Dressing For Summer Parties As A Mum-To-Be

Pregnancy is a really exciting time; there are lots of things to learn, buy and think about when it comes to your unborn baby, but until your due date you’ll have other things to think about too! There is everyday life to get on with, whether this is working, studying or whatever else you do in the day. Then there are social events such as weddings, birthdays and other celebrations too - you won’t want to sit inside for nine months whilst everyone else you know is having a brilliant time. Sometimes it might feel like a struggle, but if you embrace your pregnancy and realise that you can have just as much fun as your friends and family, it can become a whole lot easier.

One thing I noticed was how self-conscious I initially felt at parties as I felt like my outfits were frumpier than those of my friends; it turns out this is because they were! I wasn’t dressing for my shape, tending to cover up instead. So I thought it would be helpful for you, the mum-to-be, if I put together a few tips on how I changed my style to dress for summer parties when I was pregnant. Here they are...

Don’t head for menswear

The first mistake I made was going to the menswear section of my local department store in the hope that I’d find some loose fitting outfits for the latter months of my pregnancy. I admit, I bought some clothes there, and I also wore them. But I felt so unlike myself! Where was my shape and personality? In the end I chose to put the clothes in the charity bin and headed to the maternity section instead; it was a wise choice! It’s hard to dress for summer parties when you feel so unglamorous in men’s trousers.

Maxi dresses are essential

If you haven’t reached the point already when you need to nip to the loo every few minutes, don’t worry it is on its way! It’s not all that bad when it’s easy enough to manoeuvre your way out of your outfit, and that couldn’t be easier than with a maxi dress. The best part is that day or evening maxi dresses are beautiful too, and certainly allow you to remain feeling feminine. There are so many styles and colours to choose from - my personal favourite is a subtle floral maxi dress.

Make sure you are supported

There is more to your outfit than simply what dress or skirt you are wearing; you’ll also have to think about underwear, shoes and accessories. Head to the lingerie section in a department store and have a discussion with the expert on hand; they’ll be able to help you choose a bra and panties that will be comfortable but will give you the support you need. The same goes for your shoes as you won’t want to be teetering around when there is a chance you can fall over! Find something solid but yet feminine enough to complete your outfit - there are so many beautiful flats to choose from these days.

About the author

Mary James is a mum of two from London, UK. She felt frumpy during the initial stages of pregnancy so she turned around her maternity wardrobe to include everything from evening dresses to jeans.