Let me start off by saying I’ve been there. Watching your body completely warp in the most beautiful way possible is just…weird. And it happens in this strange “where did this come from?” sort of way. It’s only unimaginable until one day when you slip on your favorite jeans and well, let’s just say they no longer fit. Having learned a thing or two from carrying my now 2-year-old son for almost ten months (spoiler alert: It’s closer to ten months versus the nine everyone says) I’m sharing what helped me love dressing my pregnant body.
For all of you soon-to-be mamas, not to worry—you don’t have to change your style just because you are growing a baby. Some of your favorite stores (like ASOS and LOFT) carry fashionable maternity lines to help you feel good, even as your belly grows.
Here are a few tips and some of my favorite maternity style picks—now get ready to rock that bump!
1. Invest in a good bra.
Source: Fleurdille
I can’t stress the importance of this! Things really change up there. Take me for example: I went from an A-cup to large C-cups in the blink of an eye. It was exciting to finally have the chest I’d always dreamed of, but it was a hassle when my bras did not fit. Wearing the right bra was not only way more comfortable, but also made clothes lay much better on my changing body.
And if you’re planning on breastfeeding your new baby, go ahead and wear a nursing bra while pregnant instead of buying normal new bras just for pregnancy.
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2. Less is more.
Source: Kendi Everyday
Many women think they should add bulk to their wardrobe as soon as they start showing. But now is the time to embrace that new belly by hugging those curves! Wearing form-fitting clothes (in a fabric like Lycra) is much more flattering. There are few things more beautiful than a beaming mother-to-be rocking a baby bump wrapped in a gorgeous dress. Opt for pieces that accentuate, not hide, your bump when you’re ready to show it off.
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3. Find the right support.
Source: Blanqi
If you’re a denim and pants type of girl, be sure you find bottoms with the right belly support. It can make all the difference in your comfort level throughout the day! Look for pants with a wide band with strong supportive fabric that won’t irritate your skin.
Or opt for maternity tanks that provide the same amount of stretch and support but can be worn under tanks and dresses. Not only does it smooth things out, but will also help to take some stress off your body from carrying around the extra pounds.
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4. Don’t be afraid of patterns or stripes.
Source: @kellimillerbeauty
Many women opt for black as soon as they start showing, but don’t be afraid to play with patterns, floral print, and bright colors! You can wear these pieces just as you could before you were pregnant—it’s less about the colors and more about fit.
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5. When in doubt, wear a dress and sneakers.
Source: Pink Peonies
This trend was made for the mommy-to-be—it’s easy, comfortable, and oh-so-chic! Another great add-on is wrapping a chambray shirt under the bump, paired with an easy t-shirt dress and the perfect white sneakers.
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Pregnant? Share some of your favorite styling tips with us in the comments!
This article first appeared on The Everygirl and can be seen here.
