My husband and I attend the local renaissance festival every year, often going three or four times a season. We have four small children and it seems that I have been very pregnant for the last few ren fairs. Sometimes we take the children; Sometimes it’s just the two of us. We are avid (and apparently quite fertile) customers. I’ve spent considerable time over the years trying to figure out how to dress my impending watermelon figure without looking like I’m wearing a tent or overheating my already overheated mood. It’s bad enough that pregnancy makes you sweat constantly, but in our area, the renaissance festival always takes place in late August through early October (read: HOT).
I came up with some tips for girls who find themselves in a similar situation.
Step 1: First, most of your regular basics will work (even if you’re pregnant). Your Renaissance skirt already has an adjustable waist and is very, very wide. Normally I would say wear these under your belly but these tend to be very long and this would be impractical as it would hang down and create a tripping hazard. Instead, pull it over your head and drop the waist just below your bust. You will notice a tent effect, where the front of the skirt is much shorter than the back thanks to your belly. Trust me, it won’t look flattering until you do a few more things; be patient with me.
Step 2: Next, review your early-stage maternity kit. Find your belly band. Put it on your belly, on your lap. This helps people know you’re pregnant, not just wearing a mu-mu. I know that I know. it still looks ridiculous. Just listen to me.
Step 3: Get a non-maternity cropped peasant top; instead of 2-3 sizes larger than your non-pregnant size. I was a size medium, not pregnant and wore a size 1X. You want to choose one that has a princess cut waist. I haven’t tried it, but I’d guess a shirt would work too if it was big enough. To better define your figure, I would make sure it’s a princess waist.
You will notice that you start to look more groomed and ready to go out. The belly band helps your skirt not look like a blouse and shows off your belly nicely. The peasant blouse is super light and does not add heat. At this point, however, your skirt is even shorter in the front and the peasant top looks like a tent.
Step 4: Get your belt. The belt will fit over your peasant blouse or shirt at the bottom of your belly. To fix your skirt, wear your usual skirt lifts, one on each side or over each leg, or just one. Now it is not noticeable that your skirt is shorter in front.
Step 5: Adorn with your usual renaissance scarves, jewelry, purses, and accessories, and you’re ready to go!
