Dreading the search for fashionable maternity clothes? The swollen ankles, sensitive stomach and stretching belly are just a few of the many joys of pregnancy. The effort is worth the result, but it's usually a bumpy trip. One of many difficult tasks for mothers-to-be is shopping for maternity clothes, which are usually far less chic than regular clothes.
For some reason, the traditional view has been that once a woman is pregnant, she should be covered in cartoon prints, baby-doll-dress replicas or something far too conservative. Bows, lace, high collars and cutesy images seem stacked up as far as the eye can see. But, if you live in the real world, you might want some fashionable maternity clothes instead.
If you take the time to wade through the sea of candy cane lace and shirts only a nun would wear, you'll find that not all maternity clothes are twenty years behind the times. Even the big name mega stores are starting to add a little style to maternity attire.
The Basics
First, you need to know how to buy maternity clothes in general. Obviously, the stomach of the garment should be loose-fitting and allow room for growth. Any pants or skirts should have elastic stretch panels to fit gently around that growing belly.
Since a pregnant woman's breasts can be swollen or sensitive, the bust area of any top should fit snugly, but never tightly. Avoid any chest or neckline decorations that might cause chafing or other irritation.
The Styles
Search for styles with a tie or band under the chest to give a visual break between your bosom and your belly. When you glance in the mirror, you won't see just a big bowling ball with legs.
A popular and timeless look in maternity wear is the simple, flowing sundress. Spaghetti-strap or racerback, any soft cotton dress with an empire waist looks lovely. Print or plain, even hot celebrity moms-to-be are routinely photographed in these types of garments.
However, avoid sack dresses with a loose top and a pleated or gathered skirt. These types of maternity dresses went out of style long ago, especially if they contain a big sunflower in the middle of the collar. Stick to dresses that offer a little more form and shape.
The lifesaving basic black suit works for maternity clothes, too. A scoop neck, short-sleeve black top in a comfortable fabric always looks sharp, especially when paired with matching black pants. Any nicely tailored black outfit tends to appear graceful on the pregnant form.
Another stylish look for any mother-to-be is a short baby-doll dress paired with simple cotton leggings. The outfit works with any style or color. It's perfect for pregnant women who are barely showing and as maternity clothes for plus-size or petite mothers-to-be. It's a little bit sweet, a little bit sexy and another celebrity favorite.
A clever way to offset that casual feel of loose-belly maternity wear is to utilize classic tailoring. A maternity business blouse should have a crisp collar and cuffs. This balances out the soft lines of the torso and maintains a professional feel.
If you're looking for something a little more relaxed, don't settle for a plain T-shirt. Many comfortable, cotton shirts come in fun styles and cuts. Try a mock wraparound shirt for a relaxed, yet classy appearance. Smock waist and baby-doll T-shirts also provide tummy room without sacrificing style.
Be careful with stripe patterns. Strong stripes, like bold black and white, can look distorted when laid over a baby bump. These can make you look more like an optical illusion than a chic mother-to-be. A good way to handle this problem is to remember that the closer the stripes are spaced, the closer in color they should be.
The Everyday Needs
Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you've stopped living a busy life. Remember, maternity clothes come in every category you need. Activewear, swimsuits and pajamas can be found in most maternity departments.
Activewear doesn't automatically mean sweats, so drop that drab old suit. Assorted hoodies with matching pants keep you chic and ready to work out. Drawstring waists with wide leg pants are considered fashionable, as opposed to the traditional gathered cuff on sweat pants.
Don't limit yourself to just pants, though. Maternity activewear can mean comfy pants or shorts. Pregnant women who do yoga can find stretchy full-body suits. Cute, matching stretch pants with long T-shirts also look good as activewear.
Swimsuits still come in the old-fashioned skirt and top style, which is a maternity mainstay. These can look trendy, but only if they're not covered with cute kittens in every color in the rainbow. Luckily, you can branch out from this boring look.
A plain maternity swimsuit with a matching sarong or beach coat is always a cool look. Even maternity bikinis are available for the more daring soon-to-be mother. For a more demure maternity approach, tankinis with swimsuit shorts and matching tees can also be found.
Sleepwear options include negligees and pajamas. Cute shorts and tank tops, similar to the ones you'll find in activewear, can be both a comfortable and fashionable look. Silky nightgowns with delicate lace trimming are always fashionable, and they can help you feel more feminine despite pregnancy bloating.
The Stores
Thanks to some famous baby bumps, many big names in the fashion industry have begun to take a particular interest in maternity clothes. Designer maternity clothes are no longer rare items, and they can be found in most high-end department stores. Even maternity-only clothing chains are growing in number, and most offer some hot designer garments as well.
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