The concept behind this shower is to give the mama-to-be a day to develop or expand her personal style and maybe her maternity attire, too. Let the best friends be the stylists as the group conquers fashion fearlessly. This shower can be planned earlier in the pregnancy to give her a chance to prepare a fashion-forward work (or play) wardrobe.

If you are in close proximity to an urban hub, you can plan a day trip to the city. If you’re a city dweller, plan to stop and shop at nearby boutiques. A variation on this theme is to invite guests to share their gently used maternity clothes.

Menu Ideas and Options

You are going to be out and about in the city, so take a Zagat’s guide with you and find a trendy café or landmark eatery, or ask locals for the name of a favorite hot spot.

For hardcore shoppers, leaving the store is not an option, so hit the store cafeteria; but don’t be surprised if your favorite department store’s fuel stop becomes your favorite restaurant — there has been a retro resurgence of the lunch counter in many high-end department stores.

Many department stores have given over their cafés to high-end chefs who bring new flavors to the old lunchroom. Dishes from designer sandwiches to decadent chocolate dessert bars grace the updated menus.

The Perfect Game or Activity

Shopping with girlfriends for a maternity “layette” needs a plan — no unfocused meandering through sale racks. The mama-to-be needs to get in, get out, and get what she needs to look “phantastic” for the rest of the pregnancy.

Maternity clothes are designed to fit the ever-expanding waistline, but over the course of nine months, the pregnant woman will need clothes for each stage as well as seasonal pieces and perhaps a special occasion or career outfit or two. The categories that should be considered are: underwear, sleepwear, casual wear, career wear, outerwear, dress-up, accessories, and shoes.

The Maternity Girl’s “Layette”:

• Underwear. Mama will need underwear for each trimester. During the first trimester, she can probably wear regular bikinis and hiphuggers, but in the second trimester, she may want to splurge on a few new pairs. By the third trimester, good-old-fashioned granny pants may be the order of the day, especially if she likes her undies to cover the bump.

  Bras are a must, even if she doesn’t normally wear one. She will probably need to have two or three for the first half of the pregnancy and may need a larger size during the last three months.

• Sleepwear. Some women feel sexy during pregnancy and others do not. Consider having some fun lingerie as well as a couple of loose-fitting cotton nightshirts. Depending on the season, a bathrobe or sweats may also be necessary.

• Casual wear. This category will make up an important component of the pregnancy wardrobe. There are many choices in all ranges of styles and price points now available. During the first trimester, pants or skirts that sit at the natural waistline may still fit if the waist is left unbuttoned. By the fifth month, Mama will need either low-rise or bell-banded pants and skirts.

  Two pairs of jeans and some soft cotton pants — either sweats, yoga pants, or leggings — will be much used throughout the pregnancy. Casual tops can be specific to maternity wear or simply larger sizes of a favorite brand or style of T-shirt, sweatshirt, or hoodie. Splurge on a good-fitting pair of jeans that can do double duty when mixed with a career jacket and top.

• Career wear. This is another component of the maternity wardrobe that will need attention. Help Mom evaluate her business-outfit needs carefully. Second- and third-trimester dressing will require three bottoms—two pants and a skirt, and five to seven tops—including a jacket or two, if the weather will warrant it. Plan to layer, as ever-changing hormone levels can cause sweats and chills.

• Outerwear. Depending on the region she lives in, Mama will need at least one or two seasonal jackets or coats. Consider a flattering style that is somewhat loose-fitting and is not strictly maternity — since most good coats can last for more than one season.

• Dress-up. It is probably unlikely that a fashionista Mama will go nine whole months without a wedding or other social occasion that requires a fancy dress. Today’s Maternity Girl can look superchic in one of the many styles and fabrics now in vogue.

• Accessories. This is the good stuff in the one-size-fits-all department. Consider scale when choosing accessories because mama’s body will have a new shape. Big earrings, chunky necklaces, elegant scarves, and bold bracelets all scream fashion and take the focus off the waistline.

• Shoes. Start with comfort. During pregnancy, the same hormones that get the pelvis ready to deliver that bundle of joy also cause the joints in the feet to expand, sometimes as much as a size. The ever-widening girth also can make Mama off balance. Lower heels, cushiony soles, and wider widths will be needed throughout the pregnancy.

Shopping Strategy:

• Make a list. Create a list of needs, wants, and sizes.

• What does she need? Next figure out what the maternity girl could use to complete her layette, and what her budget will allow.

• What can she borrow? Ask friends, sisters, cousins, and coworkers to share a gently used outfit. You can even make this request on the invitation and ask them to bring dry-cleaned items to the party.

Gifts That Work with This Theme

Gifts for this shower can be for the baby, but the focus is on the mom, so give fashion a chance. Boost her self-confidence and fashion flair with any one of these gift ideas.

• Jewelry. Funky bracelets, fabulous earrings, interesting pins and brooches.

• Handbags. Sometimes a bag in an off-beat color or shape can make an outfit. Some of the new diaper bags are cuter than the handbags, so look into this option.

• Scarves or hats. For sun or sleet, these accessories are necessary and fashionable.