My 4th of July maternity dress this summer proved to by my favorite maternity dress. It was comfortable and more flattering than other patterns I tried. I was curious, however, to see how well it would work after pregnancy, since the illustrations always show the dress on a non-pregnant woman, as if it was intended to be versatile.

Or maybe the illustrators simply intend to flatter a pregnant woman into thinking that this dress style will make her appear as slim as before! 🙂

My conclusion was that I don't think it looks obviously maternity, now that it can be worn with the belt tied more snugly, though there's certainly more fullness in the back (especially in the breeze). More like a wrapped-in-the-back house dress.

While it may not be my most becoming vintage house dress, it certainly works and it's quite comfortable.

I'm glad I made it with buttons down the front, so that I could wear it after pregnancy if desired.

This one I would definitely make again another time and change it up with neckline, fabric, and sleeve options.

What do you think? Does it look like a maternity dress now that there's no baby bump? (Ok, so maybe still a little one, as I slowly lose the weight I'd gained…)