How to choose smart and stylish maternity clothes

Last week you learnt how to choose maternity underwear… Now it’s time to learn how to enjoy your pregnancy by wearing smart and stylish maternity clothes and feel wonderful days after days thanks to some inevitable items.

Jeans

Top of the list is a comfortable pair of maternity jeans. You’ll live in these on weekends and evenings. With elastic/expandable belly panels or today’s trendy low-rise maternity waistbands with stretch, one pair of jeans should do for the entire pregnancy. You should also consider several tops or T-shirts as part of the basic weekend and evening collection.

Work wardrobe

Those of you who work outside the home will want to consider purchasing a number of maternity career basics that you can mix and match.

Consider a maternity skirt and a pair of maternity dress slacks in basic black, along with a couple of blazers or dressy cardigans. These career basics, combined with some dressy blouses and maternity tops, will take you to business meetings in fine form. Just don’t forget to pick pieces that “layer” so you can cool down easily during those “maternity hot flashes.” And comfortable shoes are a must.

Some things to remember when shopping for maternity clothing:

• Keep your lifestyle in mind. The key to pregnancy fashion – and fashion in general – is to be at ease with your style. The biggest ingredient to looking great is – you guessed it – confidence.
• Treat yourself to something nice. Remember to look good when you’re expecting, no matter what phase of pregnancy you’re in. It’s the first step toward feeling good.

Sizing things up properly
For many women shopping for maternity wear, figuring out the proper size can be confusing.

The simple truth is that maternity clothing is not sized much differently than pre-pregnancy clothing. There’s no trick, really. Just know your pre-pregnancy size when placing your maternity clothing order.

Your pre-pregnancy size
Petite = 2-4*
Small = 4-6
Medium = 8-10
Large = 12-14
X-Large = 14-16

* Petite sizes are roughly 1 1/2 inches shorter, on average, than a regular “Small” size.

Whatever category you fit into, pre-pregnancy, determines the size of maternity clothes you’ll need to order. If you’re normally size 10, or medium, order the corresponding maternity clothes in the same size. And remember, when in doubt, order one size up. It’s that simple.

Conclusion…

Dress in the same daring styles you would normally. Experiment with the exciting new maternity fashions available to today’s pregnant woman. Don’t be afraid to show off your new shape. And most importantly, consider comfort in your clothing. If you follow these rules you’re guaranteed to spend your pregnancy months living with style and ease!