There used to be a time when maternity style was an oxymoron. Pregnant women wore garish collars, muumuus and other tent-like contraptions. Not anymore!
Modern mamas love to show off their bump, and fitted jeans and racey lingerie should be in the "must-have" column of your maternity wardrobe. This week, in honor of Fashion Week, we’re celebrating the fashion of pregnancy.
But first, a few important style tips for your 40 weeks.
1. Pregnancy is usually not the time to reinvent yourself drastically, fashionably speaking. Stick with what you know and experiment with accessories like a bold colored handbag, scarf or bangle when you're feeling adventurous.
2. Maternity clothes should show off, not hide your body. Fitted clothes actually make you look thinner. Plus it sends an important message to the world that pregnancy is beautiful, natural and downright sexy!
3. You don’t need a celebrity sized budget to have a fashionable pregnancy. Before buying a full blown maternity wardrobe, take good stock of the things you already own that can be worn throughout pregnancy such as button down shirts, ribbed turtlenecks and other knits, wrap dresses and stretchy pants.
4. Extend the life of your favorite jeans by using a simple ponytail elastic. Loop the elastic around the button, pull the rest through your buttonhole and pull it back to loop around the button again. Voila!
5. When you do buy maternity wear, start with basics like black pants, jeans, khakis and leggings, along with sweaters or T-shirts depending on the season, in neutral colors that are versatile. Think layers and pair a maternity tee with your favorite sweater to maximize your wardrobe.
Bonus note: Layers are also really important during pregnancy because you are almost always hot. I know I was. I could have been sitting buck naked on a large pack of peas in the frozen food aisle and I was still always sweating—and in the strangest of places, no less. Experts say, (where were they when I needed them?) that layering is the sweat antidote.
Now on to the fashion. My favorite part. Here are a few things I love. I hope you do too. Either way, make sure you sashay down a runway of your own sometime during your 40 weeks. With clothes. Without clothes. No matter. Being bold and daring is what pregnancy and fashion week is all about.
1. Nothing says maternity style like a wrap blouse or wrap dress. My faves. This one from Isabella Oliver is oh so stylish, and can easily be dressed up for a night out or dressed down with jeans. I love the extra space in the sleeves. This version is very versatile and the V neck lets you show off your new set of twins. Meeeowww! And it’s on sale now for $77.40 at Isabella Oliver. The cost is still a splurge, but definitely worth it—you’ll be able to wear this your entire pregnancy and even after.
2. A hot mama must have her skinny jeans. You may not feel very skinny, but even with a gorgeous pregnancy bump and a few extra pounds elsewhere you can still look cute in a great pair of skinny jeans. I love these by Maternal America, sold at Unbuttoned Maternity.com. If these sexy skinny jeans aren’t you’re cup of tea, make sure you find a fabulous pair of jeans that you feel great wearing.
3. Yoga pants just aren’t for yoga anymore, sweetie. These ultra comfy pants by Liz Lange for Target are great during pregnancy and only $29.99. Check out Target.com for other affordable fashion finds from Liz Lange too!
4. When it comes to maternity style, you just can’t go wrong with an expressive tee. Check out the rockin’ tees by Rock Me Mama —a collection of concert tees made from vintage cotton jersey with the authentic asymmetrical sleeves. The shirts come with your favorite rock logos from AC/DC and the Ramones to Rolling Stone and Run-DMC. And if you want to express your African American pride check out my Mocha Manual maternity tees. The popular “Chocolate Bun in the Oven” and “This is Why I’m Hot!” (with an arrow pointing down to the belly), both $15, are just what every mocha-flavored fashionista needs.
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