Your Maternity Style Guide

You couldn’t be more excited about the child that you’re expecting. What about your maternity wardrobe, though? It’s probably safe to say that you’re less than thrilled. Pregnancy comes with plenty of suffering and sacrifices, and great outfits are just one of the things that you have to forget about for the better part of the next year — or so you may think, that is.

Maternity clothes have come a long way since you were on the other end of the whole pregnancy experience: Unlike your own mother, you don’t necessarily have to wear billowing and ill-fitting garments. Picking the right maternity clothes can be a fraught exercise, but if you find the right ones, you’ll look comfortable and happy just the way that you are. Here’s what you need to know about looking your best as you await the newest member of your family.

Comfort is key

Maternity women
Image by Karen Warfel from Pixabay

There’s a reason that maternity clothes don’t have the best reputation for being fashion-forward: They’re supposed to be comfortable! That’s still the most important thing. Don’t forget about the core function of your maternity clothes; no matter how stylish a piece is, you need to make sure that it feels great when you wear it. The best clothes feel as good to wear as they look so that you can be comfortable with your outfit while you’re feeling comfortable in your outfit.

Breathe easy

A key part of comfort in maternity dresses is a breathable fabric. The last thing you want to be doing while you’re pregnant is overheating and sweating for the sake of fashion. Happily, there is a lot of lightweights and breathable maternity dresses out there that aren’t fashioned disasters.

A great maternity dress will feel comfortable in the heat, but make sure that it’s because of the fabric and not because you’re wearing an oversized garment. A little breeze is a wonderful thing, but an oversized dress without the right cut will make you look like you’re uncomfortable with your own body. You don’t have to be.

Embrace the curves

It’s not always easy to feel attractive when you’re pregnant. But the shape of a healthy pregnancy is a natural and beautiful thing, and most people see it that way — as long as you let them!

That a bulky, shapeless maternity dress won’t hide your body in any meaningful way; it will just make things looks much worse. Rather, maternity clothes that have the right cut and hug your curves will show off your figure and showcase your beauty at every stage of your pregnancy.

Bright, bold, beautiful

Are you sensing a pattern? The best maternity clothes embrace their role and offer you the same kind of shapely fits and great color choices as your regular clothes always have. It’s only when you try to play it too safe that maternity clothes begin to live up to their uninspiring reputation. 

Some maternity dresses seem to be afraid of kaleidoscope colors. Ignore those, and be fearless! Choose stylish maternity dresses that aren’t afraid to draw a bit of (positive) attention. Brightness and color are naturally confident. Pregnancy is beautiful, so don’t be afraid to show off and be bold!

Accessories to the rescue

Hopefully, you’ll find a lot of great maternity dresses and outfits: Skinny jeans that stretch with your changing body, beautiful dresses in bold colors, and other fashion-forward choices that bring you joy. However, if you end up with a few hand-me-downs or less than ideal choices, too, then that’s okay. Just go ahead and spice things up with your accessories.

Necklaces, earrings, and (for the most part) bracelets are more than likely going to fit you throughout your pregnancy. Choosing the right ones is a great way to stay connected to your everyday style as your body changes. And if you make the right choices, you’ll be pairing your most beloved pieces with great new maternity outfits!

Featured Image by rmt from Pixabay