The Shower Diva: Where Fun Reigns!

Amy Radich, Owner of Bella Bellies Maternity Boutique - A Discussion on Clothes and Comfort

Dress Like a Diva!

Whether you’re the hostess, guest of honor, or an invitee, you’ll want to look great at the shower. Boutique-owner Amy Radich shares her tips for celebrating in Diva style!

Start by Considering Your Role

A party is a bit like a play. In Act 1, we gather together and meet each other. Perhaps Act 2 features a game. Act 3 might be a break for refreshments, and so on. Before you open your closet doors, consider which role you will be playing.

Are you the hostess? You have a big part in the success of the shower! Consider clothing with clean, simple lines that are comfortable to move in so you can concentrate on keeping the party organized and running smoothly. Fussy clothes will only be a distraction. Unless your shower is catered, you’ll be working with food too, so you probably want to forego anything that needs dry cleaning. Do you have one of those fantastic knit outfits with enough shaping to flatter and enough ease to move with you? You know, the one that never needs ironing and always looks great? If not, shop for one. It will be perfect at the shower and a million other occasions.

It is especially important that you wear comfortable shoes. You won’t be your gracious best if your feet are screaming in pain, so choose flats or very low heels that you can walk in all day.

Are you an invitee? Come prepared to join the fun and games! Again, simple is best because you may be playing games that require you to move around, but keep in mind that you’re attending a party. Clothes with a sense of fun are a great choice. Remember you’ll be mingling, so avoid uncomfortable shoes.

Most importantly, please don’t outshine the guest of honor. It’s her day to sit in the limelight and be the prettiest. Letting her have her big moment is a loving gesture she’ll appreciate. If you’re not sure what the guest of honor is wearing, ask her. She might be glad you did if she hasn’t planned her outfit yet. Help her brainstorm, encourage her to step into the role of leading lady, or plan a trip to your favorite boutique to help her shop for something that makes her feel special.

Are you the guest of honor? Congratulations! This is your day and your time to dress up, so go for it! Everyone is there to celebrate you, so wear a special dress that makes you look and feel beautiful! Choose something fitted to show off your figure. If you’re a Bride-to-Be, you’ve likely been toning up for the big day. Go ahead and flaunt your gorgeous curves! And speaking of gorgeous curves – a shower is a perfect occasion for the Mommy-to-Be to try something fitted over her baby bump! You’re celebrating your pregnancy, so don’t hide it, be the one who stands out at this event!

Next, Consider the Stage

Is the shower at a nice restaurant or a ball park? Are you meeting for cocktails at the country club or having a pool party? The basic rules apply wherever you are, but obviously, the setting matters. If you’re meeting at a crazy, loud club, you might opt for something more daring, but if you’re gathering at Grandmother’s house for an old-fashioned tea, skip the plunging neckline. If you’ve never been to the venue before, it’s smart to ask the hostess about the expected dress code.

And Don’t Forget Your Audience

Think about the guest of honor and her family members that may be attending. Do they have any religious or cultural beliefs about dressing that should be respected? Again, if you’re not sure, ask. This doesn’t mean that you have to dress the same way she or her family dress, be yourself. But, if showing your knees is a cultural no-no in her family or community, you’ll want to choose something that allows you to be fashionable but respectful. You don’t want to end up accidentally stealing the spotlight because of an unfortunate clothing choice.

Special Appearances

There are a couple of occasions that that require a bit of extra costuming attention: theme parties and bachelorette parties. Both of these events call for a balance between fun fashion and fine taste.

Bachelorette Parties: Choose something that will work well at a nice restaurant, but be flexible enough to go out partying too. This is easier to pull off than it sounds if you start with a fun dress (think tastefully flirty, not tarted up) that will be appropriate for the club scene. Add a nice sweater set or shawl that you can wear in the restaurant but easily remove before you head out for the clubs. Remember not to overdo it. A blouse and skirt or simple black dress will make the perfect “classy party girl” statement.

Theme Parties: A little costuming goes a long way, so don’t try to dress up from head-to-toe. You don’t want to go over the top and look ridiculous, especially if you’re the guest of honor. Start with a simple base outfit — perhaps a solid colored sheath — then add accessories that fit the party theme.

You’re On!

Once you’ve chosen your outfit and dressed for the shower, forget about your clothes. Go to the party and celebrate the guest of honor. Make your love and happiness for her your most radiant garments and you’ll always be perfectly dressed!

Amy Radich is the owner of Bella Bellies Maternity — a boutique dedicated to bringing trendy maternity clothes to expectant moms as well as other great products. Amy created the idea for BellaBelliesMaternity shortly after her now 5-year-old son was born. A clothes-lover and trend-setter, Amy was discouraged to learn while pregnant that stylish maternity clothes selections were slim to none (no pun intended). So, rather than watch all her girlfriends struggle to find designer fashions, as she did, Amy decided to open a boutique dedicated to high-quality, comfortable and oh so trendy fashions for during and after pregnancy! Amy says she wears more maternity clothes now than she did during her pregnancy…and she love them more and more every season. Visit Bella Bellies Maternity online or, if you’re in the Portland, Oregon area, stop by their shop in Bridgeport Village located at 7351 SW Bridgeport Road, Tigard, OR 97224. I am sure she would love to meet you in person!