This Summer, Stay Cool and Fashionable Even While Pregnant

The summer is almost here but if you are pregnant, you may be totally freaking out. But don’t worry – there are a lot of ways you can stay cool and fashionable during the summer.

Here is a simple yet effective guide for you:

Maxi dresses

Chances are that you already have some maxi dresses somewhere in your closet that are probably long forgotten. They are not technically made for pregnant women, but I’ve found that most maxi dresses can cover the bump just fine! I recommend avoiding short dresses while pregnant. Anything above the knee line is only going to get a higher hemline the more your bump grows. You don’t want to risk showing the world your underwear! Save the short hemlines for next summer.

If your maxi dress doesn’t have an empire waistline, you can add a matching belt or scarf above your growing baby bump to define your “waist”.  You can even add some accessories such as necklaces, wristbands, hats, and sandals to make a fashion statement. Check out www.swap.com for more designs and selections, as the team members behind this site are very knowledgeable when it comes to maternity wear.

Floral and form-fitting

If you love flowers as most women do, you can also choose a form-fitting dress that proudly shows off that baby bump. Choose a floral print on a light background but do not overdo it. It will look marvelous for special occasions, especially paired with some smart looking accessories.

Cropped maternity pants

Capris are a great choice for those days when it’s not too hot out. Make sure you look for cropped pants that are cotton or linen-based if you plan to wear them during the hot summer months so that they won’t make you overheat. I personally prefer stretchy materials while I’m pregnant, but lycra and spandex based materials tend to be hotter than light and airy cotton. Make sure you are comfortable in whatever you buy!

Skirts and shorts

If you do not have a jersey skirt or drawstring shorts already in your closet, then you need to buy them right now. Jersey skirts are stretchy, soft and comfortable, three must-haves to look for whilst pregnant. Denim shorts can be a little restrictive, but a nice pair of cotton drawstring shorts will serve you well during the hot months.

Jeans made for maternity

Nothing looks better than a great-fitting pair of jeans. Just because you are pregnant doesn’t mean you need to give up on wearing jeans.  None of your old jeans are going to fit you while you are pregnant, but don’t get rid of them just yet! Many women can get back into their pre-pregnancy jeans within a few months after giving birth.  Meanwhile, there are plenty of maternity jeans that are especially designed for growing bellies.

Large underwear

Some women find they can continue to wear their normal underwear during the entire nine-month period of motherhood, but keep in mind that your growing belly might stretch or misshape your underwear and ruin your entire collection.

So it is a wise decision to go on a shopping spree and buy 8-10 natural cotton based underwear that you can later get rid of. Find and buy a size that is one size larger than what you normally wear and don’t bother buying anything that is expensive. You only need them for a short period of time, so buy whatever is on sale.

Pajamas

You may already have some loose shorts or pajamas in your collection. This is the perfect time to wear them. You may also go for your husband’s boxers if you feel like it. Make sure you are wearing it below the belly and that you are comfortable in them. Workout or gym pants usually come with drawstrings so you can wear those during the entire nine-month period as well. Some women prefer to fold down pants under their bump, while others seek the larger maternity pants that go right up and over the top of your belly.

Long tank tops and tees

You will need to buy new tank tops and t-shirts if you do not want to feel uncomfortable and ruin your existing wardrobe by stretching them out too much. Remember this is a temporary phase so do not bother buying anything that is too expensive. Open the door for some tees and tank tops that are made of cotton so they are cheap and comfortable. Usually, one or two sizes large will be good enough for you.

You can also mix and match stuff with sweaters. Sweaters in the summer are not a magnificent idea, but if you are working in an office that likes to pound out the A/C, then you might want one! Cardigans and zip down sweatshirts are also great for maternity wear. Just leave the front open!