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Whether you’re a veteran or a new mom, it’s no secret that your style changes after you have children. Most mothers opt for more comfortable options while balancing working and spending time at play dates, that’s where dresses come in. But don’t rule comfortable dresses as lacking in style because plenty of options marry comfort and character into one garment. Ahead, we compiled a list of the best dresses for moms from retailers like Lululemon, Target, Gap, and more.
Best Comfy Dresses at a Glance
Best Overall: Lululemon All Aligned Ribbed Midi Dress, $128
Most Affordable Dress: Auselil Sleeveless Maxi Dress, $33
Best T-Shirt Dress: Gap Organic Cotton VintageSoft Maxi T-Shirt Dress, $55 (was $70)
Most Affordable: Old Navy Split-Neck Crinkle Gauze Mini Swing Dress, $21 (was $30)
Best A-Line Dress: Universal Thread Smocked Knit Maxi A-Line Dress, $30
Best Midi Dress: Aerie At The Barre Midi Dress, $65
Best Dress with Smoothing Technology: Lou & Grey Side Bungee Pocket Midi Dress, $19 (was $65)
Best Dress for Commuting: Athleta Presidio Traveler Maxi Dress, $99
Best Splurge Dress: Exquise Tobie Button-Front Pleated Shirt Dress, $198
Best Denim Dress: Quince Vintage Wash Tencel Button Front Midi Dress, $70
The best dresses are suitable for work and having fun with your kids on the playground. They’re also versatile enough to transition them into any season. If you have just started shopping for new options to add to your closet, consider shirt dresses that work paired with sandals or boots and dressed up or down. You can also opt for flattering midi dresses on all body types. In addition to choosing comfortable silhouettes, consider layering in textures and brighter hues to add more pizzazz to your everyday wear.
Ahead, see 10 of the most comfy dresses moms can wear to work or the playground.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Lululemon is a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
BEST OVERALL
Lululemon All Aligned Ribbed Midi Dress
Lululemon’s All Aligned Ribbed Midi Dress works for the boardroom and playground when you need to get to nothing on the same day. The dress is midi length and paired with a ribbed design. The stress offers a slim fit but never clings to your curves thanks to the buttery-soft Nulu Fabric that accommodates your body and curves.
Sizes: 0-14
Colors: 4
MOST AFFORDABLE DRESS
Auselil Sleeveless Maxi Dress
This under $35 dress from Amazon is a versatile dress to keep in your closet. It has a cute tiered layer design that helps keep you covered when chasing after your toddler at the park. Shoppers praise that it’s true to size fit and the wide selection of dress colors available.
Sizes: Small to XX-large
Colors: 26
BEST T-SHIRT DRESS
Gap Organic Cotton VintageSoft Maxi T-Shirt Dress
Gap is the best destination for basics and denim, but you can also score comfortable mom dresses that aren’t boring. The VintageSoft Maxi T-Shirt Dress is at the top of our lists since it has an effortlessly cool fit that’s lightweight and breathable for the days you’re sure schlepping your kiddos’ scooters and bikes around. Plus, you can dress it up for days in the office.
Sizes: XXS-XXL (regular, tall, petite)
Colors: 3
MOST AFFORDABLE
Old Navy Split-Neck Crinkle Gauze Mini Swing Dress
It’s no secret that Old Navy has the best deals, and this dress falls under their markdowns right now. For $22, this dress is well made from a light, “rippled” fabric made from 100% double-weave cotton for comfort and durability.
Sizes: XS-4X
Colors: 5
BEST A-LINE DRESS
Universal Thread Smocked Knit Maxi A-Line Dress
The Universal Thread smocked knit A-line dress offers elegant designs like a crewneck, pleated waist, and maxi length, which make the dress a perfect match for work. The dress is also crafted with soft, stretchy jersey fabric so you can wear it while on mom duty.
Sizes: XS-4X
Colors: 2
BEST MIDI DRESS
Aerie At The Barre Midi Dress
Regardless of what you have on your agenda for the day, this dress from Aerie will help you romanticize your day. The dress comes in a stunning purple hue and is crafted with a flattering scoop neckline, smocked, elastic bodice with a V-waist, and side seam pockets.
“This dress looks exactly like it does in the pictures,” a shopper said. “I’m 5 foot, 145 pounds and got an xxs. It fits like a glove. The fabric is thick enough to wear without a bra. It is so beautiful and perfect for spring and summer.”
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 5
BEST DRESS WITH SMOOTHING TECHNOLOGY
Lou & Grey Side Bungee Pocket Midi Dress
The Lou & Grey Side Bungee Pocket Midi Dress is fitted at the waist and smooths and flatters the midsection. It then flares into a full, comfortable skirt. The dress also has a built-in bra for support.
“I bought this a few weeks ago, and loved it so much that I bought the second color, too!” a reviewer said. “It is so airy, light, and I feel like it is just floating around me as I walk. I also like that it has a built-in bra so that you do not need to worry about your bra straps showing, with the neckline cut in some to show off shoulders. I have found this to be such a flattering dress, and the most comfortable dress ever!”
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Colors: 2
BEST DRESS FOR COMMUTING
Athleta Presidio Traveler Maxi Dress
This dress from Athleta is made for commuting, work, and travel. It features the brand’s featherweight stretch crafted from recycled polyester. The dress feels light as air, so it never weighs you down while moving around.
Sizes: S-XL (regular, tall, petite)
Colors: 3
BEST SPLURGE DRESS
Exquise Tobie Button-Front Pleated Shirt Dress
There’s a reason this dress is a bestseller at Anthropologie: It’s beautiful and glides over your body. There’s nothing not to love about its garment — shoppers praise the bold pattern that arrives exactly as pictured, classic collar, exaggerated sleeves, and waist-defining pleats.
Sizes: XXS-XL
Colors: 7
BEST DENIM DRESS
Quince Vintage Wash Tencel Button Front Midi Dress
When shopping for comfortable dresses that are best for work and hanging out with kids, grab a denim dress. Quince offers shoppers luxury pieces sans the hefty price tags, and this dress is no exception. The dress has an A-line shape with buttons up the front and cinches at the waist. Better yet, there’s a hidden clasp for when you need a little more coverage when you need.
Sizes: XS-XL
Colors: 3
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