Pregnant women often face challenges in dressing their bump. Some also have difficulty mixing up their
maternity basics so they are trendy or at least look like their putting in some
effort to not look frumpy.
Fortunately, the maternity wear fashion industry has come a
long way from just a few years ago when there weren’t that many fashionable
options available for moms-to-be. These
days, many maternity-only wear designers exist and traditional women’s wear
designers and lines are expanding to
accommodate “the preginistas” among us, and offering their looks in maternity
as well.
It’s not wise, especially if you are on a budget, to splurge
on an expansive maternity wear budget for 9 months. Most pregnant women will
only be pregnant for 3 seasons and it can get easy. There is a simple and less
costly alternative to going overboard and getting carried away.
Here are 5 steps to keeping
your maternity wardrobe fresh, updated and chic:
Step 1: Start with a basic maternity wardrobe, which usually
should consist of: a. A white collared maternity shirt; b. A pair of yoga
pants; 3. A pair of maternity leggings; 4. A Belted cardigan; 5. Maternity Ts
in long and short sleeves variety and in an assortment of basic solid basic
colors (red, pink, black, blue, pink, yellow); A Black wrap dress (in a variety
of styles); and a pair of comfortable boots, Maryjanes pumps, or low-heeled platforms ( in a half
size larger to accommodate any growth in shoe size due to swelling or bloat.)
Step 2: Add spunk by accessorizing the basic palette with
playful scarves in bright colors and with geometric patterns and shapes. Scarves can brighten up your look and mood.
Step 3: Get trendy by
wearing big chunky rings or statement necklaces to add some wow factor to the
look. Use a corded belt to tie loosely below the breastbone to create and easy
and carefree Empire waist look. Don
bangles or other ornamental bracelets. Go bold with hoops or super long
double-strand pearls to accentuate the look.
Wear some cool
aviators, Jackie-O or other fun shades in tortoise shells or another funky
color or design. Or if you are bold, go with a fedora, a newsboy cap, a floppy
hat or a Bohemian knitted cap.
Step 4: Carry a whimsical, structured or colorful tote or
shopper’s style bag that is big enough to hold all your stuff and is useful
when you don’t feel comfortable experimenting in color, patterns and designs. A
monogram clutch or a handbag with brass handles or zippers would work to take a
work look, after -5 or for date-night.
Step 5: Do the Maryjanes
or comfortable pumps for work, but after five slip on some care-free gladiators
sandals, strappy -low heels with ankle wraps or colorful wedges or espadrilles
in warmer months or climates. In colder temps, go with booties, UGGs like or
wedged boots.
These style tips should last the entire 9 months and help you look fresh, updated and dazzling for the entire 40 weeks.
