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For the love of the Muu Muu
The fact that we force our bodies into denim every day is criminal, when we could be wearing something like this. I have had a thing for muu muu's, a love even, since I was in college. When/If they have enough personality and detail you can even leave the house wearing them. Strangely, Brian doesn't share this same love, and I get it, he's not exactly having to tear himself away from me all day when I'm wearing these. But I'm pregnant and stuffing this belly into jeans in the Glendale summer heat is really just for special occasions. I was trying to figure out a way that I can style this one, which I love, so I can cruise around town, or work even, in this luxurious cotton comfort. The solution (which is kinda obvious) is dressing it up with a cute, structured hat, necklace and chunky heels (and a bag, which isn't shown).
Sometimes it's a good strategy to think of 'what is the goal of my outfit' as you are planning it (or scrambling in the closet). My goal with this is 'cute and comfortable'. Not sexy or flattering, but this checks off the 'Cute' and the 'Comfortable' boxes really easily.
When you wear it just with flip flops and your hair, say, a total disaster, it can look like you got accidentally locked out of your house in the middle of the night...in 1776. But, throw on some accessories to help elevate the situation and you have a genuine outfit. The most comfortable, wonderful outfit that I have to convince myself not to wear every single day.
It's not terribly ground breaking, but I was so excited when everyone (my staff and Brian) confirmed that this is indeed cute enough to actually leave the house in (and not just a 'watering the tree' outfit). I LOVE this pretty muu muu and have been wearing it poolside at my friend's house or around my house/on the deck for months, but now, I'm taking this dress public. (For you non-pregnant people its totally acceptable, too, obviously).
1. Hat 2. Dress 3. Necklace 4. Shoes
*All photos by the lovely Stephanie Todaro.
Want other fashion ramblings? Go here. And read about my maternity fashion must-haves from my last pregnancy.
Good for you! That dress is SUPER cute and you should definitely not have to stuff yourself into anything when you’re pregnant. We suffer enough for fashion as it is! ;)
I would love to see the sleeves rolled up and possibly a belt over the tumtum.
Yep, agreed…it looks like PJs in these photos.
NOOOOO!!!! I tried with a belt and it looked really ‘try-hard’ or floucy or something. Kinda defeated the whole shape since its not fitted enough in the armpit. And yeah, i pushed the sleeves up and they wouldn’t stay. I’m holding to the ‘It doesn’t look like pajamas here’ theory :)
I am 7 months pregnant and I wish was wearing a muu muu right now and not these jeans. And I dont think I would care if I looked like I was wearing jammies. Sometimes comfort comes with a price.
I see pregnant women all the time who look adorable with a belt cinched high above their tummies, and I have no idea how they achieve this outcome! For me, it did nothing but accentuate how close to exploding my breasts were–and incidentally, said breasts almost completely concealed the belt anyway.
I found t-shirt dresses from H&M hit the comfortable/cute enough sweet spot. I bought size large (non-maternity) and inexpertly altered them in the shoulders so they fit up top.
Okay, no belt. :) But did you try rolling the sleeves up to your elbows instead of pushing them up? There’s something about the puffy cuff… I guess i’m imagining it as more of a tee shirt dress which I’m a fan of.
However, if you’re comfortable and happy, that’s all that really matters. Besides, your effervescent personality dwarfs any potential perceived fashion mishap.
Doesn’t look like pajamas at all. I love this look and the shoes and hat really make it work. I always vote for 80% comfy and 20% cute!
All hail the muu muu!!! I love it. Also, I had been absolutely pining for a pair of wooden clogs and couldn’t bring myself to buy one of the super expensive pairs. I’m so glad you posted the Ecote ones! I purchased them immediately!
That looks so comfy and cute.. Especially in these warmer months. I’m in my 26th week of pregnancy, and lately with this heat, the thought of putting pants on makes me cringe.
You still look super cute! Love the necklace and hat!
I hate the belt over tummy pregnancy clothes. I’m so glad you didn’t. It looks so fake– ‘I’m not really fat I’m pregnant here is a belt that looks weird with my outfit to show you!’ LOVE the muu muu after the baby comes too!
HA. thats hilarious. I kinda agree although sometimes I think it can look super cute. but with something like this, I totally agree
cute Emily!! you look gorgeous! also, that tree!!, way to keep it alive— it is stunning in your light and refreshing living room. Have a great day!
I was wondering the same, where comes the tree from, because it is so big!!
I love this! Next time I’m preggo I’m totally going to rock the muu muu! You pull it off so well!
Paige
I love it!! You look so young and pretty and yes, pregnant.
It’s funny because my mom would complain that she only had giant muu muu’s to wear in the 60’s and we have such great maternity fashion now. A muu muu is adorable, thank you! (And seriously those last 6 weeks, forget it!) She also would say how lucky I was to have a career…and all she did was stay home with babies. Again, I would look at her and say, “You lived the dream.” :-)
Oh my gosh this looks incredibly comfortable and stylish, hope you’re enjoying your pregnancy!
I knew I liked you before, but now there is no doubt! Mui mui’s are awesome! {and you look super cute}
On a side note, I’m loving the globes. (that is NOT a euphemism!!!)
Love your shoes. Brand?
I think the ones Emily is wearing in the post are the Rachel Comey sandals I just bought- they look identical. Made me justify my purchase that little bit more seeing Emily wear them so stylishly!
Yeah dresses and tunic styles with boobs need to be fitted in the shoulders. I like your point about cute and comfortable rather than sexy and flattering.
Where in god’s name did you get that tree and how did you get it in your house???? It’s AMAZING.
Hey, it worked for Mrs. Roper. I say go for it!
Dear Emily,
You are adorable! Thank you for writing a whole post about this. Yes, life calls for muu muus at times, and if only we could all look as good as you do in this. Just do it! Katy
You look adorable!! Love the Muu Muu!
The MUUMUU is back! My wife loves to wear hers around the house. Go for it!
Really cute look. What’s wrong with wearing it every day?
What variety is that spectacular tree?
Yes please! Deets on the tree!!
Such a pretty blue. As a non pregnant person, I might add a belt of some kind, but it looks sooo comfortable and cool. Love it.
No matter if you wear it or walk on it, denim is timeless. By walking on denim I mean this beautiful rug that looks almost like one your whimsical pair of jeans but feels much softer!
In my mother’s day, these were called house dresses. Of course this one is cuter than the average house dress, which was, obviously, to wear around the house, I suppose while one was dusting, etc.
You look adorable, what a cute Muu Muu….I’m not a fan of hats so I would love to see you with a loose braid even though you look very good in hats.
I’ve taken to wearing long casual dresses, here in So. CA., during the weekend when I’m doing the sight seeing with out of town guests……so much cooler than jeans!! Even slacks.
I’m a huge fan of the muu muu! I’m lucky that they’re my husband’s fave too. He never even saw me in jeans until after we got married.
I love the way you styled it. I think they look super cute with huge earrings and a top bun, too. Or a braid and Worishofers (are those too 2007? I still love them). I even rock them in the fall/winter with leggings and ankle booties.
x
Amen! I also love the muu muu. In fact, I am wearing one as I read this. My husband agrees with your husband. You look wonderful so keep wearing the muu muu proudly.
I say do what makes you happy when pregnant. But please please please wear a slip with these dresses…the sun is not your friend in these instances.
What’s the difference between a muu muu and a tunic? Are those just regional names for the same thing?
Cute! But dang it, it’s already sold out — would have been perfect for the beach in August.
Dammit! Its sold out! I love it! I do love a loose tenty dress, hides a multitude of sins! x
You look fabulous!
Sorry I’m so late to this discussion that nobody probably cares at this point but I have to put it out there–Emily I completely agree with your rationale for not wearing a belt! I am so tired of that particular look for pregnant women where it’s almost like an obligation to make certain that your belly is showing in this almost patronizing, “Your belly is beautiful! Show it off!/But also it’s to make sure no one thinks you’re just fat!!” way. Slapping on the contrived maternity-underboob-belt is fine if someone wants the dress to look like it came from the maternity section at Kohls. Sans belt (and paired with that fabulous hat) and it becomes “Oh this old thing? Picked it up at a bazaar in Morocco.” <> It just makes for a more modern, but still whimsical and pretty look, and you nailed it.
Beautiful look !
I was taught that if I had nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. To each their own.
I am wondering, what type of tree is that in your living room?
Thanks!
Aw shucks, you don’t even need accessories to look cute. Muu muus may be the ultimate Man Repeller, but I don’t care. I live in them all summer long.
I say, if it brings you joy, rock it out with pride. End of.
Dear God, Emily. Keep pushing this idea. The people who relegated pregnant women to cute, skin tight, on trend clothes ought to be mauled by everyone past the first trimester. This is brilliant.