Most pregnant women can look their best in stretch classic jeans and a white oxford shirt made for men. But the day will come when they have to go to a maternity clothes store, either for a special outfit or to look through the plus size maternity clothes section to find the most flattering solution to their style problems. So, what should a mom-to-be look for in maternity clothes, whether they are regular size or plus size?
Most women can get by with the clothes they already have for the first few months. They will look sexier, not bigger, with slightly bigger breasts and a bigger waist. But when regular clothes don't work anymore, most women would rather forget about fashion trends and wear shapeless dresses or high-waisted pants with big sweaters.
First, don't try to hide your health problem. Today, being pregnant is cool, and young Hollywood stars are happy to get pregnant whenever they want and stay stylish and glowing until they give birth. Today, it looks much better to show off your belly than to cover it up with layers of clothing. The most popular maternity clothes right now are sleek styles that show off your curves.
Happy Hippie. You will look great in ethnic skirts, kaftans, and yoke dresses that flow and can fit your growing belly. Airy tunics and patterned blousons look great with oversized cardigans, maybe with a wide belt under the belly, or on their own with a tiny capelet for warmth. This style also includes wide empire-waisted and baby-doll dresses that can be worn over maternity pants and jeans. Alberta Ferretti and Anna Sui are two of the best designers working in this style.
Accessories that stand out. Keep the things you can see at the top. Almost anything that draws attention to the shoulders and bust line is very flattering. This includes a scarf, a capelet, a bolero jacket in contrasting colours, and so on. If you want a loose, bohemian look, you can finish it off with ponchos and shawls. Halter-style necklines are also very flattering, since most women's necks and arms stay the same size even if the rest of their bodies grow very quickly.
Skip Underwires. When your bust is growing, it's better to wear a thick shelf bra than one with wires underneath. Also, the sports bra will work. It will give you more space and help as you grow.
Put on jeans. Denim designers now make their most popular styles in maternity sizes. Citizen of Humanity, Seven For Mankind, and Earl Jeans, as well as Juicy, all have maternity lines with different washes of denim. Wear your maternity jeans with a low rise, embroidery, and different washes to make you look slimmer.
Suits with many uses. Modern maternity clothes make it easy to go from day to night because they can be worn both ways. You can dress them down with a T-shirt during the day and dress them up for the evening with a silk blouse or tunic. The cutest maternity suits are made of wool and cotton, with charmeuse or chiffon blouses. Plaids and pinstripes from men's clothes also look great on pregnant women. Choose the right size. If you can fit two fingers between the waistline of your new skirt or pants and the fabric, it's too big and will stay that way even if you grow.
Don't Show Off Too Much. Britney Spears may get what she wants by showing off her growing belly, but not all women can do that with style. Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman's life, but she shouldn't wear clothes that show too much skin.
