17 Cute Third Trimester Outfits That Fit the Bump

The bump is big now. Your favorite jeans are a memory, buttons are a no, and you want clothes that feel soft from morning until bedtime. You still want to look like yourself, though, at work, on a walk or at a nice dinner.

These 17 third trimester outfits are built around the shapes that really work in late pregnancy: stretchy jersey, empire waists, wrap fronts and flowing maxis. Each look lists the pieces and one simple tip. For more easy one-piece looks, see these maternity dresses that fit the bump.

Items 1 to 7 are everyday and work looks, 8 to 11 are outdoor and beach outfits, and 12 to 17 are elegant looks for dinners, events and photos.

1. Navy Short-Sleeve Jersey Dress

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A navy jersey dress with a boat neck and short sleeves hugs the bump without pulling. Navy is softer than black and looks smart in any light. She leans on a tree with long loose waves, a gold watch and a thin bangle.

Best for: Late summer and early fall, errands, casual weekends.

Try this: Pick a dress with a little extra length. The bump lifts the hem in front, so a longer cut still covers your knees.

2. All-Black Long-Sleeve Knit by the Window

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A fitted black long-sleeve top over black stretch pants is the coziest late pregnancy uniform. She sits on a wide windowsill with snow outside, looking down at the bump with both hands on it. One color from top to toe looks calm and put together.

Best for: Winter, days at home, the last weeks before the baby.

Try this: Choose a top long enough to cover the whole bump when you sit. Short tops ride up fast in the third trimester.

3. Blue Quilted Mock-Neck Top with a Red Rose Pin

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A bright blue quilted top with a mock neck and long sleeves has a structured look that still stretches over the bump. A red fabric rose pinned at the chest and red lipstick make it playful. It is a good pick for the office when you want color but no fuss.

Best for: Work days, meetings, fall and winter.

Try this: Wear a pin or brooch up near the shoulder or chest. It pulls the eye up to your face.

4. Cream Cotton Shirt Dress and Flat Sandals

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A cream cotton shirt dress with a small collar, short puff sleeves and a button placket falls loose over a big bump. Cotton breathes, which helps when you run warm. She sits on a fallen log in a park in black flat sandals.

Best for: Hot days, park walks, a picnic lunch.

Try this: Choose a shirt dress with buttons all the way down. It may also work for nursing after the baby comes.

5. Gray Bodycon Dress with Three-Quarter Sleeves

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A fitted gray jersey dress shows off the whole round shape of the bump in profile. The three-quarter sleeves and scoop neck keep it simple. A wide silver bangle and a black cord necklace are the only extras.

Best for: Bump photos, dinner with friends, fall.

Try this: Look for a thick, soft jersey. It smooths over everything and does not cling in the wrong places.

6. Navy Striped Midi Dress in a Lavender Field

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A navy midi dress with thin white stripes, a V-neck and short sleeves is light and roomy. She sits on a white iron bench between rows of lavender, barefoot, with a bunch of cut lavender beside her. The dark color looks great against purple flowers.

Best for: Summer outings, farm visits, casual bump photos.

Try this: Bring a hat and a water bottle for a sunny field. If you get too warm, take a break in the shade.

7. Cobalt Blue T-Shirt Dress and Cowboy Boots

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A cobalt blue T-shirt dress with brown cowboy boots is a fun country look. Tiny black baby cowboy boots stand on top of the bump, which makes a sweet photo. The dress is stretchy and short, so the boots stay the star.

Best for: Fall weekends, country fairs, a fun bump photo.

Try this: Lying on your back can feel uncomfortable late in pregnancy. Keep the pose short, and ask your doctor or midwife what is right for you.

8. White Ribbed Tank Dress in the Sun

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A white ribbed tank dress is one of the coolest things you can wear in late summer. She sits in tall grass near the water, leaning back on her hands, with pearl studs and a small pendant necklace. The rib knit stretches over the bump and moves with you.

Best for: Beach days, lake trips, hot afternoons.

Try this: Sit on a towel or a light blanket, and wear sunscreen. Rest in the shade if the heat gets to you.

9. Polka Dot Dress with Your Partner

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A dark dress with white polka dots and a smocked bust is cheerful and easy to match with a partner in a plain dark shirt. In this shot her partner kneels with a big smile, his cheek and one hand on the bump. The dots keep the look playful, and a dark shirt keeps the photo simple.

Best for: Date days, bump photos with your partner, spring.

Try this: Match one color, not the whole outfit. A dark dotted dress and a dark shirt look planned without being too matchy.

10. Hot Pink Crop Top, Shorts and a Beach Cape

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A hot pink crop top and shorts with a long chiffon cape is made for a windy beach. The cape flies out behind her while she holds the bare bump, and a small flower crown adds a soft touch. It is bold and very easy to wear on warm sand.

Best for: Beach vacations, a babymoon, summer photos.

Try this: Pick a windy day and stand with your back to the wind so the cape flows away from you.

11. White Maxi Dress with a Black Satin Sash

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A white maxi dress with a wide black satin sash tied above the bump gives a classic empire line. She stands on stone garden steps with one hand on her back, which shows the long skirt from the side. Black and white always looks neat.

Best for: Garden parties, summer events, outdoor photos.

Try this: A ribbon sash is cheap and easy to swap. Try black, blush or navy on the same dress.

12. Light Blue Chiffon Wrap Gown in the Snow

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A light blue chiffon gown with a wrap top, a band under the bust and long sleeves with buttoned cuffs is elegant and soft. The pale blue glows against snow and evergreens. The wrap front gives room at the top, and the skirt falls straight over the bump.

Best for: Winter events, holiday parties, winter photos.

Try this: Bring a coat and warm boots and take them off only for the photo. Your comfort comes first.

13. Cream Textured Dress and a Cloche Hat

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A cream textured dress with a soft drape at the shoulders and a cloche hat in cream and tan feels polished and a little vintage. She leans on a door frame in a room with an oval gold mirror, a trailing plant and old suitcases. Bangs, pink lips and the hat make the whole look.

Best for: Elegant brunches, church, a vintage-style photo at home.

Try this: Keep everything in one color family, cream, beige and tan, for a quiet, classy look.

14. Yellow Flutter-Sleeve Dress for a Dinner Date

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A bright yellow dress with short flutter sleeves, an empire seam and a soft fabric rosette at the side is cheerful and dressy at once. The skirt falls loose over the bump, so it stays comfy through a long dinner. Her partner wears a charcoal button-up shirt and kisses her cheek, and the dark background makes the yellow glow.

Best for: Date night, anniversary dinners, holiday parties.

Try this: One bright color with no pattern looks dressy at night. For more ideas, see these maternity dinner outfits.

15. Navy Strapless Ruffle Dress by the Lake

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A navy strapless dress with a ruffle at the neckline is simple and dressy at the same time. She stands knee-deep in a calm lake at sunset, with her glasses on and one hand under the bump. The dark navy looks rich against the water and trees.

Best for: Summer evenings, lake trips, elegant outdoor photos.

Try this: Only step into calm, shallow water with someone close by, and watch your footing.

16. Blush Off-Shoulder Gown in the Woods

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A blush pink chiffon gown with a lace bodice, off-shoulder sleeves and a split front lets the bump peek out. She laughs and lifts the skirt as she leans on a big pine tree. The long skirt flows over the pine needles and looks dreamy in a photo.

Best for: Maternity photos, spring and fall, a special day out.

Try this: Hold the skirt and swish it for a photo with motion. Find more gown ideas in these maternity photoshoot outfits.

17. Pale Pink Long-Sleeve Gown with a Flower Crown

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A pale pink off-shoulder gown with long fitted sleeves and a gathered skirt hugs the bump in a soft, pretty way. A crown of pink roses sits on her dark curls. She stands by a pond with lily pads and tall palm trees, smiling down at the bump.

Best for: Baby showers, spring and summer events, maternity photos.

Try this: A gown with stretch at the bust and bump fits through the last weeks, so you can wear it to the shower and the photoshoot.

How to Style Third Trimester Outfits

In the last months, your body changes week by week. Comfort, support and easy movement matter most. A few simple rules make getting dressed much faster.

Problem	Easy fix
Tops ride up over the bump	Choose long tops, tunics and dresses with extra front length
Waistbands dig in	Wear over-bump panels, dresses and empire-waist styles
You feel hot	Pick cotton, linen, rib knit and short sleeves
Feet feel swollen	Wear flats, sneakers or sandals with soft straps
You want to look dressed up	Add one statement piece: a hat, gloves, a pin or a flower crown
You want to wear it again	Choose wrap fronts and button-down styles that may work for nursing

A few more tips:

1. Buy stretch, not size. Jersey, rib knit and chiffon over a lining give the most room.
2. Mark the bust, not the waist. A sash or seam just under the bust looks neat and leaves the bump free.
3. Keep shoes flat. Your balance can change late in pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife if you have questions about heels.
4. Plan for warmth or cool. Layer a cardigan or coat you can take off.
5. Think ahead. Pick a few soft pieces you can also pack for the birth. This hospital bag checklist helps you plan.

FAQ

What should I wear in my third trimester? Wear soft, stretchy clothes that cover the bump: jersey dresses, long knit tops with maternity leggings, wrap gowns and empire-waist maxis. Choose flat shoes and breathable fabrics.

What can I wear to a dinner when I am 9 months pregnant? A stretchy black or navy dress is the easiest pick. Add one dressy detail, like long gloves, a pin or a bold lip, and wear comfortable flat shoes.

What should I wear to the beach in late pregnancy? Light pieces like a ribbed tank dress, a soft crop top and shorts, or a loose cover-up work well. Bring a hat, water and shade, and rest if you feel too warm.

Do I need new clothes for the third trimester? Not always. Many people get by with a few stretchy dresses, long tops and leggings. Pick pieces with wrap fronts or buttons so you may keep wearing them after the baby comes.