My husband and I attend the local Renaissance festival every year, often going three or four times a season. We have four young children and I seem to have been heavily pregnant for the last few ren fairs. Sometimes we take the kids; 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 constantly sweat, but in our area, the renaissance festival always takes place in late August through early October (read: HOT).
I came up with some advice for girls who find themselves in a similar situation.
Step 1: First of all, most of your usual basic clothes will work (even if you are pregnant). Your renaissance skirt already has an adjustable waist and is very, very full. Normally I would say wear this under your belly but these tend to be very long and this would not be practical as it would dangle and create a trip hazard. Instead, wear it over your head and lower the waist to 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 by using a moo-moo. I know 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, I was not pregnant and I wore a size 1X. You want to choose one that has a princess cut waist. I haven’t tried it, but I guess a shirt would work too if it was big enough. To better define your figure, I would make sure it is a princess waist.
You will notice that you start to look more groomed and ready to go. The belly band helps your skirt from looking like a blouse and shows off your belly nicely. The peasant blouse is super light and does not increase 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, use your usual skirt lifts, one on each side or on each leg, or just one. Now you don’t notice that your skirt is shorter in front.
Step 5: Adorn yourself with your usual Renaissance scarves, jewelry, bags, and accessories, and you’re ready to go!
