When we talk about maternity, we don’t usually talk about glitz and glamor. In fact, we mostly tend to discuss things that are pretty much the opposite of glam. You know, the usual: diapers, swelling, soreness, lack of sleep.

But life is all about balance; we need to talk sparkles and sweatpants. What’s more magical than making a literal baby, anyways? There should be several galas held for pregnant people alone.

While we work on spearheading the world’s first black-tie blowout event for expectant mothers, you can work on getting dressed for that and any other formal events in your life that you want to feel special for.

Along with the nursing tees and life-saving maternity jeans, there are plenty of beautiful formal maternity gowns and dresses. Who needs a Hollywood stylist when you have us?

Take a peek at our suggestions for a look that screams, “I’m a fancy mom.”

How To Stay Energized While Pregnant

Self-care is a must-do checklist for everyone, especially mamas-to-be. Self-care involves staying home to rest when you need to, going out when you want, and engaging in the fun things about life!

Maybe all of this sounds good to you, but you’re a little worried about how you’ll be able to find the energy. A common side effect of pregnancy is fatigue, but we have a few tips on fighting your fatigue so you can schmooze the best of ‘em.

• Enrich your diet with nutrient-rich foods. Foods full of protein and omega-3s are really great for energy — like yogurt, seeds, nuts, and peanut butter.
• Try eating regularly. Unless you’re living that morning sickness life, regularly grabbing a snack keeps your energy levels as elevated as your style.
• Tune into your body and rest when you need it. Be honest, mama, sometimes you push your limits… but you deserve those extra hours.
• Add a little movement to your day. Pilates, yoga, and even just walking are all great ways to get in some gentle, energizing exercise while pregnant.
• Hit that hydrate button. Pregnant or not, your body loves water. It’ll help enhance the benefits of everything else you’re doing to keep you energized.

The Best Maternity Gowns and Dresses

Now that you’re feeling energized and excited, it’s time to hit the road and make your gorgeous appearances. We’ll guide you through the best formal maternity gowns and dresses for your fancy events and parties.

Maternity Slip Dresses

Our first suggestion is also our favorite suggestion. We just can’t get over the effortless power of a little black dress. We love a midi-length style for a maternity look that’s still sexy and could get you through a car chase with 007 himself.

If you’re looking for something daringly simple, try a gorgeous maxi slip dress in silk that totally hits the mark.

Dramatic Maternity Gowns

Our next suggestion is for mamas who might have a Vogue subscription or feel inspired by Carrie Bradshaw. Playing with texture and structure transitions a gown from a reliable classic to an off-the-runway daring shape.

Our favorite maternity gown style is an off-the-shoulder dress. Even better? Ruffles. So we’re obviously ecstatic about The Charlotte Dress by Hatch. The indigo blue gown flows seamlessly from a ruffled single shoulder and hugs a baby bump flawlessly.

90s-Inspired Maternity Gowns

Hear us out… could you not see a young 1990s film starlet stunning in the Hatch Collection’s Harlow Dress? Exactly. It’s like an instant classic. Consider the world your red carpet in this formal maternity gown. Plus, the bra-friendly cowl neck pairs with your baby bump — a dynamic duo.

Versatile Maternity Gowns

Your body seems like it’s changing every day, and with this number, so can your style. Thanks to a sash and delicate sheen, the Fete Gown can instantly alter its silhouette.

Three words: Big, flowy, gown. In fact, let’s add one more word: royal.

With a twist detail around the neck that cascades down into a voluminous drape, there is something seriously Elizabethan going on here.

Park It, Mama

You’ve fueled up on energy and confidence, narrowed down the perfect maternity dresses and gowns, and floated on clouds after an evening of laughs.

You’ve done it, mama. You’ve lived your life in the fast lane. (Well, fast as in a healthy, balanced maternity lifestyle.)

Sources The well-dressed Elizabethan: Renaissance fashions as social markers | Folger Shakespeare Library How This Celebrity Stylist Is Streamlining Her Pregnancy Look | Vogue 7 Awesome Things Your Body Does During Pregnancy | HuffPost Life