Wear Your Pregnancy with Style - Real Women
March 2008 - Susan Jacobs

Today’s (maternity) wardrobe is extremely cost efficient because the styles aren’t meant to camouflage...

Fashion can be bought. Just ask the new wave of expectant moms who are stepping out in high style, tummies prominent and proud!

During my research for this select group of fashionistas, I was greatly surprised by the selection of mainstream styles. At first glance, I took in high-yoked, empire waist tops that were tapered under the arms and throughout the torso, and jeans in cool washes, low rise, flare or wide leg styles. There were no “roomy” tops that screamed maternity. I truly did a double take and slowly realized that maternity wear is stylish!

Right in line with the fashion world’s style trends, now is a perfect time to be pregnant.

What a relief for those who have adapted to this new “show all” style. According to Stephanie Fitzgerald, a manager of Thyme Maternity, the store can’t sell traditional maternity tops. “That style is too frumpy, too matronly and not selling at all. Regardless of age, fitted is what they want.”

It’s also apparent that there’s a reprieve from women borrowing maternity clothes in an effort to avoid wearing the same thing, week after week (traditional maternity wardrobes were smaller because costs were high). Today’s wardrobe is extremely cost efficient because the styles aren’t meant to camouflage and many women consider how their new pieces will work before, during and after the pregnancy, a concept that’s definitely a sign of the times. Some bottoms do have the accommodation for the growing tummy but from a distance, they look the same as any other pants, especially the maternity jeans. To compensate for when t-shirts get too short, as the tummy starts to grow, simply add a Belly Band, suggests Krista Williamson, owner of Cheeky Monkey. “It looks like you’re layering.”

For any woman, expectant mother or not, it’s important to feel beautiful and like what she sees in the mirror. Speaking from personal, albeit long-ago, experience, the last couple months of pregnancy can be more challenging from a confidence point of view. This is when spending more time getting ready for the day pays off. Careful application of makeup and maintaining hair and aesthetic appointments are necessary not just to keep looking good, but to ensure that good feeling of confidence.

The casual looks Rhonda wears on this page are easy to pull off because yoga wear is a fabulous and acceptable fashion option. Just add tees in flattering colors to really showcase your baby bump with panache. A great pair of runners by Puma, Diesel or Tubo will finish this look with comfort.

Most maternity jeans are low rise. Called the “now and after” style, this well-thought-out garment offers a fitted look for early pregnancy and then slides down to accommodate the size of the growing belly. I asked the question – since it applies to all low-rise styles – “Is there a problem keeping them up, regardless of the full tummy?” Well, yes that’s a style flaw but the solution is “Belly Ups,” which act like suspenders, attaching at the waist and clipping onto the bra. Hmm, could this also be an option for those not expecting a baby? Regardless, these jeans are so fabulous when worn with pumps, a feminine style empire top and the right accessories.

For a career look, wrap dresses and slim cut skirts are easy options. Sound familiar?

That’s because whether you’re expecting or not, the same fashion rules apply. If you feel great in it and it works for you, wear it. Add accessories, wear comfortable footwear and if that precious cargo doesn’t add a bounce to your step, your reflection in the mirror is sure to!