We all cringe at the thought of what to wear to that wedding, cocktail party or other such function, when you're too far along for normal clothes and the maternity clothes you have are not appropriate. The answer is no different from when you are not expecting - The Little Black Dress. This dress, however, will carry you through your entire pregnancy and outfit you on more occasions than you ever would have imagined.
 

First let me describe the dress. The fabric must be suitable for year-round wear, such as an easy knit crepe. The style should be simple enough for day, but easily dressed up for night. The empire waistline is key in the design of maternity clothes. It is flattering in non-maternity clothes, and perfect as you grow into maternity styles. Hence, The Little Black (maternity) Dress should have an empire waist, preferably with an adjustable tie back. The adjustable tie back is an excellent feature for the beginning of your pregnancy, when you will tie it tighter, and then for loosening as your baby grows. The dress should be ankle length, giving you the ability to make it very formal (when a short style might not be appropriate), or casual. Having the dress sleeveless also gives you several options. Layering a white cap sleeve tee shirt under it with white sneakers makes it perfect for a casual daytime event such as a baby shower. If you need to be dressier than sneakers, keep the tee shirt, and change your shoes to a boot or loafer. Look for a simple scoop neckline that works easily with the tee shirt and of course without it when you want to dress it up. The scoop neckline with no tee shirt makes it easy to accessorize using scarves or jewelry.

Need a professional look? Tie a scarf around your neck, wear black hosiery (you can cheat with knee highs, which are more comfortable, because of the longer length) wear a low pump, grab your briefcase and be set for your business meeting. If you need a jacket, try any cropped jacket you may already have in your wardrobe, or even an oversized blouse or cardigan. A matching shade of black is classic, but a shirt or jacket in another color would work well, too. Select a scarf with the jacket color in it.

Have a wedding or formal event to attend? Daytime or evening, this dress can look appropriate for any formal occasion simply by choosing the right shoes, jewelry, handbag and wrap. (Hair and makeup are also a factor.) Accessories are key! Choose pearls, jewels (they need not be real), or simple gold or silver jewelry depending on how formal a place you are going. If it is very formal, choose a beaded bag or one made of silk. Remember that accessories are the answer to making this dress appropriate for numerous events you have when you're dressing for two.