I was looking for a dress to fit my motherhood needs for formal occasions...
...and this dress checks the boxes. The buttons are functional, so this dress is nursing-friendly (although the neckline does require a cami for coverage when bending over, which is slightly less convenient for nursing, but workable). The high, almost empire waist combined with a full, pleated skirt allows space for a baby bump or flexibility for changing postpartum sizes. The skirt is more than long and full enough to maintain coverage while up and down caring for a toddler in church.
I felt slightly uncomfortable in this dress at first, because I am accustomed to wearing blouses tucked into midi-length pencil skirts. But that style didn't provide much flexibility for my changing shape as a mom or the coverage I needed when up and down caring for my son, so I'm guessing that any dress that meets the needs I mentioned above is going to seem a bit big and full to me. A smaller floral print and less full sleeves would probably help. I did pair the dress with a 1", pointed-toe block heel, and that definitely helped the visual proportions, too.
Note of caution about sizing: The chart suggests that a size large is slightly too small for me. However, the medium fits me perfectly in the chest and is more than wide enough through the hips. I would definitely consider sizing down if you order this dress!
I love that this dress is fully lined from the shoulders and neckline down past the knees. I recommend a very ivory cami, as the dress is a creamier ivory than the photos suggest.
