Having a baby is one of the most happy moments in a woman’s life. The thought of nurturing a small life in your tummy certainly calls for a lot of celebration and apprehension at the same time.
It is evident that the expectant mother undergoes a lot of noticeable physical changes during her various trimesters. The biggest issue you face is a major change in your outfit. You give up your favorite skinny jeans and tight tank top and compromise with a loose and hanging outfit. Many feel dejected of giving up their glamorous style and portraying a sloppy and fat figure. But fashion designers and consults, however, are of the opinion that an expectant mother can still look stylish and glamorous, with a few simple wardrobe tweaks.
Listed below are some simple maternity dressing secrets that will make you look glamorous as well as comfortable, and tag you as a stylish mama:
1. Avoid spending for maternity clothes; borrow
Maternity clothes have a tendency of being much more expensive than the usual ones. You must understand that you will be wearing them only for a few months and then have absolutely no use for it. So instead of spending money unnecessarily on brand new maternity clothes, you can borrow from friends who have had babies before. You can also check out some thrift stores and consignment stores which may house designer labels cast away by those mummies who have splurged on them previously.
2. Redesign your clothes; your partner’s as well:
Scout around your wardrobe and try and make use of the clothes you have by accessorizing them or working around it. For example, you can still wear your jeans, by making it a bit loose on the waist side. For this, you can loop a rubber band through the button hole of your favorite jeans and then wrap it around the button. This will provide you that crucial extra inch or two of breathing room. Another great option is the belly band which you can wear around your waist and it would hold up your jeans even when you leave it unzipped. But remember to wear a long shirt so it covers the band. Empire waist dresses and tops, pencil skirts and A-line shifts which will show out a silhouette figure will be a good choice. For a sporty and hip look, pair your low rise pants with a fitted tee or a stretchy gauchos with a pleasant stylish top.
Check through your partner’s closet as well for some fabulous ideas. Wear his shirt, which would be loose for you, with leggings or wear it unbuttoned over a tight fitting tee. You can make your dress more appealing by wearing some bangles and long earring which will add a feminine touch.
3. Go shopping for moderately priced over-sized clothes:
During pregnancy, as you are becoming more bulky, you definitely need to shop, but with a difference. Instead of hitting those stores that specialize in maternity clothing, head to the normal department stores and try out clothing that is a couple of sizes bigger than your usual. Shop in the ‘plus size’ department and you will realize that they are not only moderately priced but you would have lots of choices, fitting to your style quotient. Maternity clothes, on the other hand, would be expensive as well as limited in their designs. You can continue to wear your over-sized clothes even after your delivery for some time and you would not feel odd.
4. Do not shy away to show your bulging belly:
Accept your physical changes, especially your belly and bosom, gracefully and do not hide them under a huge hanging and outdated maternity clothes of yesterday years. Remember, it is more elegant and flattering to wear well fitting clothes and make your belly evident rather than wearing loose and over large clothes and make you look awkward.
5. Show a little skin:
Never be afraid to show a little skin when you are pregnant. If you have gorgeous legs, then flaunt them in a short dress or if your arms look well toned and fabulous, then wear a sexy sleeveless top. You can even try a low cut top and be proud of your shoulders and neck by donning a bateau or ballet-cut necklines. Adding to this charm, your belly would also look cute and chick.
6. Dress yourself in one color:
Dressing up in one color from head to toe is one way to go about looking great in maternity clothes. If you think black can make you feel more confident and comfortable, then by all means, go for it. You may accessorize with a scarf, minimal jewellery, or a sweater in a different color to make it a tad more interesting.
7. Layer your dresses during cold weather:
During winters take care to wear layers of clothing rather than one big thick woolen cloth. Sometimes, even if there is cold, you might tend to feel a little warm. In such a case, you may find it more easy to remove the first layer of your dressing. So to be on the safer side, layer your clothes so that you can peel them off as required. For example, on a cold day wear a T-shirt or a polo under a sweater or a turtle neck under a cardigan. However, don’t get too carried away and wear too many layesr, which would only make you look more bulky and not appealing.
8. Use flats and shoes without laces:
Many pregnant women find their feet expanding as much as up to two full sizes which is caused by fluid retention. So your shoes may feel a bit tight and uncomfortable. In such scenarios, avoid stilettos completely and go for flats or shoes with a chunky or wide heel. Small kitten heels are also acceptable along with slip ons which are much more convenient than having to bend over and lace up your boots with a big belly.
9. Accessorize:
Accessories make any dull dress look stylish and vibrant, provided you know how to pair them. Add more mileage to a plain black dress by wearing a colorful silk scarf around your neck or a some chunky and colorful jewellery. Matching handbags, beaded bracelets and hoop earrings can all add a signature touch to your normal clothing. The advantage of investing in some accessories is the fact that you can even wear them after your delivery as well.
10. Take care of your body and be comfortable:
Comfort is the key word during pregnancy. During those nine months, you feel everything expanding within yourself including your bosom as well as your bottom. So put away your existing bras and panties for a while, and buy a larger ones. Your breasts could enlarge, making them a size or two larger; so buy bras that have at least two sets of hooks that would let you adjust the band size and shoulder straps. As for your panties, you don’t want it biting into your skin, making you feel horrible. So go for loose ones and if you prefer briefs or over the belly maternity panties, then choose those instead.
11. Freak out (a little):
All said and done, you might still feel out of place with your huge figure. Cheer yourself up by buying an exclusive and stylish outfit which would make you feel comfortable and confident. Get a sexy black dress or a stunning suit which would work for you and then wear it as many times as you can to make the purchase worth it and make your pregnancy days fruitful.
Via: babycenter
