Dress: Chelsea28 maxi dress xxs (worn with nippies)
Earrings: Nordstrom. Also love these and these.
Sunglasses: $15 cat eyes. Nice fit & quality for the price. I have both colors!
Shoes: suggest these 3″ neutral block heels
Last month I reviewed a fitted strappy midi dress for special events, and this time I have another find in a bold color and maxi style that’s both nursing + bump friendly! I don’t do color very often, but can usually be pulled out of my neutrals zone by way of a good jewel tone green.
For another colorful option in a shorter petite-friendly length, this tie shoulder dress (bump + nursing friendly as well) in pale blue or yellow also caught my eye, along with this pretty eyelet floral dress with adjustable straps (wouldn’t do this one for a wedding).
Cut
This emerald green maxi dress is very flattering with a sexy yet tasteful deep V neckline on both the front and backside. After having kids I carry more weight at my lower belly, so appreciate styles like this that flatter and camouflage that area. The midsection on this is smocked all around, making it very stretchy and comfortable for eating, drinking and dancing the night away. The shoulders can be pulled down, making this both nursing-friendly and bump-friendly.
Fit
The xxs fits me well and length grazes the floor on me with flats on (I’m 5 feet tall). My perfect heel height with this dress is a moderate 3 inch heel, so that the dress hem is fully off the ground when I walk (I’m wearing only 2″ heels in these photos). I have a very similar sandal to this neutral Sam Edelman pair with a 3″ heel that would be an ideal height!
Size xxs has a total length of 52″ and measures 11″ across the waist when laid flat. Keep in mind that the waist is smocked and easily stretches several inches.
Fabric
This dress is made of a smooth cotton blend and has substantial weight to it, likely because the skirt is full and requires a lot of fabric, PLUS the skirt is also fully lined in a cotton layer. You could probably cut out the lining if desired, since the outer fabric is opaque and doesn’t need a lining.
Thank you to Nordstrom for partnering on this post.
I’m so glad to see your summer dress recommendations are back!
I have been following you for a few years and your pre-Nori summer dress styles (I think Italy and France holidays?) were so inspirational for me. Even now when I am shopping I still think about your smart, feminine, well-fitted silhouettes for us petites !
I also love how you think about shoes and jewellery to match to make the outfit complete. Plus bags and hats and all.
Also thank you for mentioning bump & nursing friendly. Now that I am a mum I do want to buy pieces that can ‘adapt’ to a pregnant/ post-partum body rather than having to buy a new wardrobe just for those few months.
Hi Jean, have you personally tried on the Caslon tie-shoulder dress? 2 of the 4 reviews on Nordstrom said the straps don’t stay on. I wonder if you have any tips/ tricks if that happens.
Hi Mel, I have not, but I’ll keep an eye out for it next time I’m at the store! I’m having a hard time visualizing the issue with the tie straps… I would think tying them tighter or a little double sided fashion tape should solve it?
I just ordered it. Will try on and hope it works!