Smart maternity dresses for summer weddings and parties

The wedding and party season is in full swing and no doubt you will have been invited to an event or two.

If you're in the middle or later stages of your pregnancy then you'll know that picking that smart maternity dress for your friend's wedding or summer party isn't as easy as stepping into a store and picking the first dress that takes your fancy.

Instead you have to consider how big your bump will be and if the frock you pick will be suitable for other events, because lets face it we all like a bit of recycling in our lives. 

Opting for a maxi dress is a great way to channel the smart look, while a floral number is great for mums-to-be who want to show off their fashion sense.

A chiffon number will keep you and your bump cool, while opting for a non-maternity frock with an empire waist and abundance of fabric will also let your bump grow.

Opt for the next size up and take it in after the baby arrives.

Below are some of our favourites from the virtual highstreet.

Pollyanna, One Shoulder Sunray Pleated Maternity Dress with contrast hem band, available soon, £120, Rock-a-Bye Rosie.

Jasmine Silk Gown Short (Peach Blossom), £199, Tiffany Rose

The Ruched Maternity Wrap Dress, £119, Isabella Oliver

Non-maternity option: Ophelia Lace Dress, Monsoon, £99

Asymetric Embellished Maxi Dress, £150, Crave

Natalie Dress, £180, Madderson London

Friday fantasy fashion item: Penelope maxi maternity dress from Vanessa Knox

It's finally Friday and that means one thing - it's time for our fantasy fashion series.

Today we're lusting over this gorge green maternity maxi dress by Vanessa Knox, which we think is versatile enough for any occasion.

Dress it down with a pair of sandals for a daytime look or BBQ or team up with heels and chunky jewellery to show off your bump and fashion sense at a wedding or summer party.

We think its worth every penny of its £135 price tag and it also comes in black and grey too. 

Top five maternity summer trench coats and macs

Phillip Lim SS 2013

Dear weather, all we'd like is a week of sun.

A week where we can get our pins out, bask in the warm rays of summer and not have to worry about taking out a maternity jacket or brolly.

However, we do know that we live in Britain and this is probably as unlikely as storks bringing in our impending bundles of joy.

Take advantage of the weather and show off the spring/summer 2013 trend channelled by the likes of Phillip Lim and Balenciaga with a maternity mac or trench coat.

Lightweight and waterproof, these classic items are perfect for any wardrobe keeping you dry during the summer showers, while being cool enough to ensure you and your bump don't overheat.

Pick a classic colour that will match your wardrobe and grow with you bump throughout those damp summer days.

See below for some of our faves.

 Asos Maternity Mac with Tab Detail, £75

Mae Drape Maternity Trench, £168.75, Isabella Oliver

Maternity Trench coat, £34.50, Vertbaudet

Double Breasted Maternity Mac, £45, Jojo Maman Bebe

Mamalicious Cream Paula Asymmetric Belted Trench Coat, £59.99, New Look

Top three mum-to-be beauty and spa treatments

We know from experience how tiring pregnancy can be, especially as you reach the later stages.

Although you may be keeping a close eye on those pennies, treating yourself to an hour of R&R is a great way to boost your energy levels as well as have some much deserved you time.

There are a range of beauty treatments available, which have been specially designed to be safe for your bump, while offering the pampering you so deserve.

We heart the Thémaé Cocoon Ritual, which is carried out in conjunction with a Japanese-inspired bathing ritual. This is a massage is designed to prepare the body for total, deep relaxation. It is also specifically designed to address the tensions and aches in pregnancy and claimed to improve circulation. The skin becomes soft as muscles relax during this gentle treatment. The legs and back become totally relaxed leaving mum-to-be feeling pampered and calm. It's available at Armathwaite Hall Country House and Spa and costs £95 for 90 minutes

The aptly named Mum to Be! treatment is also another one of our faves. It begins
with a nourishing scrub to exfoliate the skin and gently stimulate the lymphatic system, followed by a nurturing full body massage this treatment brings peace and joy to mum and baby.  The oil blend and scrub has been created to nourish and nurture safely. Herbal extracts such as lavender, rose and geranium, which are known for their gentle healing energy; have been added to the Argan and Rosehip base oil.

Available at The Spa at Stanley House Hotel, it costs £80 for 85 minutes

The Elemis Mum-to-Be massage is said to connect mother and baby through the power of touch, working with two heartbeats as one. Specialised positioning on the unique Elemis beanbag is used to ensure the ultimate in safety, comfort and relaxation. Helping to relieve tension in the back and alleviating swelling in the hands and feet, while easing the mind and uplifting the spirit.  It's suitable for the 1st Trimester onwards and costs £70 for 1hr 10 minutes at the Titanic Spa.

Top five summer maternity maxi skirts

It's finally safe to say summer has arrived and we've been basking in the warm sunshine.
If you think it's still a little bit too early to get those pins out completely, you don't have to miss out on showing off this season's hottest trends.

A lightweight maxi skirt is perfect for filling the gap between cooler spring and sweltering summer day.

And there's some great options to choose from. Play it safe and go for a black or white number, or be daring and channel one of this season's hottest hues.

Team up with a cute maternity t-shirt for a cooler daytime look, or add a maternity vest and accessorise with a silk scarf or chunky necklace for when those temperatures rise.

Opting for this staple maternity piece in a sheer fabric makes it a great option for a night out. Just team up with a pair of sandals or wedges.

See below for some of our faves.

Light Blue Maxi Skirt, £39, Seraphine Maternity

Bella maternity maxi skirt, £80, Vanessa Knox

Maternity white crinkled maxi skirt, Red Herring maternity at Debenhams, £7

Maternity Maxi skirt, £34, Next

Heavenly Bump Grey Jersey Maxi Skirt, £24.99, New Look

Get the look: Kim Kardashian's green maternity bodycon dress

Bodycon dresses are a great way to show off your bump and your new curves.

And they've become a huge trend amongst pregnant celebrities.

Rochelle Humes has in the past sported this look, while this week Kim Kardashian stepped out in a green over the knee bodycon dress to show off her bump.

She teamed this up with a pair of trademark green suede heels.

We've spotted a very similar maternity bodycon dress from Asos, which comes in at a very purse friendly £20 showing you don't have to splash the cash to dress your bump in star style.



If you're looking for that perfect maternity bodycon dress then check out our top picks here.

Friday fantasy fashion item: Silk printed tunic from Seraphine Maternity

It's finally Friday again, which for us means two things.

Firstly that lie in is in sight and secondly it's time for our Friday fantasy maternity fashion item.

Today on our sneaky surfing mission we came across this gorgeous silk printed tunic from Seraphine Maternity, which is great for mums-to-be looking for a smarter look.

Teaming this top up with a pair of black skinny maternity jeans and heels makes it perfect for a party, day at the races or wedding reception, while pairing with white or blue denim will give you a bohemian feel that works for that causal day in the office or lunch with friends.

We think this lovely piece is well worth the £99 price tag.