Womb to Bloom - Maternity & Beyond

No one wants to go through pregnancy feeling frumpy, but finding flattering maternity clothes can be tricky. It’s also hard to justify spending a lot of money on clothes that will have to be replaced every three months or so, as your shape continues to change. You should consider buying just a few key pieces that are basic and practical: they will pay for themselves in terms of making you feel great every day!

Maternity fashions have come a long way: society views the pregnant body differently than it did in previous decades. Stars like Demi Moore have posed nude in magazines while heavily pregnant; and many women (and men!) view the pregnant body as natural and beautiful.

There is no reason to hide in extremely loose maternity blouses anymore: it’s quite correct to wear long t-shirts and tunics that hug the belly snugly! Here are some fun ideas for maintaining your style when you are expecting (without spending a fortune!).

Stay Out Of The Maternity Department: many actresses and models have found different ways of shopping while pregnant. While they may buy special maternity jeans and skirts in more traditional maternity-wear boutiques, they often get creative when shopping for tops, going up a few sizes in their regular clothes, or even hitting the men’s department! You can take advantage of sales on basic t-shirts and “boyfriend” sweaters from the men’s department, and pair them with jeans for a chic look that isn’t too expensive!

Accessorize: You have carte blanche during pregnancy, to really enjoy trendy accessories that will brighten your look! Fun earrings don’t usually cost much, but they add a bit of sparkle and interest to an outfit! You can experiment with bangle bracelets, fun handbags, and beaded necklaces, to amp up your basics. T-shirts and jeans look great with some hip accessories, and they make an outfit seem new. You don’t need to feel guilty about buying fun accessories, since you won’t grow out of them. Making your basic, everyday pieces more stylish with accessories is one of the easiest ways you can remain chic during pregnancy!

Use Color: You may be afraid of wearing brighter colors when you are already feeling conspicuous: but color can really make you look refreshed and alive. Black is perennially chic, but it can be draining, especially if you are feeling tired or nauseated. Consider bright tank tops in colors that flatter your complexion and hair, perhaps with a long black cardigan on top. Here are some color tips to really make the most of your inexpensive basics:

Are You Warm, or Cool? If you are cool, you will look best in shades of blue, violet, and hot pink. If you are warm, colors like golden yellow and citrusy orange will make you glow.  Check the veins inside your wrist to check: if they are greenish, you are warm. Blue veins indicate a cool complexion.