12+ Petite Maternity Dresses to Add to Your Wardrobe

Are you looking for petite maternity dresses to fit your beautiful, growing body? Me too! I’m 20 weeks pregnant and have been searching for maternity and non-maternity dresses for my petite frame.

I’m welcoming my first baby this July 2023. While I’m excited and nervous to welcome our first baby, I’m also experiencing changes in my body. I started going to physical therapy for my pelvic floor. I started experiencing a shift in my center of gravity as my belly slowly grows each week (I’ve been tripping over my feet). And I started shopping for petite maternity dresses to add to my wardrobe!

Here are four different styles and 12+ dresses for your petite maternity wardrobe:

The Babydoll Dress

A babydoll dress is usually a loose-fitting dress with an empire waist and a loose skirt. Whether you prefer a mini, midi, or maxi dress, the baby doll dress cut was made for a growing belly. While babydoll dresses were originally used as nighties (or nightgowns) or lingerie pieces, you can find babydoll dresses in various styles today.

Babydoll dresses come in sleeveless, short-sleeve, and long-sleeve options. You can also find babydoll dresses for both casual and formal occasions. I recently rented this Selkie dress from Rent the Runway. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day or a party with friends.

Here are a few babydoll dresses that work well for maternity dresses as well:

The Smocked Dress

Smocked dresses are one of my favorite types of non-maternity petite dresses to wear this season. Smocked dresses are uniquely defined by an embroidery feature that gathers fabric to create “smocking” or elasticity. Smocked dresses have room to accommodate a growing belly.

FYI – I rented this LoveShackFancy Dress from Rent the Runway and loved it!

Here are a few smocked dresses that work as petite maternity dresses:

The Ribbed Dress

If you’re looking for a maternity dress during fall or winter, I recommend checking out ribbed dresses. They’re comfortable, and warm and can be layered with additional pieces. You can also find ribbed dresses at all your favorite retailers, including Bloomingdales, Target, and Aritzia.  
I found this brown ribbed dress from Old Navy. It’s a great non-maternity dress!

Here are a few ribbed dresses that work for petite pregnant friends:

The Wrap Dress

As your belly grows, you’ll want to find options that adjust with your body. I’ve found that wrap dresses are an excellent option for your petite maternity wardrobe. Wrap dresses are flattering for petite frames because they highlight your waist and frame.

Whether you’re looking for casual wrap dresses for your next vacation or a wrap dress for an upcoming wedding, here are a few wrap dresses that might work for you:

What other petite maternity dress styles do you recommend?

For more maternity and pregnancy-related content, check out:

A New Season of Life: Pregnancy, Cultivation, and Rest

The Creative Edition Podcast: I’m Pregnant!

You can also find my most recent maternity fashion finds linked on my LTK page!

Thank you for reading!

Love,

Emma