A pregnant body hands you the centre of a Halloween costume for free. The bump is already round, already front and centre, and the best ideas use it rather than hide it, turning it into a pumpkin, a pearl, a planet, a ball or the punchline of a food joke. Below are forty of them, from quick puns to characters and couple costumes, each with notes on clothing, hair, makeup, props and shoes you can stand in. Most start from stretchy maternity basics you already own plus felt, foam board and thrifted pieces. I've written them the way I'd style a client: comfort first, the joke second, nothing tight across the belly.
Measure the Bump the Week You Build
The biggest mistake I see with pregnancy costumes is making them too early. A bump can change noticeably in a few weeks, especially in the third trimester, and a panel cut to fit in September can sit too high or gape by the end of October. So I build late and build adjustable.
- Measure around the fullest part of the bump and from under the bust to the top of the pubic bone. Cut decorations to fit the front curve, and leave the sides free.
- Put the design on a separate layer: a plain maternity tee, a tabard that slips over your head, or a felt panel pinned on from the inside. You can adjust it, and your favourite dress survives.
- Use shoulder straps, ribbon ties or sew-on hook-and-loop tape instead of waistbands. Anything that circles the belly feels tighter every hour.
- Try the whole costume on and sit in it for ten minutes. If it rides up, presses on your ribs or makes the toilet a puzzle, change it now rather than at the party.
Separates win over one-pieces for most of these looks, simply because bathroom trips get frequent. A jumpsuit is fine for a short photo session, but I'd rarely style one for a long evening out.
1. Bun In The Oven Pregnant Costume
Everyone gets this pun before you finish saying it. Start with a stretchy black maternity dress, or leggings and a long-sleeve top, and build the oven front from foam board with a generous cut-out around the belly so nothing presses. Paint on knobs, add a clear window effect, and set a soft felt bun right over the bump. Foam board is light, but I'd hang it from ribbon shoulder straps rather than a waist tie, which digs in once you sit. A ponytail, warm bronze makeup, a gingham oven mitt and a wooden spoon finish it, with cushioned slip-ons or flat ankle boots. A partner can play the baker in an apron and chef's hat.
2. Avocado Pregnant Costume
Here the bump becomes the pit, and the brown base is what makes it work. Wear a fitted brown maternity top and soft brown leggings so the round centre shows clearly. Cut an oversized avocado from green felt or lightweight foam, with a darker green edge and an opening that frames your belly comfortably. Hang it from wide shoulder straps; anything wrapped around the waist gets tight as the evening goes on and you swell a little. A loose bun, fresh green liner and neutral makeup keep the face simple. A reusable grocery bag of fake produce is an optional prop, and green sneakers or brown flats handle a neighbourhood walk.
3. Pumpkin Belly Pregnant Costume
A pumpkin is the classic bump costume because the shape is already done. An orange maternity dress with real stretch, or an orange tunic over black maternity leggings, is the base. Cut the jack-o'-lantern face from felt and attach it to the fabric, never to your skin; pregnant skin is often more reactive than usual, and adhesives can leave it raw. A green cardigan or short cape suggests the vines, and a felt stem headband sits on top. Soft orange shadow, peach blush and a natural lip are enough. Carry a mini pumpkin basket and wear green sneakers or flat black boots. It's a comfortable pick for handing out candy at home.
4. Gumball Machine Pregnant Costume
Felt circles turn a plain maternity top into a gumball machine. Choose a white or red fitted top and stitch or pin multicoloured felt circles around the bump. On stretch jersey I'd stitch loosely rather than glue, because glue stiffens the fabric just where it needs to give. A red maternity skirt or relaxed red trousers become the machine base, with a silver cardboard dispenser panel near the upper thigh, kept flexible enough for sitting. A colourful ponytail, pink lipstick and tiny round hair clips continue the candy theme. Carry a clear container of pom-poms instead of real candy, and wear red cushioned sneakers or ballet flats.
5. Magic Fortune Ball Pregnant Costume
All black makes the bump read as a round fortune ball, and a fitted dress shows it best, though a black top and leggings work too. Put a large blue felt triangle on the belly with a removable answer like “Ask After My Due Date.” I'd make several answer cards and attach them with small pieces of sew-on hook-and-loop tape, so guests can ask a question and you can swap the reply. Sleek straight hair or a low ponytail, blue shimmer on the eyes and silver star clips keep it magical without going theatrical. Black sneakers, loafers or flat ankle boots keep the shape clean and your feet happy.
6. Basketball Player Pregnant Costume
Sports fans, this one is quick. An orange fitted maternity shirt gets curved ball lines in narrow black felt strips, and an open basketball jersey goes over the top so the ball still shows. Loose athletic shorts over maternity bike shorts suit a warm night; stretchy joggers suit a cold one. A high ponytail, natural makeup and a small orange accent near one eye finish the face. A sweatband, whistle and foam basketball sell the theme. Supportive high-tops are the right shoe here, and if your feet have swollen, buy them half a size up or loosen the laces at the top eyelets. Your partner can be the referee or coach.
7. Disco Ball Pregnant Costume
Disco is the glamorous way to dress a bump. A stretchy silver maternity dress, or a silver top with black flared trousers, is the base, and the belly gets lightweight reflective foam squares with small gaps between them so the fabric can still move. A cropped silver fringe jacket worn open stays off the stomach. Soft waves, silver shadow, rosy blush and a glossy lip suit the era, with oversized star earrings and a light microphone prop. I'd skip tall platforms. Your balance shifts forward during pregnancy, and metallic sneakers or low block-heel boots are much safer on a dance floor.
8. Fishbowl Pregnant Costume
The round belly does most of the work in a fishbowl costume. A pale blue maternity shirt gets blue organza, felt bubbles, green seaweed and a few small fabric fish arranged around the bump, all outlined with flexible silver trim. Organza frays quickly, so I seal its cut edges with a little liquid fray-stopper before stitching it on. Blue maternity leggings or an aqua skirt go underneath. Beachy waves, turquoise liner and a light pink lip suit it, with a fish purse or bubble wand as the prop and white sneakers or aqua flats on your feet.
9. Pearl In A Shell Pregnant Costume
A pearl in a shell is the elegant choice on this list. Wear a fitted pearly white maternity dress, or a white top with an iridescent skirt. Two shell halves from painted foam board frame the belly, hung from shoulder straps so they open around the bump like a clam. Cut the shells a little smaller than you think, since a wide shell catches on door frames and chair arms. A sheer aqua wrap adds movement. Soft waves with pearl clips, luminous makeup, pale lavender shadow and a glossy lip finish it. Add a shell purse and faux pearls, and wear silver flats or cushioned white sandals.
10. Peas In A Pod Pregnant Costume
Peas in a pod is cute and quick to build. Start with a fitted green maternity dress, or a green shirt and leggings, and put three big light-green fabric circles down the front, the largest over the bump. Frame them with two darker green felt panels shaped like an open pod, attached at the shoulders and sides so nothing circles your waist. If you're carrying twins, use two big peas over the belly instead; it's a sweet way to share the news. A relaxed braid with green ribbon, fresh green liner and rosy cheeks suit the palette, with a garden basket and green sneakers or flat brown boots.
11. Cat With Yarn Pregnant Costume
A black cat with the bump as a ball of yarn is a sweet twist on a classic. Wear a soft black maternity top, black leggings and an open lightweight cardigan. Lay colourful yarn across the front and tack it to the shirt with a few hand stitches. Don't wrap it around your body; yarn is snug once it's tied, and it gets tighter as you sit. Cat ears, a soft tail and whiskers drawn with cosmetic eyeliner do the character, with pink blush and a small black nose. A high ponytail adds playfulness. Carry a cardboard knitting needle or a yarn tote, and wear black sneakers or flat boots you can stand in for hours.
12. Mummy To Be Pregnant Costume
Mummy to Be is wordplay that needs no explaining. A cream maternity dress, beige leggings or a matching top-and-trousers set is the base, layered with torn strips of lightweight cotton. Tear rather than cut the cotton; it frays into a softer, more convincing edge. Leave plenty of stretch over the belly and at the knees and elbows, and keep every wrap short and stitched down so nothing trails underfoot. A small “Mummy to Be” sash above the bump lands the joke. A loose, messy braid, taupe shadow and smudged liner suit it, with a mini wrapped plush as the prop and cream sneakers or beige boots.
13. Pregnant Skeleton Costume
A skeleton is the easy streamlined option. Wear a black maternity jumpsuit, or a fitted long-sleeve shirt with black leggings, and add white felt bones to the arms, legs and chest with a small smiling baby skeleton over the bump. Keep it playful rather than graphic. A jumpsuit is the one piece I'd think twice about in later pregnancy, because bathroom trips become frequent and a one-piece makes every trip slow, so separates are kinder. A sleek ponytail and gentle white and grey cosmetic shading keep the face friendly. Carry a foam bone or a black candy bucket, wear supportive sneakers and bring a zip-up hoodie for outdoor plans.
14. Winnie The Pooh Pregnant Costume
Pooh's round tummy makes him a natural fit. Wear a mustard-yellow maternity dress, or a yellow top and leggings, and layer a cropped red tee over the upper body, sitting above the bump rather than squeezing it. Cut the red tee from an old shirt if you can't find a short one; jersey doesn't fray, so the hem can stay raw. Rounded bear ears on a soft headband and a little brown nose drawn with eyeliner finish the face, with hair in a low bun or under a yellow knit cap. A light honey pot and a plush bee are the props, with yellow sneakers or brown slip-ons. A partner in orange-and-black stripes makes a sweet Tigger.
15. Mike Wazowski Pregnant Costume
Mike Wazowski is mostly eye, so the bump is perfect for him. A fitted lime-green maternity dress or top carries one big white-and-blue felt eye across the belly, with a smiling mouth below it and a few purple or teal spots if you like. Stack the eye in layers of felt, white, then blue, then black, so it has depth from across a room. A green headband with two soft horns sits over a simple ponytail. Green liner, purple mascara and a natural lip keep the makeup playful. A light clipboard or a child's hard hat makes the work joke, and white sneakers or green slip-ons finish it.
16. Blueberry Character Pregnant Costume
Violet Beauregarde turning into a blueberry is a perfect bump joke. Choose a stretchy royal-blue maternity dress, jumpsuit, or fitted top and leggings, then add a green felt collar and a leaf-shaped headpiece for the top of the berry. A neat blonde bob wig or polished shoulder-length waves suit her. Blue shadow and a little cosmetic blue on the cheeks hint at the transformation without painting the whole face, which I'd avoid anyway on sensitive pregnancy skin. A faux candy wrapper or a golden-ticket-style card is the prop, with blue sneakers or flat blue boots. The bump gives you the round berry shape with no padding at all.
17. Poké Ball Pregnant Costume
A Poké Ball is red on top, white below and divided by a black band, and a round bump gives it the shape. Use a maternity top split into red and white halves, with a black felt stripe across the middle and a white-and-black button in the centre of the belly. I'd sew the halves onto a plain white maternity tee rather than piecing a new top, so the stretch stays where you need it. Black maternity leggings, an open red jacket and a red cap over a sporty ponytail finish it. Keep the makeup fresh with a small red liner accent. Carry a trainer bag or a plush creature, and wear red-and-white sneakers.
18. BB-8 Droid Pregnant Costume
A white maternity outfit is the base for a round droid. Wear a white fitted dress or a long white top with soft leggings, and add orange, silver and grey felt panels around the bump in clean geometric shapes. Mark the circles with a plate or a bowl before cutting, because freehand circles are what make homemade droid costumes look lopsided. A white cap with matching shapes and a single black circle stands in for the head. Keep your hair tucked back or in a low braid. Silver liner and a small orange accent near the eye continue the palette, with a silver crossbody bag and white-and-orange sneakers.
19. Pasta Sauce Jar Pregnant Costume
A pasta sauce jar is a grocery joke with a pregnancy twist. A stretchy red maternity dress is the jar, and a big green-and-white fabric label goes across the front with a made-up sauce name and the word “pregnant” worked into it. Letter the label with fabric paint or iron-on letters on cotton, since iron-on letters peel off stretch polyester as soon as it moves. A gold or green collar stands in for the lid without a bulky hat. Loose waves, classic red lipstick and subtle winged liner suit it, with a wooden spoon and a basket of fake tomatoes. A partner can be the chef.
20. Mother Earth Pregnant Costume
Mother Earth is a gentle, flowing look built around the bump. Wear a blue maternity maxi dress and add green felt continents across the belly for a globe effect, with a lightweight green cape or sheer leaf-print wrap over the shoulders. Soft braids threaded with artificial leaves and small fabric flowers, earthy bronze makeup, rosy cheeks and a hint of green at the temples finish it. A woven basket of silk greenery is the prop; keep it light, since carrying weight in one hand pulls on a back that's already working hard. Brown sandals, green flats or supportive neutral boots suit photos and indoor parties.
21. Sun And Moon Pregnant Costume
A sun-and-moon costume gives the bump a celestial glow. A dark blue maxi dress gets removable silver stars, with a large golden sun shape around the belly and a navy cape carrying a crescent moon on the back. Gold felt or metallic vinyl makes the sun read far better than yellow, which looks flat beside navy. Loose waves with gold star clips, gold shadow, fine silver liner and a berry lip give a polished finish. Carry a crescent purse or a star wand with no pointed tip, and wear gold flats or navy sneakers. A partner dressed as the moon turns it into an easy couple look.
22. Snow Globe Pregnant Costume
A snow globe feels magical without leaning on any holiday. Start with a pale blue maternity dress, or a fitted blue top and white leggings, and decorate the bump with tiny white felt snowflakes, silver trees and a little snowman scene. Outline the globe with flexible silver trim and add a wide grey fabric panel underneath as the base. A white beret over soft curls, icy blue shadow, pearly highlighter and pink blush suit it. Paper snowflakes on a clear umbrella make a fun photo prop. This is a good one for a cold night, because the dress hides warm leggings and a thermal layer easily.
23. Aquarium Diver Couple Costume
Here the belly is an aquarium and your partner is the diver. Your side is a turquoise maternity dress with fabric fish, bubbles, seaweed and a curved fishbowl outline around the bump, plus loose waves, blue liner, a pearl clip, aqua sneakers and a fish bag. Your partner wears black joggers and a fitted black shirt, carries flippers by hand and pushes a snorkel mask up above the face. Flippers on the feet are a trip hazard, so I always tell the diver to carry them. A cardboard oxygen tank on a small backpack finishes the scene, and neither of you is wearing anything restrictive.
24. Bee And Beekeeper Couple Costume
Bee and beekeeper is easy to read and comfortable for both of you. The bee wears a black maternity dress with wide yellow fabric stripes set around the bump, not pulled tight across it, plus sheer wings, a soft antenna headband, yellow shadow and black sneakers. A high ponytail keeps the wings visible. Choose wings with elastic loops rather than a rigid harness; the loops won't press on your chest. The beekeeper wears tan trousers, a white shirt, work boots, a beige jacket and a wide-brim hat with soft mesh kept away from the face. A cardboard honeycomb and plush bees are the props.
25. Golfer And Hole In One Couple Costume
A hole in one turns golf into a pregnancy joke. Wear a green maternity dress, or a green top with stretchy trousers, as the putting green, add a white felt circle around the bump and set a small red flag above it on a fabric stem rather than a rigid pole you could bump into. A visor, a ponytail, natural makeup and white golf-style sneakers finish your side. Your partner wears plaid trousers, a polo, a sweater vest and a cap, with a foam club and a soft ball for photos. Keep jackets open, because the joke only lands when the flag and bump are both in view.
26. Baker And Bun Couple Costume
This is the simpler cousin of the bun-in-the-oven costume, with no oven to build. Wear a tan maternity dress with a soft fabric bun attached over the belly, and a white apron tied loosely above the bump. A gingham headband, warm neutral makeup and cushioned brown flats suit it, and a mixing bowl of fabric rolls or plush pastries is the prop. Stuff the bun with polyester fibrefill rather than anything firm, so it squashes when you lean against a counter. Your partner wears black trousers, a white button-down, an apron, a chef's hat and nonslip shoes, with a wooden spoon and an empty flour bag.
27. Kangaroo Pregnant Costume
A kangaroo makes the bump a pouch. Wear a soft brown maternity jumpsuit, or a brown tunic and leggings, and attach a roomy tan pouch to the front, loose enough to sit naturally over the bump, with a small plush joey peeking out of the top. Rounded ears on a comfortable headband and a long padded tail pinned at the back finish the animal. Make the tail light; a heavy tail drags on the waistband all night. A low ponytail and warm brown makeup with a small nose are enough. Carry nothing heavier than a leaf prop, and wear supportive brown sneakers or flat boots.
28. Ladybug Pregnant Costume
A ladybug is a bright change from dark Halloween costumes. A red maternity dress gets large black felt dots across the front, including a few around the bump, with black maternity tights or leggings underneath for warmth. Light red wings, a black antenna headband and a flower purse finish the bug. A sleek ponytail, rosy cheeks, black liner and red lipstick give a polished face. Check the felt dots after the first wash or wear, because cheap craft felt pills and stretches out of shape quickly. Choose black sneakers, loafers or flat boots for the weather. A partner can be the gardener in overalls and a plaid shirt.
29. Scarecrow Pumpkin Belly Costume
Scarecrow and pumpkin combine two fall favourites. Maternity overalls go over an orange fitted shirt with a smiling pumpkin face on the belly, and an open plaid shirt and fabric patches on the knees and pockets finish the scarecrow. Overalls are one of the best maternity costume pieces I know, because the bib sits over the bump and the straps adjust as you grow. A floppy straw-style hat, braided pigtails, freckles and orange shadow do the face. Skip real straw near your face; strips of tan ribbon give the same texture with no itch or mess. Carry a basket of fabric leaves and wear roomy low-heel boots.
30. Baseball And Umpire Couple Costume
Turn the bump into a baseball for a sporty couple. A fitted white maternity shirt gets curved red felt stitching across the belly, worn with white joggers or black maternity leggings and a light cap. Draw the curves lightly with chalk first; baseball seams are two mirrored arcs, and getting them symmetrical is what makes it look right. A low ponytail, natural makeup, a red lip tint and red-and-white sneakers finish your side. Your partner plays umpire in grey trousers, a dark polo, a cap and black athletic shoes, with a foam chest panel and a scorecard instead of bulky gear. A soft foam ball is the photo prop.
31. Bowling Ball And Bowler Costume
A dark maternity dress becomes a bowling ball with three felt finger holes. Choose stretchy black, navy or purple and place the holes near the upper curve of the bump, where a real ball's grip sits. A few glitter dots add the old bowling-alley sparkle. A high ponytail with a retro headband, winged liner and a bright pink lip suit the era. Carry a foam pin or a pin-shaped bag, and wear two-tone sneakers or comfortable lace-up flats. Your partner can be the bowler in a retro bowling shirt, cropped trousers, white socks and matching shoes, carrying a scorecard.
32. Beach Ball Pregnant Costume
A beach ball brings summer colour into October. Wear a fitted white maternity dress or top and arrange curved red, blue and yellow fabric panels around the belly. Cut the panels as long, pointed segments meeting at the centre, the way a real beach ball is made, rather than as stripes. An open cover-up, colourful sunglasses and a wide-brim hat set the beach scene, with a side braid, coral lipstick and fresh, luminous makeup. A striped tote with a folded towel and an inflatable ring is the prop. Wear supportive white sneakers, or sandals if the party is indoors. A partner can be the lifeguard.
33. Saturn Planet Pregnant Costume
Saturn gives you a dramatic silhouette while the clothing stays simple. Wear a fitted gold, tan or pale orange maternity dress with softly shaded fabric panels across the bump. Build the ring from flexible foam tubing, the kind sold for pipe insulation, covered in silver or gold fabric, and hang it from shoulder straps so it circles the belly without pressing. A navy starry cape, a metallic headband, loose waves, gold shadow and fine silver liner finish the space theme. The one thing I check is width. Walk through your own doorway in it before the party, because a ring that's too wide makes every room awkward.
34. Rain Cloud And Rainbow Costume
A rain cloud and rainbow is a fun nod to pregnancy moods. Attach lightweight white cloud shapes around the shoulders of a soft grey maternity dress, and run a rainbow of fabric strips from the chest around the bump. Short felt raindrops can dangle from the clouds; keep them short enough that they can't tangle. Stuff the clouds lightly with fibrefill so they're puffy but don't add heat. A loose bun under a cloud headband, silver shadow, pink blush and bright liner suit it, with a clear umbrella trimmed in rainbow ribbons. Gray sneakers or blue rain boots finish it, and the cloud layers come off if you get warm.
35. Fried Egg Pregnant Costume
A fried egg uses the bump as the yolk, which is about as natural as costumes get. Wear a white maternity dress, a poncho or an oversized white tunic with uneven felt edges for the egg white, and place a big yellow fabric circle over the belly so its curve gives the yolk real dimension. A poncho is my favourite base here, since it drapes over the bump and needs no fitting at all. White leggings or relaxed maternity trousers go underneath. A yellow headband, sunny shadow, peach blush and a casual ponytail suit it, with a foam spatula and white sneakers with yellow laces. A partner can be the toast.
36. Popcorn Tub Pregnant Costume
Red-and-white stripes make a cheerful popcorn tub. Wear a striped maternity dress, or attach vertical red felt strips to a white tunic, then set fluffy white and yellow fabric pieces above and around the bump to look like overflowing popcorn. Scraps of white fleece, scrunched and tacked down, look more like popcorn than flat felt does. A red bow headband over a bouncy ponytail, gold shadow and classic red lipstick give a retro movie-night finish. Carry an empty popcorn carton, and wear red sneakers or comfortable white flats. A partner can be the usher in black trousers and a red vest.
37. Cupcake Pregnant Costume
A cupcake suits soft pastel maternity pieces. Wear a pink fitted dress and wrap a light, pleated paper-effect panel around the lower half, attached at the sides so it isn't tight over the belly. Swirls of white tulle above the bump make the frosting, and a red pom-pom headband becomes the cherry. Gather the tulle in loose puffs rather than flat layers, or it looks like a skirt instead of icing. A neat bun, pink shadow, rosy cheeks and glossy lipstick finish it, with a bakery box or cupcake purse and pink sneakers or silver flats. Keep the frosting on the front so chairs and doorways stay easy.
38. Watermelon Belly Pregnant Costume
Pink and green make a watermelon that shines at daytime events. A fitted pink maternity dress gets small black felt seeds around the bump, with a wide green fabric border beneath and around the belly as the rind. A short green cardigan adds warmth without hiding the design. Cut the seeds as teardrops, not circles, which is the small detail that makes it read as watermelon. A high bun with a pink-and-green scarf, rosy makeup and subtle green liner suit it, with a picnic basket and green sneakers or pink slip-ons. Everything here is flat, so sitting and walking are easy.
39. Heart Eyes Emoji Pregnant Costume
A heart-eyes emoji turns the bump into a face. A bright yellow maternity dress or fitted shirt gets two red felt heart eyes and a curved black smile across the belly, all removable. Place the face a little above the widest point of the bump, so it doesn't stretch and distort when you sit. Black leggings, yellow joggers or a yellow skirt go underneath, with heart clips in a ponytail or loose waves. Red liner, rosy cheeks and a glossy lip match the face. A small sign showing another emoji is a fun swap for photos. Red sneakers or cushioned black loafers finish it, and the whole thing goes together in an evening.
40. Baby Loading Pregnant Costume
Baby Loading is the modern, minimal option when time is short. A black maternity jumpsuit, or a fitted black shirt with comfortable leggings, carries a green progress bar of removable felt rectangles across the bump, with “Baby Loading” and your rough completion percentage above it. Make the percentage a separate felt piece so you can update it if you wear the costume to more than one party. A black zip-up hoodie adds warmth and leaves the design visible. A sleek ponytail with green liner or metallic silver shadow is enough makeup. A cardboard keyboard is the prop, and black sneakers with green laces finish it. Your partner can wear “System Update Pending.”
Felt on Stretch Jersey Without the Peeling
Almost every costume on this list puts felt on a stretchy maternity top, and that's where homemade versions usually fail. Jersey stretches every time you breathe or sit; felt doesn't. Glue that holds on a flat table lets go once the fabric moves.
- Hand-stitch around each shape with a loose running stitch, a few millimetres in from the edge. Loose stitches let the knit stretch underneath.
- Safety pins from the inside work for a one-night costume, and nothing is permanent on a top you want to wear again.
- If you do glue, use a flexible fabric glue on small shapes only, and let it cure overnight before wearing.
- Big pieces like a pumpkin face or a progress bar sit better on a cotton tabard over the top, which doesn't stretch at all.
Shoes, Layers and Sitting Down
Feet and ankles often swell by evening during pregnancy, so I always put clients in shoes they've already worn for a full day, never a new pair. Flat, cushioned and slightly roomy beats anything that matches perfectly. Layers matter too, because many people run warmer while pregnant, and a party room heats up fast. Plan one piece, a cardigan, cape or hoodie, that comes off without wrecking the design. And check that you can sit, lean back and get up easily in the costume; a stiff panel that's fine standing can dig in hard once you're on a sofa.
Your Bump Is Already Half the Costume
Every costume here comes back to the same rule: clothing that feels good for the whole evening, with the bump doing the visual work. The list covers puns, familiar characters, foods, animals, planets and couple looks, and nearly all of them can be simplified with flat felt shapes in place of big cardboard builds. Attach decorations to fabric rather than skin, keep props light, and wear supportive shoes with a layer you can take off. Pick the one that makes you laugh when you picture it, and build it close to the date so it fits the bump you actually have.
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