Modern, trendy mums-to-be today are more inclined to flaunt their blossoming bellies in stylish attires that are nothing like the frumpy, shapeless maternity gowns of yesteryear.
Thank goodness for that! Gone are the days when a woman feels compelled to dress in tents and gone too are the days when a pregnant mum is expected to don pink or any other form of pale pastels from top to toe to indicate she is pregnant! If pink is what you decide upon, choose the colour because you want it and it makes you comfortable. But, if you’re looking for ideas, we’ve got several up our sleeves for you to choose and match!
Baby Doll Blouses and Dresses
There’s something about baby-doll styled dresses and blouses that just make us go “Aaw!” Baby doll style blouses make ideal maternity tops. Choose ones made from soft, flowy fabric for extra comfort. The asymmetrical hem of a baby-doll cut tops and dresses render them ideal for expanding bellies. Tip: always try on before buying off the rack to ensure a comfortable fit around and under the bustline.
Pleated and Ruched
Many styles of maternity wear have cleverly designed pleats or ruches that expand with you, yet don’t compromise on fashion. They can be found in plain or printed designs and there is surely a right one for you out there!
Wrap Tops
Stylish, comfortable and flexible, wrap tops are a worthwhile investment as they can be adjusted throughout your pregnancy. As these tops are not only limited to maternity wear, you’ve got plenty of styles to choose from even from the non-maternity sections!
Go for Prints
Just because your body is expanding, doesn’t mean you have to mellow down on colour and prints! Add a splash of style with printed designs and patterns. Go for anything that will cheer you up, mama!
Stretchy and Comfy
Look out for fabrics that can accommodateyourbelly comfortably.Breathable, lighter fabrics will do the trick nicely! Choose jersey fabrics for tops that will keep their shape but will allow your body to grow as well as lycra and elastane mixes that have that added flexibility and comfort factor.
Jack it Up
If edgy styles define you, keep wearing your leather, denim or cloth jacket till it fits. Not only does it serve as a fashion statement, it will also keep you warm in air-conditioned rooms! If you prefer cardigans and sweaters, opt for wool or cotton-based materials as it will keep both you and your baby snug!
Maximise the Maxi
Maxi dresses are great slip-ons if you’re in a rush or just don’t want to think about choosing tops and pants that match your outfit and agenda for the day. Tip: choose maxi dresses that are made of stretchy materials in order to keep them as options till you are heavily pregnant and ready to pop!
ONESIES’, Jumpsuits and Overalls
A pregnant woman wearing overalls and onesies’ is just plain cute while those opting for tube jumpsuits or halter and backless variations are just plain sassy and fashion-forward. At the end of the day, if you’re still feeling good from the outfit chosen, goal achieved!
Dress Me Sheer
Sheer tops are great duringthehot weather and being pregnant is hot enough! Pair your sheer blouse or top with a matching tank top underneath and grab leggings or a pair of jeans to complete the look.
Bossy Babe
Scout around a bit if you’re looking for maternity work wear. There are plenty to choose from which will look lovely without compromising your professional look. Your best bets are comfortable maternity pants paired with cool and stylish blouses.
As your bump expands, it’s advisable to invest in some maternity wear. If budget is an issue and you can’t see yourself splurging on something you’ll only wear for a short time, you can always look out for special sales in the magazines or pick up some great bargains in online stores. There’s a huge range of maternity clothes in the shops, so you’ve got plenty to choose from. It’s hard to predict how big you’ll get, but for the early stages of pregnancy you’ll probably be able to get away with your favourite jeans and skirts for a while – unless they’re ultra skimpy or cropped to the max, which aren’t the greatest pregnancy looks!
