Dressing a Baby Bump for the Holidays

This post is also featured over on Stylepint today!

Dressing a baby bump, a fun task and then sometimes a not so fun task. Add being petite on top of that and it’s a whole other story. My first pregnancy I was largely pregnant during the summer and swore up and down it was the best time to be pregnant. You could wear dresses and shorts that are fairly easy to button under a bump and of course sandals. However, with this pregnancy going through the winter months, I am quickly finding that I actually prefer dressing my bump for cooler temps rather than warmer temps for three reasons; tights, leggings and oversized sweaters. Glorious, stretchy tights and leggings. You also can’t ignore the fact that tights over a bump lift and alleviate some of the pressure you may experience with a growing belly. I’ve found that with this winter pregnancy I haven’t had to buy a lot of actual maternity clothes. Getting by with cozy oversized sweaters, leggings and stretchy basics has been a lifesaver. I hate spending money on clothes I know I will only wear for a few months, but I will make a few exceptions. I do have one pair of maternity jeans which I love from LOFT, I buy basic maternity tees because they are cheap and great for layering and I occasionally buy a maternity blouse. However, with so many tunic styles out this season, buying maternity button downs hasn’t been as necessary.

I have acquired quite a bit of experience dressing a baby bump through my pregnancies, but today in particular, I’m going to talk about dressing your bump for the holidays! Whether you’re attending parties or cozying up by the fire, I’ve got tips for any occasion.

1. The Swanky Party
When I think of a holiday parties (aside from the tacky sweater parties I like to throw) I think of sequins and sparkles. Of course with a big ol baby bump you’re going to have a hard time squeezing into sequin mini, but there are some options for us pregnant gals as well, without breaking the bank on ‘maternity’ clothes. One of my go-to items for any occasion is a stretchy basic dress or mini. You can get these literally anywhere it seems, Target, Old Navy, H&M. I prefer the H&M version. To me, the tight mini length (which is fabulous with tights) makes my short little legs look longer and highlights that I’m actually pregnant and not just packing on the pounds and makes me feel like a ‘skinny pregnant gal’. Since it’s a given that your top will be oversized you have built in protection from breaking any fashion rules (tight and short on the bottom, better cover up the top!) and they are so easy to layer under anything! I would go with one of these as your base and dress it up with a beautiful embellished cardigan, bold statement necklace or even a jeweled collar button down under a loose sweater (to accommodate that bump of course). Add some polka dot tights with your comfortable booties for a fun flair and a red plaid scarf and your outfit will scream holidays.

1. Michael Kors Trench Coat | 2. ASOS Maternity Top (similar) | 3. Isabella Oliver Tunic Dress | 4. Nero Ankle Booties | 5. H&M Knit Mini | 6. J. Crew Factory Crystal Necklace | 7. J. Crew Factory Metallic Polka Dot Tights

2. Shopping, Wrapping & Family Dinners
This is a no brainer. With so much of the month spent running around in and out of stores, waiting in lines and then coming home and wrapping gifts, you need to be comfortable! My go to is of course leggings!! Forever 21 takes the cake for me when it comes to leggings. They are cheap ($3.00) and have a nice fit on me. I hate when you get a pair of leggings that get all loosey goosey as you wear them, blah. I like to pair my leggings with a big cozy cardigan (that covers your backside) and a basic maternity tee or an oversized sweater and scarf. The finishing touch is a warm pair of riding boots!

For family dinners, we keep it casual around here, so really, my shopping attire easily transitions to an evening spent laughing with family!

1. ASOS Maternity Sweater | 2. Maternity Cowlneck Tunic LOFT | 3. Blanket Scarf | 4. Pearl Cluster Bracelet | 5.Anne Klein Fleece-Lined Legging | 6.M·A·C Lipstick | 7. Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot

The holidays are such an exciting time and I can’t tell you how much fun it has been so far celebrating with a baby on board. Sure does make all the holiday cookies that much more glorious!

Linked With: Thursday Style Confessions | Happiness at Midlife | Sincerely Jenna Marie | Fashion Friday | That Friday Blog Hop | Style to Inspire| Friday Favorites