Picking the Right Maternity Dresses For Special Occasions
BY READERS DIGEST
1st Feb 2019 Fashion & Beauty
Pregnancy doesn’t mean that your social life has to stop. However dressing your growing bump for important events can sometimes require a bit of extra thought. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Whilst your favourite party dress might be on hiatus for a couple of months, there are still loads of great options to choose from.
Show Off Your Curves
When choosing maternity dresses, it’s important to focus on your new shape. A growing baby bump might provide some minor fashion challenges, but it’s also an exciting time to experiment with new fits and styles. Just think of your bump as an extra accessory!
There’s nothing more attractive than confidence, and embracing your new pregnancy shape will instantly help you to turn heads. We love this red, wrap front, maternity dress from SilkFred which is designed to show off your new-found curves.
Thick, stretchy fabrics are a great choice for figure hugging maternity dresses, whilst curve skimming chiffon is also a good option if you want something a little more forgiving that will hide any lumps and bumps. Pregnancy gives you a renewed appreciation for your body and what it can do: embrace that and take the opportunity to show off your curves.
Don’t Shop Too Soon
It can be tempting to hit the shops as soon as that special invitation lands on your doorstep. However when you’re pregnant, it’s important not to shop too far in advance. Your shape is likely to change quickly in the months ahead, so the best way to ensure a good fit is to shop as close to the event as possible.
That doesn’t mean that you can’t start thinking about what you want; but it’s important to remember that your body at five months pregnant is likely to be very different to your body at seven months pregnant. Keep your options open and don’t shop too soon if you want to ensure the best possible fit and style for your new shape.
Wrap It Up
Looking for a fail-safe solution to all of your maternity dress problems? Invest in a wrap dress.
The right wrap dress can be adjusted to suit you at all stages of your pregnancy, and can also double up as a convenient breastfeeding dress once your baby has been born. Thanks to its adjustable waist tie, the wrap dress is a versatile style that can change shape whenever you do.
Designed to emphasize your neck and shoulders, whilst drawing attention to your bust, the wrap dress is also universally flattering. We love this royal blue star print wrap dress from Silk Fred, which oozes drama and would look great paired with a long-line pendant necklace to elongate your body, and further draw attention to your neat bump. We recommend purchasing one size larger than you would usually wear to help accommodate your bump as it grows.
Add Accessories
Pregnancy is the perfect time to invest in new accessories, because unlike a new maternity dress, you can continue to wear them long after you’ve given birth.
The good news is that the right accessories will add glamour to your special occasion outfits: think oversized fascinators and hats to bring drama to a wedding outfit, or chandelier earrings to help you sparkle on a big night out.
Finally, don’t forget to think about your footwear too: the right shoes will make or break your outfit. Your feet tend to get wider during pregnancy, so it’s likely that you’ll have to invest in new shoes. Look for a pair that is as comfortable as it is pretty and avoid heels that are too high. Your centre of gravity changes when you’re pregnant, so you’re unlikely to be able to tolerate the same high heels you could happily wear pre-pregnancy.
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