Quarantine plus pregnancy has had me in a serious fashion rut, living in PJs or stretchy leggings. Although a return to our new normals still feels a bit distant, I’m finally feeling inspired again, and gravitating towards all the vibrant colors and prints to help brighten up these days!
Banana Republic always has an amazing selection of midi and maxi dresses that are machine washable, and come in petite, regular AND tall sizing! I’m reviewing non-maternity (but mostly bump-friendly) finds today, and will share a few maternity pieces next week. For fit reference, I’m 5′ tall, currently about 110 pounds in my second trimester. Everything I’m trying on in this post is one size up from my pre-pregnancy size.
1. Twist-front Midi Dress
This was love at first try on. I was drawn in by the flattering twist front detail and vibrant color, and am also a fan of the adjustable shoulder straps and stretch back panel which both help with fit. The medium weight fabric has a textured linen-like feel to it and needed a light steaming out of the package (took no time at all using my trusty handheld steamer), but it doesn’t feel as wrinkle-prone as linen. The length and material makes this easy to dress up or down.
Fit note: I’m trying on Petites sizing in the teal, and Regular sizing in the yellow. Since my growing belly requires a little extra length in bottoms, I’m keeping the regular, which is still short enough for me to wear with flat shoes. One size up from my usual fits comfortably with a little room to spare at my belly, so I expect to be able to wear this well into this summer.
Measurements: Size 0 is 13″ across the empire waistline, but the elastic back panel allows it to stretch up to 16″ across. Skirt length of the 0 Regular is 2″ longer than 0 Petite.
2. Satin Ruched Dress
Petite, Regular & Tall sizing. Also in golden yellow.
Compared to the other dresses in this try-on, the satiny fabric of this one is more lightweight and drapey / flowy. I’m not keeping this one as it’s a little more dressy due to the fabric. It’s partially lined down throughout the torso down to the knees, with a high-low style hem that ends above my ankles. There’s ruching at the top of the shoulders (the tighter you tie the string, the narrower the strap becomes), and also all the way around the waistband, making the mid section very stretchy.
Measurements: 0 Petite measures 16.5″ across the underarms, 11.5″ across the waist when lying flat, easily stretching up to 16″ across. Length is approximately 41″ in the front, and 49″ in the back.
3. Halter Maxi Dress
Petite, Regular & Tall sizing. Also in white and yellow floral print.
This is a simple column silhouette that can be easily dressed up for a wedding or down with flats for everyday wear. I love the pockets and the halter neckline, as the angled cut makes narrow shoulders look a little more “shapely.” The maxi length on me hits by the ankles and is still short enough to wear with flats. Material is the same as Dress # 1 above with a slightly textured, linen-like feel and no stretch.
The shape of this dress is fairly straight cut in the torso, and doesn’t have much waist definition if you don’t add a belt. I wanted to show this with the included string waist tie, as well as with a skinny leather belt!
Measurements: 0 Petite is 17″ across the underarms and waist when unbelted. Length excluding halter straps is 49″
4. Floral square-neck dress
Petite, Regular & Tall sizing. Also in solid red, black, or white.
Same print also comes in a top
The beautiful blue porcelain-like floral pattern here gives me major tea party and coast of Italy vibes. Other features include a flattering square but rounded neckline, removable tie waist, and convenient side pockets. The shoulder straps are adjustable with 2 button hole settings in the back.
Note, unlike the other dresses in this blog post, the fit and flare cut of this one is not maternity-friendly and sadly too snug for me, but fit seems true to size for the brand. Fabric is a comfortable and smooth 100% cotton poplin material (with slight stretch), with a lined bodice and side zipper entry. Similar to the yellow maxi dress above, this also has a stretch ruched panel at the back center of the torso.
Measurements: 0 Petite measures 15.5″ across the underarm, and 13″ across the waist (stretches).
Which dress here was your favorite? Mine has to be #1 in the sunny yellow!
