In the last few decades, a real change in style has taken place in the world of maternity clothes. No more wearing tents, or your husband’s shirts, instead there are designs that flow with the curves of your changing body, emphasizing the belly and maintaining flattering proportions.

The current maternity collections favor the feminine body and the changes it goes through throughout the pregnancy.

Summer collection – leading trends

In the summer months, maternity collections feature light dresses, tops with generous openings and shorter pants. Comfort is the name of the game –walks in the park, “vegging” in front of the TV or even work. This summer we see more bold patterns that give a short sleeve shirt a fun twist; as well as, patterns rich in flowers and elements from nature.

Summer collection – tips for how to select the right items

Maternity clothes and body types: for those of use with slender legs airy dresses are recommended.  For those of us who are not as blessed, pants that widen at the bottom (such as bell bottoms) will be more flattering for those with not so slender legs.

If you wish to create the illusion of narrower hips, choose a high cut pair of pants that covers the belly. This cut will also give the appearance of longer legs. An A shaped skirt will also do the trick.

For a more voluptuous look, choose shirts or dresses with a V shape neck what highlight the chest and shoulder areas.

Wining fashionable combinations:

- Different color tights with a long tunic for a casual “chic” look.

- Maternity jeans with elastic bands and a half sleeve top.

Whether you choose to get an actual diaper bag or use another bag for that purpose, you want to be comfortable. First, consider which style of bag you find more comfortable, a shoulder one or back pack. Remember you will be carrying it for some time and it may get heavy between the extra wipes and bottle you will be taking with you, when also carrying your growing baby.

An important feature you will find handy is many compartments of different sizes. You will likely be carrying diapers, wipes, plastic bags for the dirty diapers, burp cloths, a change of clothes, a bottle for your baby if you are formula feeding or a bottle of water for you if you are breastfeeding, pacifier, your wallet, sunglasses, cell phone, etc.

Having multiple compartments for all your personal and baby items, will save you time when looking for an item at the time of need. Being organized can make things easier, which is always nice.

Many diaper bags come with a changing pad and some even have a pouch for diapers. If your bag does not have those items, you can purchase them separately. You can also get a pacifier pouch to hang on your bag so it is always handy, as well as a plastic bag holder (with scented plastic bags) for your used diapers.

Regardless of your choice of bag, make sure it is comfortable for your needs!

If during pregnancy you outgrow your pre pregnancy bra, get a good, supportive bra to get you through your pregnancy, but not a nursing bra. Save your money until after birth for that. In the meantime, make sure you have good support, without underwire.

When you are ready to purchase your nursing bra, take the trip to the store. You want to try it on and get the expert help of the sales people. Before deciding on the size you will need, consider whether you will be using nursing pads. Nursing pads will affect your bra size.

Nursing bras are designed with cups that open for easy nursing, while the rest of the bra stays in place. Here’s what to look for when you shop:

• The flaps should easily open with one hand and preferably refasten with one hand. After all, you’ll be holding your hungry baby (or a sleeping baby after a feeding) in one hand. For discreet nursing in public (yea, that may happen unless you want to run to the nearest restroom every time you plan to nurse), choose a bra with fasteners that you can open without looking at them.
• The bra should support the breast from beneath even when the cup is open. That will make feeding more comfortable and reclosing the bra, less of a struggle.
• Avoid bras that open completely at the front for feeding. This design makes it harder to refasten your bra easily and discretely after a feeding.
• A nursing bra should fit comfortably. A bra that is too tight can lead to plugged ducts and breast infections.
• Avoid bras with underwire, especially in the early postpartum weeks. The breast’s milk-producing tissue extends all the way back to your rib cage and up into your armpit. An underwire may obstruct the milk ducts in this area.
• Get at least two day time bras and two night time bras. The night time ones are made completely of fabric and are less supportive, and will not leave you with a feeling that you slept with your bra on, when you wake up. At the same time, night time bra fabric is elastic and will allow easy access for nursing, when needed. There are also night time bra types that have a special pocket for the nursing pads, to keep them in place through the night.

When you are ‘spilling’ out of your regular bras, it is time to invest in a good maternity bra. Good support is the name of the game. Just getting a larger size can be less expensive, but not necessarily the best fit. With a larger regular bra, you may find yourself constantly adjusting the straps, and not getting the support you need.

Buying a maternity bra for the first time can be confusing. All you know about buying regular bras does not necessarily apply to buying a maternity and / or nursing bra. For starters, plan to make two trips to buy maternity bras during your pregnancy. The first time get a maternity bra, not a nursing bra. Your breasts will change in size dramatically after childbirth when your milk will come in, at which time you will know the right size for you nursing bra.

Resist the temptation of buying a bra with room to grow. The bra will not support you properly to begin with and it will take a while till it will.

Purchase two or three bras, so you can wash them and still have one to wear.

When getting a nursing bra, consider buying two with support and two sleep bras, both to put your pads in so you don’t leak and easy night feedings. A nursing bra with good support to use during the day is important. You are already dealing with engorgement and other pain, and the support you will get from a good bra will help relive some of the pressure.

Your will find that your breasts are changing throughout the pregnancy, getting bigger with time with the climax a few days after delivery when your body starts to produce  milk for your newborn. These changes will affect your choices of tops and dresses in your closet. Along with your growing belly and changes to your hips, you may find yourself with a shrinking number of clothes in your collection.

The best approach you can take to a constantly changing body is to divide your maternity shopping into two parts, and don’t shop for maternity clothes before you need them. You don’t know how your body will change. Even if this is not your first pregnancy, you can expect to be surprised with the changes to your body.

The first part to your maternity wear shopping should take place when you first notice you are running out of clothes that fit you. Don’t get carried away, especially with bras. Your breasts will keep growing. Get a good bra that supports you well, but wait with nursing bras until after the delivery, once you have reached your maximum size.

During your first trimester you may not need maternity pants or skirts, but can use a belly band to hold up and hide your unbuttoned pants, or a pants expander that will allow you to keep wearing your pre-pregnancy pants for a while longer.

The second trimester maternity wear shopping will probably take place when you outgrow your bottom options even with the support of the belly band or pants expander. When you are ready for maternity pants & skirts, buy a pair of maternity jeans , basic pants that will expand with your pregnancy and one nice pair of pants or skirt for special events or work meetings.

During the third trimester, if you plan on breastfeeding, you can start looking at nursing tops and nursing dresses. Maternity and nursing clothes of high quality will grow with your pregnancy and then shrink with your sliming body after the delivery, saving you money and time, you can spend with your spouse before the delivery, or your newly expanded family, after you give birth.

A woman’s goes body through numerous changes during pregnancy, the most obvious being the growing baby bump. Changes in figure mean changes in wardrobe, but your fashion sense does not have to suffer. Maternity clothes can still reflect your personal style. With the help of maternity clothes made in accordance with today’s trends, you can maintain your personal style during your pregnancy and beyond.

There is no need to run to the store right when you find out you are pregnant. It will be a few months before you will need maternity clothes, and you will know when the time has come when you no longer fit into or feel comfortable in your pre-pregnancy clothes.

When shopping for maternity clothes, divide your purchase into two parts, allowing yourself to see how your body will change during the pregnancy.

The first time out shopping, look for a few belly bands in different color and /or pattern to hold up and hide your unbuttoned pre-pregnancy pants. A pants expander will give you more millage out of your regular pants before you are ready to buy maternity pants. Waiting with shopping for maternity pants will prevent the need to buy a larger size later on in the pregnancy.

Your breasts may have changed in size and you may be ready for a few maternity tops and maternity dresses http://www.pettelmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/dresses/summer to spice up your maternity wardrobe. You can wait with nursing clothes for a little while longer, and shop for those during the second trip to the store, this way you will make the most of them.

When you are showing and ready for your second maternity clothes shopping experience, you will be looking at maternity pants and maternity skirts to last you through your pregnancy and beyond. The same goes for your tops and dresses. Shop for high quality maternity and nursing clothes that will grow with your pregnancy and shrink with you after childbirth. If you plan on nursing, plan ahead and buy maternity tops and dresses that also allow for discreet nursing.

Look at bras that give you a good support, but wait with nursing bras, for your breasts will keep growing and changing even after the delivery, when your milk will come in. When you are ready for a nursing bra, make sure to try it on with the pads if you are using them, because they will affect your cup size. Get at least one bra to use at night (with no metal wire under-support), otherwise you may wake up in a small pool of breast milk.

To stay stylish while pregnant, remember your personal style. Pregnancy does not mean you can not be fashionable; on the contrary, you can be stylish and look great, here are some tips how.

• Make sure you have at least one pair of maternity jeans in your new collection. Look for an adjustable waistbands, stretchy material and a flattering cut, such as bootleg. This would be a good item to splurge on because you will wear probably wear these for a bit after baby is born.
• Basic pants are a must for your wardrobe. Dress them up with a glamorous tunic or ware them for lounging with any top.
• If you like skirts, make sure you have at least one skirt in a basic color with a lightweight material and a stretchy waistband.
• A wrap dress is a must have item for the pregnant woman. The size is adjustable by definition and it is a perfect look for your new shape.
• Don’t forget to pick up a figure-hugging top with a cute neckline to accentuate your bump. A flirty and feminine empire-waist shirt is also a great look, and you can never go wrong with a fitted tee.

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This is not the time to reinvent yourself. If your pre-pregnancy style was casual, don’t get tailored maternity clothes. Some of your maternity clothes will go with you even after the pregnancy (if they are of high quality or if you get tops that are also designed for nursing), and you want to make sure you will feel comfortable in them for some time.

Stay true to yourself, enough things are changing in your life, and your style doesn’t need to be one of them. You can find maternity clothes in so many different styles; there is no need to compromise your personal style.

• Waiting too long to buy maternity clothes has no benefit. Get clothes that can grow with you, and be comfortable from the start. There is no reason to wear uncomfortable clothes for half your pregnancy. Shop smart, look for flexible items that can last throughout the pregnancy.
• Since you can’t foresee all the changes to your body throughout the pregnancy, buying all your maternity clothes early and all at one time is probably not a good idea. Buy the items you need and know you may need to expand your collection later on.

For example, your bra cup size may change dramatically throughout the pregnancy, and then again after you give birth. It is a good idea to wait until after you deliver to purchase your nursing bras.

• Avoid the tent look. Empire waist style may be a solution if you do not want to wear tight maternity tops. Embrace your new curves, don’t hide them.
• This is not the time to neglect your self. Pampering is important to feeling good about yourself, especially now that you may feel insecure about the changes to your body you may not have expected.

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Well, there is something you can do about it! And yes, it would have been fabulous if you had the time and money to treat yourself to a complete new maternity wardrobe to boost up your self confidence, but there really is no need to go to that extreme.

It could be that just a few new fashionable items, mixed with your existing wardrobe (!!) and a nice piece of jewelry or the right accessory will do the trick and make you smile at your reflection at the mirror.

Start with your existing wardrobe. Almost any top you own, you can still ware, using a belly band for the extra length your pre-pregnancy top is lacking. Choose from a variety of colors and get two –three different colors/patterns that will work with the tops in your closet. For your pants you can use the pants expander to get a few more months out of your already owned pants. Later in the pregnancy you will have to get some maternity pants.

Now take a look at other items you already own, such as scarves, bags, gloves, hats, hair accessories, jewelry, and any other accessory you own and like. Mixing these items into your look can be fun and contribute to a fashionable look.

Bold items and/or splashes of color can give your pregnant look just what it needs to make the statement you are looking for, or spice up your appearance. There is no reason why you wouldn’t look fabulous while pregnant!

First of, you should know that you will not need maternity clothes right away. After all, it will take time for your belly to grow, and for the rest of your body to change in preparation for both the pregnancy and the birth. In other words, there is no need to go shopping for maternity clothes the moment you find out about the pregnancy. Give yourself and your partner time to digest the news before you redo your closet.

You will know when you need to widen your wardrobe (usually closer to the end of the first trimester if not later). When you (and your changing body) are ready to shop for maternity clothes, you want to take a minute before running to the store and look at yourself in the mirror.

Consider the fact that your body will go through a series of changes – it will both expand and contract again and so you will want a wardrobe that can keep with all these changes.  Therefore, keep in mind that you will be wearing your maternity clothes while you are pregnant AND for a while after you give birth.

Considering all these changes you want to look for maternity clothes of a good quality, which will retain their elasticity and still look good as you return to your pre-pregnancy shape. If you are planning to breastfeed, it will also be smart to plan ahead and buy maternity tops and dresses that are also designed for discreet nursing.

In all likelihood, you will be in your maternity clothes for about nine months to a year, and you may need two different sizes (one for earlier in the pregnancy and later after the birth, the other for your last trimester and right after the birth). So plan accordingly when you start expanding your wardrobe.