Healthy Woman - Blog

Dressed for the Nines

Pregnancy thrown your style sense for a loop? It isn’t always so easy to look your best when your belly is a-swelling. Many moms-to-be resort to oversized (read: frumpy) clothes, as they feel more and more out of touch with the latest looks and how to fit their growing bodies in them.

The good news: You don’t have to sacrifice style for the next nine-plus months—you don’t have to spend a fortune either. Just stick these top ten maternity must-haves, a set of classic items that will keep you on trend, looking good and feeling good about yourself as you make your way from maternity to motherhood.

1.  A Posh Pair of Jeans

Pregnancy jeans ain’t what they used to be—thank goodness! Made by almost all of the hottest jean companies (like 7 for All Mankind and J Brand) on the market today, pregnancy jeans can be dressed up or down and will likely carry you through your entire pregnancy.

2. It’s a Wrap Sweater

A cozy-cool wrap sweater (think: tunic length with adjustable tie) makes for a flattering silhouette as it hugs your newfound curves. Bang for your buck bonus: This versatile cover-up is also a fit for fourth trimester and beyond donning.

3. A Tunic or Two

Tunics have been the top du jour for years now and their inherently preggo-friendly design (loose in the middle and long to cover hips and bottoms) make them a go-to look for moms-to-be. Available in a variety of colors and styles, these tops will have you feeling easy, breezy and en vogue all pregnancy long.

4. Tees to Please

When it comes to t-shirts, go for quality. It’s better to pick up two or three well-made (which usually means slightly higher priced) tees than settle for a closet full of cheap toss-aways. Good maternity tees will keep their stretch from wash to wash, ensuring that your baby bump is always ready for its close-up.

5. She’s Got Leggings

Leggings! Versatile, comfortable and stylish—why it’s the trimester trifecta! Pair them with flats or knee-high boots, a dress, a tunic or a blazer and tee and you’ve got a winning street-chic look.

6. Highs and Lows

Keep in step with style by picking up a pair or two of ballet flats (go for ones with a rubber sole for more support). This simple shoe breeds comfort without skimping on the cool. Feel like you need a leg up? Skip the stilettos and put your best foot forward in a wedge. The flat surface provides more stability for a safer (note the -er part—you still need to be careful!) swagger when stepping out.

7. Bag It

Let’s face it: A fabulous bag can make any gal feel like a million bucks. Go for the most fabulous, on-trend one you can find!

8. Be Jeweled

Well, isn’t that swell? Your rings don’t fit anymore. Forget the hands—and while you’re at it skip the wrists too—and focus on the neck and ears when it comes to adorning yourself. A knock-out pair of door knocker earrings (so in right now!) take jeans and a tee from plain to pow. A statement-piece necklace gets high marks for impact and can instantly modernize an old (or overly worn) outfit.

9. LBD

Hmm…maybe it’s not little but we refuse to call it a BBD. Just like in times of pre-pregnancy yore, a black dress remains a wardrobe staple—an iconic look that never goes out of style. Go casual by pairing it with a cardigan and a pair of flats for a day at the office and go sexy by wearing it with wedges, eye-popping earrings and a little extra eye makeup for a night out on the town with your man.

10. Under Covers

As your body grows, so does your need for extra support when it comes to your undergarments. Before you commit to a couple new bras go down to the local bra shop and get fitted. A well-fitted bra not only ups the comfort-quotient but it also keeps your shape sleek. On the underwear front, choose a size or two up and look for styles that fit underneath the belly.