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Maternity Fashion 2024: 12 Style Tips Every Pregnant Woman Should Know
Congratulations on your pregnancy! Excited to restyle your closet for pregnancy.
Celebrities have set a new trend for the new-age moms-to-be. Rather than picking up oversized shirts of their husbands, women today prefer to flaunt baby bump in style.
Maternity fashion is not a one-size styling effort. While pregnant women experience a variety of changes in their bodies along with a continually growing bump, this requires them to be aware of how to dress the new shape. Its a tiresome and time-consuming task to try and find out what shapes and cuts look beautiful on you or which outfit suits you the best.
For stylish and comfortable dressing, here are some ‘basic of basics’ fashion tips from our experts for every momma-to-be!
#1. Comfortable and Stretchy Fabric Pregnancy Wear
During pregnancy, being comfortable is very important. Always select lightweight and breathable fabric, irrespective of season. Most preferred fabrics for pregnancy clothes are Cotton Lycra, Denim, Rayon, Georgette and Linen. For sensitive skins, hypoallergenic fabrics such as organic cotton are recommended. Avoid synthetic fabric which can increase perspiration and can cause irritation or rashes on your skin. Also, try to avoid heavy embroidery or sequin work.
During Pregnancy, your clothes grow with you. Therefore, stretchable clothes are a wardrobe staple. Stretch fabric also helps in healthy circulation and free movement. Those well blended with cotton or spandex can be a perfect pick.
#2. Buy Maternity Clothes
Being pregnant is no reason to make your oversized, frumpy regular clothes your go-to outfits.
Its easy to find regular clothes in a larger size and may be more economical. During pregnancy, your body is changing shape, its not just getting bigger. A large top/kurta will still be tight in the midsection but will be large in the shoulders. When it comes to pants or bottoms, they may be too big in the leg and will be tight in the waist area. The reason is these clothes are not designed for pregnant body.
Maternity clothes do more than merely accommodating your baby bump; wearing the right outfit keeps you feeling positive. You need at least a few maternity basics not just to keep you at comfort, but also help you appear stylish.
#3. Invest in Good Pair of Maternity Pants or Maternity Jeans
Maternity pants are a must-have. Two or three different style maternity jeans, or pants are all you need through all three trimesters. There are lot of options available from
- Belly waistband- an underbelly, full belly panel or mid-belly
- Length- full length, ankle length or cropped length
- Leg style- skinny, straight, boot cut, flare or trouser
- Purpose- office wear, casual wear, yoga wear. Try some different options to find your right fit and style.
Pick up jeans with stretchy waistbands instead of zippers or buttons.
#4. Buy Maternity Tops
Maternity tops are comfortable and functional. There are lot of options available to select from- pregnancy tops & tunics, and maternity kurtis & kurtas. They are designed to fit and flatter through pregnancy and beyond. Most of them are nursing friendly for easy breast-feeding access.
Choose versatile tops, which you can wear during and after your pregnancy.
You may try button-down blouses and pencil skirts if you are a corporate mama. A-line or empire waist shirts and dresses are some other favorite go-to outfits of many pregnant women. Layering is also a good idea, so keep a few shrugs or jackets handy.
For evening outfits, you need to add maternity dresses to your wardrobe, like a maternity maxi dress. The loose fit keeps you comfortable the entire time. Moreover, pregnancy dresses give you a feminine look.
#5. Add Patterns and Colors
Yes, you can wear patterns and stripes during your pregnancy; all that you need to study is the size and placement of your piece. Smaller patterns & narrow stripes generally tend to create a visually slimming effect and give mommas-to-be flattering look.
There is a common myth that Black color clothes makes you look slimmer. The truth is looking slimmer more depends on the cloth fitting rather than the color. So don't be afraid to add colors to your pregnancy wardrobe.
There are so many other vibrant shades available like white, orange, green, blue, pink - to refresh your mood and keep you stress-free.
Wearing the same color top and bottom makes you look taller, and leaner.
The cut of a garment matters more than the print or color in terms of enhancing a pregnant body shape. If you're concerned about looking too 'over the top,' opt for prints in a darker color palette. For a much better look, you can wear matching accessories to bring a pop of fun.
But, most importantly, you must be confident and comfortable in whatever you're wearing. Remember, if you feel good, then you'll surely look good.
#6. Always Accessorize
Your pregnancy doesn’t have to be a dull period. Donning the right accessories like jewelry and scarf pieces add a touch of pizzazz to your outfit. Flaunt your pregnancy glow with a beautiful lip shade or a nail paint. Avoid heavy make-up, though.
“Try to wear at least one accessory, whether it’s a statement necklace, a pop-color bag or a great pair of earrings (or all of the above). A solid statement piece can take an ensemble from ho-hum to a stand-out in seconds.” —Stylist, Stephania S.
One sure-fire way to bring new life to an existing outfit is by changing up accessories. Mix-up jewelry, footwear, scarves, and handbags you already have to take your outfit to a whole different level.
#7. Learn to Make Leggings Stylish
Maternity Leggings are so comfortable that you practically will be living in those during pregnancy. And the best thing about leggings is that you can continue wearing them even after the birth of your baby.
We wrote a guide on maternity leggings.
If someone says that leggings can't be considered as pants, they I will say they don't know how to style them.
Leggings are very versatile and there are lot of different ways to style them. You can wear your favorite pregnancy leggings with maternity tees; jackets (including leather jacket); and comfortable footwear like sneakers, loafers, Over-the-Knee or ankle Boots, pumps, flats and sandals.
To get more ideas, browse through the sites like Pinterest to see how other moms-to-be are dressing-up pregnancy leggings. My personal favorite is Cotton Over belly leggings + Tunic shirt + Ankle boot.
#8. Choose Sweatpants that are Chic Yet Comfy
Particularly during the last trimester, you’ll be wearing a lot of sweatpants because comfort is imperative when you’re pregnant. However, wearing sweatpants doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll look frumpy and dull. Nowadays, there is a diverse range of trendy and stylish maternity sweatpants available.
The best part is that you can use them as maternity yoga wear, too!
#9. Wear Stretchy T-Shirts You Can Grow Into
If you're planning to shop for maternity clothing, opt for maternity wear that can accentuate your growing curves. Pregnancy t-shirts are a perfect choice for everyday dressing. Ideal to wear with pregnancy jeans, leggings, pants, shorts, or under a light jacket.
#10. Maternity Bra Makes a Big Difference
When you’re pregnant, your breasts get larger and more tender. Before they cause you any discomfort, invest in couple soft and supportive maternity bras. They are specifically-designed bras to support your enlarged breasts during pregnancy, provides good coverage and keeps you comfortable day & night. Maternity bra also helps to prevent back pain and even reduces stretch marks.
Most pregnant women go up one to three cup sizes.
The best part is that you can even use them to breastfeed your little one after pregnancy easily. Just make sure your new bra is comfortable, supportive, and allows for comfortable breastfeeding.
We offer Seamless Maternity Comfort Bra and Maternity & Nursing Sleep Bra.
#11. Invest in Comfy Underwear
While pregnancy changes the shape of your body, it also widens your hip area due to continually growing belly.
Pregnancy panties & underwear are specifically designed to accommodate your growing bump, butt area, and will stay in place better than your regular panties. Some are specially designed to solve pregnancy issue like thigh chafing.
Depending on your requirements and the level of comfort you want, you can choose from over the bump, or under the bump. Just make sure your new underwear is ultra-soft, incredibly comfortable, highly stretchable, and feels good on your skin.
We offer Maternity Over Belly Shorts with Anti Chafing.
#12. Be Confident
And finally, the most important thing above all else is ensuring you feel good inside out. Whatever you’re wearing, your number one priority should be to make sure it leaves you feeling comfortable, confident, and empowered. It matters during pregnancy to make you feel like a style queen you indeed are.
Conclusion
We have just rounded up some of the best tips and tricks an expectant mom can leverage to style her bump to stay on-trend and feel fashion-forward. Whichever tips you follow or whatever you’re wearing, the key here is to feel good and comfortable inside and outside. Remember, as long as you feel gorgeous, you look gorgeous, too!
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