Summer is here and it can bring a flurry of dates for our diaries like weddings and barbecues. Here are 10 top tips to dress your bump for a stylish summer.
Maxi dresses
These are great in warmer weather as they’re comfy and can hide swollen ankles. Plus there’s no need for constrictive clothing like tights or leggings. Wear with ballet pumps or flip flops and dress them up with a jacket or blazer for more formal occasions.
Big statement bags
One like totes or shoppers are brilliant (and much more practical than teeny tiny clutch bags). You can fit in a multitude of essentials like water and snacks, which are extra important if you’re travelling, plus deodorant, make-up and flat shoes if your feet are suffering at a wedding.
A good non–wired bra
This is essential when you’re pregnant – try to get yourself measured to make sure you’re wearing the right size and you feel comfy, especially in the heat. For more on how to choose maternity bras and pants, see our article here.
Lovely lightweight linen
This material is perfect in warm weather as it’s nice and airy and helps draw away dampness from your skin. See more top tips on keeping cool when pregnant here.
Swim suits
These can be tricky ground when you’re pregnant. You might decide your old bikini works just fine, or you may want to invest in a new maternity tankini. These are often much more practical than a maternity swimming costume for all those trips to the toilet.
NCT Nearly New Sales
These are a great place to forage for bargains. You can get rid of maternity clothes that have barely been worn so you can pick up a new outfit easily and cost effectively.
Shoes, shoes, shoes
It’s time to get something flat and comfy. Don’t go for anything with too many straps as it can be hard to bend down and see them over a blooming belly. Flip flops are good for warmer weather, but check they have a decent grip on the bottom to avoid slips in rain showers.
Pre-pregnancy clothes
The good news is you may still be able to get away with old favourites from your wardrobe if they’re stretchy or elasticated. After a quandary over what to wear to a wedding when she was eight months pregnant, one NCT mum we spoke to opted for a pre-pregnancy maxi dress with the zip undone to give more room and an open jacket so nobody got to see more than they bargained for.
Wrap dresses
Whether maternity ones or not, are great as they stretch with your expanding bump. You can go for a vest inside if they feel too low cut and pair with leggings if they feel too short. Dress them up with statement jewellery or a bright scarf or pashmina (these are great to keep you warm if there’s a breeze or to keep sunburn at bay plus they’re nice and small to carry).
This page was last reviewed in May 2018.
Further information
Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.
We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.
Firstcry Parenting. (2018) What are the right clothes to wear when pregnant? Available at: https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/what-are-the-right-clothes-to-wear-when-pregnant/ [Accessed 15th November 2018].
Fustany. (2018) How to survive a summer pregnancy in the most fashionable way. Available at: https://fustany.com/en/fashion/stylish-mamas/how-to-survive-a-summer-pregnancy-in-the-most-fashionable-way#slide8 [Accessed 15th November 2018].
Mom.me. (2015) 5 ways to dress a summer baby bump. Available at: https://mom.me/pregnancy/21192-5-ways-hide-summer-baby-bump/ [Accessed 15th November 2018].
Redbook. (2017) 20 summer essentials to help make your pregnancy comfortable and stress-free. Available at: https://www.redbookmag.com/body/pregnancy-fertility/g4490/summer-pregnancy-maternity-essentials/# [Accessed 15th November 2018].
Thinkmoney. (2016) How to dress on a budget if you’re pregnant this summer. Available at: https://www.thinkmoney.co.uk/news-advice/how-to-dress-on-a-budget-if-youre-pregnant-this-summer-0-6188-0.htm [Accessed 15th November 2018].
What to expect. (2018) 8 wardrobe staples for summer pregnancies. Available at: https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/photo-gallery/8-wardrobe-staples-for-summer-pregnancies [Accessed 15th November 2018].
Who what wear. (2018) Shop 21 of the best wrap dresses, AKA the most flattering things ever. Available at: https://www.whowhatwear.co.uk/best-wrap-dresses/slide22[Accessed 15th November 2018].
