At first, shopper ridicules maternity dresses (6)
I believe the answer is:
smocks
'maternity dresses' is the definition.
'smocks' can be an answer for 'dresses' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the 'maternity' bit.
'at first shopper ridicules' is the wordplay.
'at' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'first shopper' becomes 's' (1st letter of 'shopper').
'ridicules' becomes 'mocks' (I've seen this in another clue).
's' next to 'mocks' is 'SMOCKS'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for smocks that I've seen before include "old women" , "Loose shirt-like garments" , "Artists' overalls" , "artist's clothes" , "Painters' garments" .)