It is summer! Gorgeously hot and muggy summer. Sweet, sweaty and exhausting summer. I know, it sounds glorious but when you are busy “baking” as we so sweetly refer to that bun in the oven, we are literally baking. It is hard to concentrate with sweat dripping from every pore, that the last thing you are thinking about is how to look fabulous. But it is possible and easy that you may think. Just check out what these real women considered their summer time savior during their pregnancies and what they would like you to know about what should be your maternity summer must have.


“My belly band!!!! It helped me wear cute shorts because maternity shorts looked weird on me. The belly band is super comfy too.” -Karla Ibarra, mom to 6 month old Jaxson.

“Maternity maxi dresses are my must have. Regular maxis fit as well. At 34 weeks pregnant, I need something I can put on hassle-free and be comfortable. And they are still stylish.” -Michelle Ortiz, Chicago Police Officer (on light duty) and mom to 3 year old Zoë. She is expecting her second baby girl this coming August.

“Athena Alexander sandals. They are fabulously comfortable and stylish. Those got me through my entire pregnancy working at Mario Tricoci back when I spent my days, all day, on my feet. Also, A good, "grow with you" sundress and a big brim straw hat. The stylish kind, not the country look.” Darlene Manning Manczak, Motives Beauty Pro and mother to Cole, 12 and Beck, 6.

“As one who guess, when you are growing a lil human inside of you, everything on the outside grows also....including your feet! For many expecting moms, your feet swell from the added weight and constant pressure on the body.

In this condition (especially in warmer months?), you want them to stay cool. A nice comfortable steady flip flop would be ideal. This shoe is easy slip on and off (a treasured gift especially your last trimester). In addition , a lot flip flop had shock absorber soles to handle the pressure of walking with extended period wear. You can basic to very stylish flip flops anywhere from Payless, Walmart to websites such as Amazon and Zappos. But always speak with physician first before wearing this footwear during pregnancy.” Cabryl Breotti, Wardrobe Stylist and mom to 17 year old Erin. 

“A big floppy hat that keeps the sun and wrinkles away while not only keeping you cool but keeps the a bad hair day hidden underneath.” Pattie Cordova, Lifestyle Blogger at LivingMiVidaLoca.com and theOCLatinaMoms.com. She is the mom of two boys, Logan, 7 and Luca, 4.

I also decided to share my summer maternity must have as a mom of two.

“I was never really a fan of shorts so summer was always a tough one. But I did finally fall for midi length casual summer dresses as a way to avoid pants and stay cool. The jersey cotton tee shirt dress kind, with stretch specifically. It did not have to be tight, but fitted and it did not have to be maternity, as long as it was roomy. I usually bought a size up. I find those summer comfy for the summer. Also because I was dealing with a little one while expecting, sneakers were a must. I prefer, white classic sneakers like Keds or Converse, something that can be worn with everything but comfortable enough to chase my kid around in.”

What is your absolute summer wardrobe must have? Share your picks with me on Facebook or Twitter. And for more about the real mom experience, follow me on Instagram.