Maternity Wear
Firstly, congratulations! As your bump gets bigger what do you wear to look stylish yet stay comfy? Maternity wear is much more flattering nowadays so there is no need to live in your partner’s baggy shirts and a pair of leggings.
Although it is tempting, do not be drawn into purchasing clothes that are just a couple of sizes bigger than you usually wear. Even though they will fit you around your bump, they will swamp you everywhere else making you look larger than you really are.
Try wearing close fitting fabrics with a bit of stretch in them. Also look out for natural fabrics that your can layer, as you may find your body temperature goes up slightly during pregnancy and you become more sensitive to heat.
Pregnancy Clothes
Wrap tops and dresses can be a good investment as they can be adjusted to fit and can be dressed up or down with accessories. In the summer months a sarong or adjustable skirt can be complimentary and comfortable. Most of all avoid pleats and billowy tops as they can make you look like a tent. Be careful with bold pattern or strips, block colours tend to be more flattering but detailed fabrics can look great, if the pattern is small. A shiny fabric over your bump is unflattering for most.
For casual wear, there are many types of jeans that are made especially for pregnancy, with adjustable and elasticated panels. If you are working up until your maternity leave then office wear can cause a problem, with needing to look smart but stay cool and relaxed.
In the first few months you can probably get away with wearing your usual clothes with the top button undone. After this a maternity business suit that can be altered as you grow can be a great buy, as can a smart wrap skirt. Dorothy Perkins stock a selection of smart trousers that are a good work staple, as well as more casual styles.
Emphasise your new larger cleavage out of work, especially if you were more flat beforehand, with V-necks and scoop necks. This is one area worth spending more time and money on, so get professionally measured for a supportive bra or three, with wider straps providing the most comfort. There are many brands on the market now so you should have much more choice than just frumpy beige.
Most of all have fun trying out new colours and styles that you would not normally go for, you can be pregnant and look fabulous!
