A first pregnancy can be overwhelming. Everything is new and exciting. Shopping for maternity clothes, although fun, may be confusing when planning ahead for the unknown belly size to come.

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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When pregnant, your body changes rapidly. Finding something in the closet every morning (whether for the work environment or otherwise) may become challenging by the day, as your belly grows. With the new changes and challenges of the pregnancy, you do not need the added stress of struggle with your wardrobe.

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…

Your pregnancy is a wonderful opportunity for a celebration of fashion. When else will you let yourself loose with flowing fabrics & specialty pants with an elastic band for belly support?

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.