Bump Proud
Karen Lewis is a fashion stylist who often styles for Pregnancy & Birth and Mother & Baby magazines. Here Karen shares with you her tips for buying the right maternity clothes at this important stage of your life...
Being pregnant gives you the chance to look and feel fantastic. Many women can be a little shocked by their changing body: the boobs, the widening back and most of all the bump. But at last no need to disguise your shape and have a flat stomach - welcome your bump, the bigger the better and show it off!
While you may never had considered your style before as your body changes shape some thought and action will have to be taken.
This is the chance to wear things you wouldn't normally dare to wear, that figure hugging smooth silhouette dress in red or pink, bold Pucci styled prints. The ever-so pretty floaty tunic which in the past made you look like you were five month's pregnant now looks fantastic because you are. Soft stretch fabrics, pretty empire lined dresses and tops flatter your shape and look softly feminine.
Feel proud you're a sexy female...
Maternity essentials - stylish buys to get you through..
Jeans: Go for a good comfy fit and the right style for you.
Fitted stretchy dress or wrap dress: This is a very versatile piece which can be dressed up or down and should take you right through the pregnancy. Wear with tights and your favourite new shoes, or layer with jeans.
Just above the knee works better for the layered look and Definitely Baby's sequined top is great for this! If you're fashion led, accessorise with a satin ribbon in a bold colour tied just under bust.
Stretchy skirt: Go for a simple low-slung silhouette for smooth elegant lines. For example a jersey knee length skirt in fuchsia for a jolt of colour picking up the Eighties vibe.
Straight black smart trousers or black leggings: Depending on your style and working wardrobe needs.
Simple wide leg bandeau trouser: These really are indispensable. With smooth lines no zips or buttons, can usually be worn over or under the bump. Because of their shape and if in a good fabric they hang just right. And work for all types of living.
Fitted long-sleeved top: Go for black and an alternative colour - can be worn alone or layered.
Pretty tunic or floaty camisole: The camisole can be layered with a fitted top underneath.
When to buy maternity
As you enter the 2nd trimester around week 15th when your bump is growing just enough to make your regular clothes uncomfortable and you can't zip up your favourite jeans, you're not quite showing and feeling a little fat rather than pregnant. This is the time to buy your maternity jeans and tailored trousers, buy these in your usual size, obviously there is some chance that you may put weight on elsewhere and go up a size later on but the jeans and trousers are designed to carry you through.
Stretchy skirts and roll top trousers will work with your body and it shouldn't matter if you go up a size. The rest of your wardrobe will depend on personal preference and size. Once your bump reaches a certain stage most of your tops will be too short so you'll probably invest in some longer tops, dresses or belly bands.
As most us don't have the body or plastic surgeon of an A-Lister, the maternity wardrobe should keep you covered for the first four weeks or so after the birth. But it is really important to wear the correct bra size for support and whilst you're breastfeeding.
Choosing the right maternity jeans
Finally we've reached a better place and there are a huge selection of maternity jeans to choose from. The pair you buy will depend on what you're looking for. If you're style driven then you're going to go for skinny or boyfriend. If you're looking for an all round flattering pair then go for simple bootcut.
When choosing over the bump jeans make sure they're nice and smooth on the bump eliminating unnecessary lumps. If you're going for low slung you can choose from a separate stretchy waistband or buttonfly with an adjustable elastic inside the pants. For style options click here.
Choosing the right maternity trousers
If you're looking for trousers for the office then go for a smart straight leg. Opt for viscose, cotton/lycra or wool mix, again over and underbump will be a personal preference but always choose smoothlines.
Of course as mentioned before the simple wide leg bandeau trousers is the best all-rounder for those who need a smart trouser and a comfort lounger.
Leggings really work if you're looking for a directional look: layer with a mini, knee length dress or tunic.
Terminology guide
Low slung/underbump: designed to fit underbump with adjustable elastic on the inside of pants.
Extended panel: panel that fits on your bump and then grow with you.
Roll top: can be worn over or under the bump.
Demi panel: panel sits under bump.
Side panel: panel at side seam with button and adjustable waistband inside working as you grow.
Inset panel: adjustable side buckles, fixed waistband with zips to undo as you grow.
Button Adjustable: means that elastic with buttonholes cut into it has been fed through the inner waistband at the back of the item. Buttons on either side of the waistband then allow you to adjust the fit as your bump grows and can of course be taken in again as you regain your pre-pregnancy figure
Pregnant... what not to wear!
Never wear grey tracksuit bottoms, leggings with a short top, dungarees or anything huge or baggy as this will be unflattening and you run the risk of looking fat rather than pregnant.
Personally I'm not one for too many rules, an unapologetic style can prove confidence is far more beautiful than anything else.
Most of all don't change or lose your sense of style, pregnancy has come a long way over the last 10 years and you shouldn't have to change anything about yourself just because you're pregnant.
Finally if you really can't embrace your changing body and you'd rather hide it away, treat yourself to footwear, bags and accessorises.
Best wishes & happy shopping!
