My husband and I attend the local renaissance festival every year, we often go three or four times a season. We have four young children and it seems I was very pregnant for the last ren fairs. Sometimes we take the children; Sometimes it’s just the two of us We are avid customers (and apparently quite fertile). I’ve spent considerable time over the years trying to figure out how to disguise my impending watermelon figure without making it look like I’m wearing a tent or overheating my already overheated state of being. It’s bad enough that pregnancy makes you constantly sweat, but in our area, the rebirth festival always takes place in late August through early October (read: HOT).

I have given some advice for girls who are in a similar situation.

Step 1: First of all, most of your usual 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 this under the tummy, but these tend to be very long and this would not be practical as it would get dangling and create a tripping hazard. Instead, pull it over your head and lower your waist just below your bust. You will notice a store 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 skirt. This helps people know that you are pregnant, not just by wearing a moo-moo. I know I know it still seems ridiculous. Just listen to me.

Step 3: Get a cut out peasant blouse that is not maternity; 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 shape, I would make sure it is a princess waist.

You will notice that you are starting to look more organized and ready to go. The belly band helps the skirt not to bulge and shows the belly very well. The peasant top is super lightweight and doesn’t add to the heat. At this point, however, your skirt is even shorter in the front and the peasant blouse looks like a tent.

Step 4: Get your belt. The belt will fit over your blouse or camisole low on your belly. To fix your skirt, wear your usual skirt walks, one on each side or on each leg, or just one. Now you can’t tell that your skirt is shorter in the front.

Step 5: Embellish with your usual Renaissance scarves, jewelry, purses, and accessories, and you’re good to go!