Need opinions on post-partum BM dress

SIL is getting married at the end of May. I'm a BM and will be 5 months post-partum. I plan on BFing though may not be EBFing by that point. SIL sent me a dress she's thinking about choosing for the BMs (in a pale pink). It's J. Crew.

It looks like there's a band of material in the middle and the dress slightly flares out. Has anyone worn J. Crew BM dresses? How do their sizes run?

I'm nervous about ordering from a place like J. Crew vs. a bridal shop mainly b/c of the sizing/fit. I've always had fairly large hips (I don't have any J Crew dresses, but I tend to stay away from most of their pants b/c they tend to not fit my hips). I'm not plus size, but I'm not thin either. I don't have a large chest now (full B), but I have no idea what size I'll be when BFing.

SIL asked for my opinion. Do you think if I ordered it 2 sizes bigger than my pre-pregnancy size, I'd be ok? Should I suggest ordering a similar dress from a bridal shop? SIL is totally laid back and while she may not follow my suggestion, she'd certainly listen to it and wouldn't be bothered by it.

Sorry this is so long. Thank you for your opinions.

Re: Need opinions on post-partum BM dress

I'm not a JCrew shopper so can't tell u about how they run, but do you have a good tailor or seamstress? If you do I would say get one or two sizes larger and work your way from there with a tailor...I honestly think one size larger should be plenty

Re: Need opinions on post-partum BM dress

Don't get it 2 sizes bigger, I just did that 12 weeks pp and the dress had to be taken in 6 inches and I still have 15 pounds to go!! I gained 55 pounds too!! It looks forgiving in the belly area. Wear a spanx and you will be fine. 5 months is a good amount of time to get back.

Re: Need opinions on post-partum BM dress

Brooke - I am BF only and 16wks PP. I gained almost 60lbs . I was a consistent size 2 or 4 in a JCrew dress. Right now I'm wearing a size 8 in clothing. I would hope in another month or so I'd be in the 6 - so I would say go for one size up unless you plan to reallly be on the ball about losing the weight (for me, I'm still tired from so I don't exercise much - just walking with him - and you can't really diet so the weight is coming off on it's own schedule. I'm down 47lbs or so).

ETS: Also, since it is just JCrew can you find out the return policy and get 2?

Message edited 7/10/2008 11:54:49 AM.

Re: Need opinions on post-partum BM dress

Jessee - I think there's a 60 day return policy so if I order it soon, that won't help. I guess I can always order it closer to the wedding.

I hope I won't gain too much weight, but who knows what my body will decide. Maybe I'll try to pop into a store soon and see if they have similar dresses. I definitely have a belly now and hopefully my 5 months post-partum stomach will be smaller than my current stomach.

Re: Need opinions on post-partum BM dress

Hmmm, tough call. If it was me I would probably order two sizes up just to be safe - I feel like it's so much easier to tailor a dress down than figure out a way to make it bigger if it doesn't fit.

Re: Need opinions on post-partum BM dress

Re: Need opinions on post-partum BM dress

I ordered that dress a few years ago and returned it just because I didn't love the way it fit my boobs. It was very pretty though. I found it ran a little small, but that may have just been me. I think it would be very flattering post baby though.

Re: Need opinions on post-partum BM dress

I would contanct the company and ask them ... Im sure theve been asked before and can advise you the correct route to take when ordering.