THE MUST HAVE 'MAMA-DRESS' YOU NEED NOW
BY KELLY BARRIBALL
Until recently, whenever I thought of ‘wrap dresses’, I thought ‘Diane Von Furstenberg’ and/or ‘sophisticated women with an office job’. Then, I had a baby.
I planned for the cot, the pram, the carseat – you know, the essentials – but what I didn’t consider was what I would wear when breastfeeding. It took me all of one minor incident where I was wearing a crew-neck t-shirt in a café. I wasn’t able to pull the neck of my tshirt down so I had to pull the whole thing up. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I was a little self-conscious about my belly after having my daughter so exposing my tum for all to see made me feel a little uncomfortable. I immediately stocked up on button up shirts and dresses, loose singlets and, you guessed it, wrap dresses.
Luckily, today’s wrap dresses have taken on new form – they’re flirty, they’re feminine and they’re fun, making this style the perfect dress for every occasion. I’m a sucker for a sundress at the best of times so I am beyond thrilled that the wrap has made a resurgence right when I need it most.
Need further convincing? Here’s my roundup of the best dresses to add to your wardrobe – and they’re not just suitable for breastfeeding mamas, they’re incredibly flattering for most (if not all) body shapes! Perfect for weddings; brunch dates; weekend hangs; or my personal fave, errrrryday. Dress them up with heels or dress them down with sneakers; this is one style you need in your life now.
Zimmermann Empire Sueded Robe Dress
Sleek, chic and feminine, the Zimmermann Empire Robe Dress comes in a range of colours but my favourite is the black. The perfect, no-fuss dressy dress that instantly makes you feel a million bucks.
This wrap on and go dress is ideal for slipping on over a bikini, layering over a tee or dressing up for a fancy occasion. Can you tell I am all for the dual purpose pieces?! Who said maternity leave needed to consist of only leggings and baggy tanks?
Realisation Par Diane Dress in Red
I am a little obsessed with this dress. There is nothing I love more than a sundress and this one ticks all of the boxes. Super cute with sneakers for day to day but just as easy with heels for special occasions. Plus, if you’re like me and said occasions are few and far between, simply hire it from here.
Pfeiffer the Label Wind and Lion Cape Dress
Cute, minimal and feminine, the Wind and Lion Cape Dress is so bloody wearable. I love the cut out at the back and the flattering wrap through the front. Available in olive or cream, this dress is a winner for every event and just as easy to wear day to day.
S t e e l e Syreena and Messiah Dresses
So many yeses! While these off the shoulder, boho style dresses are not wrap dresses per say, I couldn’t help but include them in my roundup. Since having my bub, I’ve been drawn to paisley styles (you can thank @innika for that) and these two tick all of my boxes. Plus, the same premise – easy access for breastfeeding mamas!
Kelly wears Realisation Par Diane Dress in Red and Pfeiffer the Label Wind and Lion Cape Dress.
You can read more about Kelly HERE and follow her daily adventures with Sunny HERE.