
  • That’s a lovely dress! I’ve actually been hankering for a new one similar to this as it happens. Hope you get lots of wear out of it. ?

    August 11, 2017
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