Being pregnant is a joyous, but sometimes complicated, time. On top of the normal bodily reactions you experience in the nine-month period, you also have to figure out dressing yourself with a growing belly.
Here, Lauren Rothman, founder of fashion consulting firm Styleauteur, and Dawn Leupke, owner of consignment store Bellies and Babies in Alexandria, share how to be stylish while pregnant, glow and all.
You’re a personal stylist, but also a mom. What has your experience with maternity clothes been like?
LR: My biggest tip to clients is to not be afraid of dressing the belly. Once it feels appropriate to share your pregnancy with the world, you want to start dressing like you’re actually pregnant, not just gaining extra weight. Women show at different stages, so maybe you go up a size in regular clothes, but aren’t quite ready for maternity. Always think about continuing your signature style. And if you are showing, go ahead and start showing it off.
DL: The challenge about your growing and changing body is that it’s short-lived. I see a lot of women will buy regular clothes a size up or pull a size up that they have available in their closet, but that is just not very flattering to wear non-maternity. Invest in maternity pieces and embrace your new temporary figure! Maternity clothes can flatter your bump and be more comfortable. Of course, shop maternity consignment, where you can find your nine-month wardrobe at half of the retail price.
What is a common trend you see in your pregnant clients?
LR: I think the biggest challenge is that you’re changing size and a lot of women are unfamiliar with that concept, especially if it’s your first pregnancy. You’re holding weight and you can’t really anticipate where that is going to land. For many women, you gain some weight in your upper arms, a little in your thighs. So, I think the hardest part is that you’re not in control of the way your body is changing. Layers are really your best friend.
A lot of women wear clothing that is too big and you want to avoid that. You want to look for pieces that are fitted in the mid-section. If you’ve been someone who always wears tailored clothing but not tight, you really want to rethink the mid-section because that’s the part of a pregnant body that needs the most attention.
Are there specific materials women should stray toward?
LR: The stretchier the better, not only for comfort but also for style. Dresses are a good match for a lot of pregnant women, but the challenges are that they can also show things you don’t necessarily want people to see. Don’t be afraid to layer a dress with something else. I also recommend arm Spanx and the Bella Band to a lot of my clients. Both items give you coverage on the areas you’re self-conscious about.
DL: Pick staple items that you could wear repeatedly. For example, if you are working, get a really good pair of black slacks that you can mix-and-match with different blouses and accessories. Also, wrap dresses are your friend! These grow with your pregnancy, and generally still can be worn for that fourth trimester. They can also be used typically for nursing, as well.
If you plan on nursing, purchase nursing maternity tops so that you have nursing clothes available right away and stretching the use-life of your maternity tops. You should also invest in a good nursing bra—not “maternity” bras, which is just marketing. Lastly, if your back aches, get a good maternity support belt which will help alleviate the strain on your back.
Do you have any favorite looks?
LR: One of my favorites looks for work is wearing a chic dress layered with a light cardigan, or a vest of similar material that is the same length as a dress. It can be vest-style or duster, which is a long cardigan. That way the piece is covering your backside and your bra.
In the summertime, my clients continue to look for anything that keeps them cool. So, still a dress—it’s not really a season where folks are wearing jeans—but certainly if you are going to do pants, go with a fitted crop style, as opposed to a wide-legged style. That is not a pregnant woman’s pant.
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