5 Hot Maternity Dresses for Summer

Summer is coming and the time for summer dresses comes with it. For women, this is a chance to dress light and show off their tans. But what if you.re pregnant? Does that mean you.re confined to big skirts and shape-hiding shirts? Not to worry. If Hollywood and recent red-carpet events have shown us anything it is that maternity is no longer the dominion of boring, un-sexy clothes. Celebrities, from Gwen to Angelina, have led the way in making mothers-to-be feel comfortable with dressing up and showing off; even with a new little bump.

The simple, single piece dress is perfect for wearing during the upcoming months. You can mix and match with shoes, jewelry and other accessories to suit any occasion. Below, we.ve put together 5 hot maternity dresses that will make you stand out, in the good way, this summer.

1. Chiffon Maternity Dress
For those black-tie events, there.s nothing better than a long, elegant chiffon dress. This light, sleeveless dress is also perfect for summer. Take advantage of the season to experiment with brighter colors. And also remember that your belly will already be commanding a lot of attention, so don't be afraid to call attention to other parts (e.g. wearing lower cut dresses, etc.).

2. The Empire Waist Dress
By far the most popular maternity dress in recent years, the empire waist dress comes in many varieties. Its genius lies in the fact that it sections off your body (i.e. the top, bust part from the bottom, swollen-belly part) so that you don't end up looking like a giant bell. A nice, plain, dark dress is good for evening events and a lighter, more patterned dress is perfect for daytime outings.

3. The Sleeveless Front-Tie Dress
This dress is perfect for adding a dash of vibrant color to your summer wardrobe. It is simple and elegant with draping folds to give it a dynamic floral appearance. The front-tie design has the same effect as the empire waist: it accentuates the bust and prevents the drab, bell-shape look. This stunning orange dress is available from Maternal America, at www.sierramaternity.com.

4. The V-Neck, French Paisley Dress
Paisley is great for the summer months. With its favorable colors and flattering patterns, it will make you look bright and beautiful in any social occasion. It is perfect for wearing outdoors, and it.s simple cut is perfect for accessorizing, so don't be afraid to mix in some loud jewelry. Large, colorful necklaces and bracelets will add the defining flavor.

5. The Maxi Dress
The maxi dress has been popular amongst pregnant celebrities this year. It is a natural, flowing dress that is simply comfortable and flattering. As the summer months get under way, try out some colorful maxi dresses. They can go with almost any occasion, casual or formal, and their simplicity makes them perfect for adding jewelry accessories.