Pregnant? You can still look smokin' on NYE...

How You and Your Pregnant Belly Can Look Smokin’ On New Year’s Eve

Perhaps there is no bigger world-wide celebration than New Year’s Eve. It’s a time to gather with family and friends to mark the year that was and celebrate all the promise the new year will bring. And if you are pregnant, the new year will be particularly special as you look forward to welcoming a new little person into your life.

So that’s the big picture taken care of but what about the details that really matter like what the hell are you going to wear to that new year’s eve party?!

There’s nothing like a special occasion to strike fear into a pregnant woman’s heart knowing you will be particularly on show and critiqued for your maternity style. However, a little planning and some clever fashion tricks will ensure you are the talk of the party for all the right reasons.

Let’s start with what’s fashionable in party wear for NYE 2013… drum roll… COLOUR.

To look and feel truly celebratory go with bright colours and jewel tones such as emerald green, cobalt blue, amethyst purple and fire engine red are bang on trend. These colours have been popular throughout summer and we will be seeing more of them into autumn and winter so don’t be afraid to embrace the kaleidoscope.

Of course, the little black dress will always be appropriate but dress it up with some seriously colourful accessories to ensure you look current. Perhaps you have a pair of killer red pumps or sparkly citrus earrings to pack a fashion punch and turn a basic dress into something special.

And speaking of accessories, nothing updates an outfit more cost effectively than great shoes, a statement scarf or over-the-top bling. Accessories are a pregnant woman’s best friend thanks to their ability to draw the eye away from areas you may not be loving about yourself right now. A pretty necklace or earrings help make your décolletage and face (and not your swelling girth) the centre of attention.

The key trends in accessories are mini bags for evening – so leave your oversized/ over stuffed carry-all at home on NYE, stacked rings – which means lots of fine rings spread across all your figures (stacked bracelets are also hot right now), and kitten heels. Your feet will love you for opting for slightly lower heels, particularly if your party involves lots of standing and dancing!

OK. We’ve ticked off step one of channeling your favourite fashionista in terms of what key trends to go with. Now let’s breakdown it down by style of event.

If you’re heading to a dressy shindig then silk or sequins will look fabulous. Just one simple piece in silk or metallic (like a top) can be paired with a basic black pant or skirt to create an elegant ensemble. Remember to pair sleek tops with fuller pants or skirts to balance proportions.

Keep up your “I must wear colour” mantra and you could go head to toe in the same colour (this works especially well in cobalt blue or white and has been a big theme on the runways) or if this frightens you then opt for some colour near your face while keeping the rest of your palette neutral.

A formal dress is perhaps the easiest option, with either long or short hemlines the go. An empire-waisted dress or swing dress are both flattering and more formal styles, just keep it edgy by flashing a bit of leg or shoulder.

For a smart casual dress coded party, you may want to exchange the sequins you were considering (step away from the sequins!) for skinny pants paired with a dressy top or a flattering wrap maternity dress. Here you want to be thinking skinny coloured jeans or slim cut capris, great shoes and a pretty rouched top finished with chunky jewelry. A jacket, particularly in a men’s tuxedo inspired cut, will turn casual to smart in a flash.

Or if you love a dress, opt for a universally flattering jersey wrap dress that will see you through your pregnancy and into post partum like no other wardrobe piece will do. I’m not sure if it’s the eight wonder of the world but every pregnant woman looks fabulous in a jersey wrap dress. It’s just crazy but true.

Even if you are celebrating with mates at a barbeque you can still look stylishly uber casual. A maxi dress that falls flatteringly over “hill and dale” can be given a modern twist by the addition of a fabulous skinny belt cinched above your bump – which is probably the thinnest part of you at the moment so let’s work it, Baby! Add a bold metallic necklace, lots of bracelets and metallic strappy flats and you’ll be way ahead in the fashion stakes.

Be your own stylist and re-evaluate what is already in your wardrobe. You may surprise yourself with a piece that’s been hanging up the back of your cupboard that can now be reworked to create the perfect starting point for your party look. Or failing that, you’ll know what you’re looking for when you hit the maternity shops, saving yourself time and money on an expensive mistake.