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.

Here are a few things to put on your to do list:

• It goes without saying that once you find out you are pregnant, you need to find an OBGYN or a Midwife to be your caregiver throughout the pregnancy. If you are not sure which is best suited for you, this is the time to learn the differences and make your educated choice.

• You will not need Maternity clothes right away, but when the time comes, don’t resist it. The weight gain is normal and healthy (unless otherwise noted by your caregiver) and there is no reason not to embrace and celebrate it. The beautiful curves of pregnancy can be enhanced with the right fit maternity clothes and make you feel and look better about the changes your body is going through.

• During your first prenatal visit, you will be asked about your work environment to determine if it is safe for you and your baby to continue what you do during your pregnancy, or if you need to make adjustments at work. This is for the health and safety of both you and your unborn baby.

• Deciding when to tell your employer about your pregnancy is up to you. There is no law requiring you to share your news at a specific point in the development of your pregnancy. Telling your employer can result in a sympathetic attitude, leading to better terms or more leniencies toward your situation. At the same time, your employer may not be so understanding. Make your decision based on your situation at work.

• You may want to consider seeking a Photographer to commemorate this special time in your life. It is usually best to have your maternal photo shoot between the fifth and seventh month of pregnancy, when you look and feel best. Earlier than those months, you may not be showing, and later, you may feel too heavy to do anything like this.

• Learn about Maternity leave in your state. It may look like you have lots of time before you will need to know the facts about maternity leave, but time flies and it is always smart to do your research in advance. This way, if you are not eligible for maternity leave, you’ll be prepared and make the necessary arrangements.

Revise your list to reflect the things you would like to get accomplished before your life will change completely…and for the better!

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.

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.

The obvious change is your growing belly, due to the new life growing inside you. Other elements affecting your body may not be as obvious, and may or may not affect you.

You may notice, even before your belly begins to expand that your pelvic bone widens and your jeans may start to feel a bit snugger. This is due to the loosening of your hip bone, which occurs in order to prepare your body for the birth.

You may have also been told to avoid salt during your pregnancy. This is due to water retention and is typically associated with the third trimester. Most women experience some swelling during their pregnancy. It is common to experience mild edema in the feet, legs and hands, even the face. This is due to the increased blood volume in the body during the pregnancy. Some woman may experience more swelling than others. See your doctor if you feel the swelling is extensive or abnormal.

While all these changes, combined with elevated level of hormones, can result in frustration with your body, it is best to try and see the up side of things, and remember it is all temporary. Your body is changing because of the baby growing inside, and after the birth your body will change again. This is certainly not the time to start a diet, but a short while after you deliver, you can start working on your figure again, if you wish.

Do not be discouraged when you look in the mirror, but find ways to enjoy these changes while they last. Treat yourself to new items of clothing, shop for maternity clothes that will enhance your celebrated curves and don’t throw out all you have in your closet. You never know, you may fit into them sooner than you thought.

The global winds

New designs have always been inspired to an extent from historical periods and different ethnic cultures, as well as from textile innovations, social movement, weather & politics. Yes, my dear readers, our garments are made of a little more than we would have thought. This season we can see the changes in the global weather very clearly on the runway as well. The new ethnic trend is assembled of a collection of cultures across the globe combined into a unique new line. Patterns and textures from wild cultures are introduced in tailored and conservative designs.

If so far one period was significantly present in one line, this season introduces the 20’s, 80’s & 50’s with a hint of futuristic sci-fi movies. The use of multiple layers that has been in style for some time now, supports the immediate and constant movements between extreme weather and air conditioned or heated spaces. These elements are evident in current fashion collections around the world. With time, a collection of layered items is being designed to fit to any weather with the use of accessories and layers that make the difference per outfit. The infinite mix & match with the layering of clothes allow the pregnant women to wear maternity clothes with items from her pre-pregnancy wardrobe.

Gray is the new global color

The famous “little black dress” is making room for the new “little gray dress” in different tones. Other new colors this season are purple, which is replacing the summery yellow; the bright red is stepping down for red gray; blue & brown are also touched with gray with season. These new colors and tones are combined with items in gray, of course. For example: gray dress with colorful tights. If you are pregnant & are planning for more than one pregnancy, you should design a classic wardrobe in fashionable gray, mix it up with this season’s purple scarf or top, and in a year or two for your next pregnancy you could use the same basic wardrobe and update the item(s) of color with the colors of the time.

A celebration of textures & fabrics

Do not worry, the world of fashion is not becoming boring, all this grayness that is introduced this season is accompanied by many patterns, thick knits, and – feathers! No, it’s not a typo.. many feathers, layers & folding of the fabric that look much like origami.

This new style celebrates long skinny legs. Hence the higher belt location at the waist, that make the legs look longer & ignores the chests area. If you are pregnant this is your time to celebrate! A massive & comfortable sweater dress & tights will emphasis your skinny legs in comparison to your growing belly. If you finally have a chest to show off, you can always emphasis it with a belt at the bust line.

And to wrap up, the jeans! You can see that even the jeans go gray and the blue gets deeper.

So how does it all fit on us?

Shape – careful, over layers will compliment the colloquial among us. A fashionable look can also be achieved with softer layers with clean-line tailored top & a flowing bottom. For those of us with feminine legs, this is the time to enjoy tights, a skirt or dress– anything that ends above the knee. For narrow legged, skinny tights are the way to go.

Before you get frustrated by your existing collection, take a look in our closet and see what can be of use to you during your pregnancy. You may find that some tights and sweat pants may work well for a while. Use them as long as they do not put pressure on your belly. Dresses are another nice option – that is if your chest still fits into them. Some outfits can be dressed up or down with basic accessories, take advantage of what you have in your closet and make use of scarves, wraps, purses, pins, jewelry etc.

If you are ready to expend your wardrobe, you can use the same concept. Layering is a great way of mixing up your look and using pre-pregnancy and maternity clothes together in creating the perfect look.

When shopping for maternity clothes, consider getting a belly band or two in different patterns to use with tops from your pre-preggo collection. Tights in different colors can be mixed with a maternity tunic or dress for a sheek look. If you are a jeans person, there is no reason why you shouldn’t have maternity jeans. You can wear them with any maternity top, for different occasions.

There is no need to go overboard – you do not need a completely new wardrobe. Get a pair of jeans or two, several colors or tights, and have fun with tops, tunics and dresses. If you plan to breastfeed plan ahead and get nursing tops. They will grow with you and shrink back if they are of good quality.

It is important to remember – that looking good can help boost your mood and confidence, but you first need to be comfortable. If your pants are too tight leave them in the closet and find something else. You’ll fit back into them soon enough. In the mean time, your baby and your bladder need the room to coexist comfortably…

In the last years, 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, veging 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 thing

Maternity clothes and body types: for those of use with slender legs airy dresses are recommended; 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 sheek look.

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