Maternity party wear: Part one

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The way this dress falls over your pregnancy shape really appeals to us, it's got the party strappy look, but something a little more substantial that spaghetti straps. The v-neck and bust detail flatter up top while the fabric flutes down nicely with the generosity of two layers to a fluted hemline.

Fun Mum offer a siren red version as well as the safe black and we have to say it's the more tempting.

Available colours: Black, red
Price: £42
Find it online: here

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All the mags are telling us that 'black is back', as it seems to be every five years of so. Its forgiving nature does make it a good choice for pregnant mums who want to cut a swathe with sophistication.

JoJomamanbébé's sleeveless crepe dress is a flattering shape and length and can be worked any number of ways with different accessories - particularly good if you have several parties to attend and don't want to splash out on several pregnancy party outfits.

Available colours: Black
Price: £39
Find it online: here

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A really stylish dress that is simple yet elegant. We like the way it sits on the bust and bump and flatters them softly. Isabella Oliver's empire-line number has built-in secret support where you need it most. Very definitely yummy mummy.

Like the other cocktail black dresses it's very versatile, so you should get plenty of mileage from the price tag, but it's also available in a pink version if black isn't your thing. Probably unlike the other cocktail dresses in your wardrobe it's machine-washable too.

Available colours: Black, blush pink
Price: £72.50
Find it online: here

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This wrap dress from JoJomamanbébé works the tried and tested wrap formula for expectant mums. It's great if you want to show off your new shape and yet remind people that you may be a mum but you still have great legs.

Pair it with fabulous heels if you still have the requisite balance. If you prefer keeping your arms covered then this is definitely one to shortlist.

Available colours: Chocolate
Price: £49
Find it online: here

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Pregnant or not this is a full-on glamour queen dress from Isabella Oliver and we love it. For formal events it's a real winner and it wouldn't even look out of place on the red carpet: the bandeau top is instantly dressy, and then the softly draping material flatters your bump with a faux-wrap style.

It's undeniably on the pricey side but hard to resist if you really want to make an entrance.

Available colours: Black
Price: £85
Find it online: here

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If you didn't think you could do pregnant and still channel Audrey then think again. Crave Maternity's Lilah dress will take you from office to evening with a tweak of the accessories and a shrugging off of the cardigan: just add pearls for instant Belgian screen star.

A cardi in lux fabrics would team up well with it, as would either strong black heels or a smart pair of boots. Currently on sale at Crave with 25% off, down from £102.

Available colours: Black
Price:£76.50
Find it online: here

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We love the sleeves on this Ercole maternity dress by Bumps Maternity. The classic cut is given a bit of a lift by the v-neck, but it's not so low that you'll feel you're out on display. Again it's a soft jersey fabric to flatter, rather than cling to, your curves. The length is 41 inches.

It's a very modest piece that is hugely versatile and would look really great with some striking jewellery.

Available colours: Black, chocolate
Price: £79.95
Find it online: here

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This sexy number from Blooming Marvellous adds a twist to the wrap dress with ruched sides and an asymmetric hem. It's very form-fitting at the top and then the stretchy-soft jersey drapes at the bottom. If you're carrying a tight bump then this is a great dress to show it off in. Length is 108cm, so make sure that it falls to a hemline that flatters your own legs.

Available colours: Black
Price: £34.99
Find it online: here

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There are women who can do baby doll and women who can't: make sure you fall in the right camp before you fall for Isabella Oliver's cutesy dress.

If you've got the body for it, the baby doll shape can be really flattering to a bump, with detail around the bosom and falling into folds around the body. A break from the LBD, this dress comes in treacle, a bit difficult to describe but we'd call it dark oyster - if that helps!

If putting both chest and legs on show isn't for you, then you could easily wear this dress as a top over well-cut jeans for a more bohemian look.

Available colours: Treacle
Price: £62.50
Find it online: here

Next up, party wear separates...