Fashionably Pregnant

By Karen Page

For most women, after the initial excitement passes upon hearing that they are pregnant, panic sets in as they realize that they are going to have to say goodbye to their hot body for the next 9 months and beyond. And the further realization that all that is now available to them are ultra conservative, frumpy maternity fashion that makes you look like a sack of potatoes, doesn’t help things either! But don’t despair…this is no longer the case. You’ll soon learn that a pregnant woman can still be sexy and a bump is no reason to sacrifice your style.

Sure there will be notable changes in your body and you should come to terms with them as soon as possible if you don’t want to have body image issues for your entire pregnancy. All women gain weight, some of which is the baby and the rest the by-product of elevated hormones, so don’t stress out when you do too! This process can be scary but the only way to deal with the fear is to embrace the changes in your body and realize that you are still the same woman as before only a bit more voluptuous and no husband would complain about that. Focus on finding ways to make yourself feel as normal as possible. A blowout, manicure or a shopping trip all do wonders for keeping a woman relaxed and feeling beautiful.

Lots of women find the first maternity shopping trip a bit daunting and rightly so; it wasn’t that long ago when maternity fashion consisted of tent dresses and childish tunics with bibbed fronts. As if losing all sense of style was as common a side affect of pregnancy as morning sickness. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I haven’t seen those particular styles grace the runways lately, if ever, which begs the question: “why make maternity clothes that don’t follow current trends in fashion?” If you didn’t find these particular styles fashionable before pregnancy then why would you suddenly have a change of heart and rush out to buy something in a horrendous print or a sailor boy’s outfit as soon as the doctor said “congratulations, you’re pregnant!”. Thankfully, in recent years, the voices of fashionable pregnant woman the world over have finally been heard and maternity clothes have now become fashionable.

Fundamentally your style should remain largely the same, albeit with a few tweaks to accommodate your new voluptuous body (Hint: this is a great time for woman like me who are normally a little lighter upstairs…). Trying to completely change your look now that you are pregnant generally backfires along with being a much more expensive proposition! Before your first shopping trip, do take stock of what you have already for pieces that can be adapted to an expanding waistline. Loose, floaty tops and empire waists are perfect for your first trimester when your tummy is still relatively small. It’s better to buy as you go rather than months in advance as you have no idea how big you will get or how you will feel as you progress. Invest early in a Bellaband to get additional wear out of your favorite jeans and trousers as there is generally no need to buy maternity bottoms until the 3rd month of pregnancy. After the first trimester it is time to look towards maternity brands because they are designed to accommodate a growing belly while fitting properly everywhere else. These pieces will last for your entire pregnancy and after the baby is born and you are returning to pre-pregnancy size. For women on a budget, head to H & M (www.hm.com). The top floor has a small maternity section full of basics like tank tops, t-shirts and casual trousers. You won’t find any high fashion pieces here but you’ll be able to satisfy your need for comfortable clothes easily. If you are looking for basics with a bit more style look at LA Made, (www.lamade.com). Designed and produced in LA, all pieces are made with soft, garment dyed cotton to ensure it will hold its shape and colour for your entire pregnancy and beyond. A notable maternity brand for working women is Jules & Jim (www.julesetjimmaternity.com). The line has work trousers with a great fit as well as collared shirts and day dresses perfect for the office. If you’re still trying to keep up your glamorous social schedule and are having a tough time with evening dresses and tops, then t-bags (www.tbagslosangeles.com) is the line for you. Designed in LA, this brand makes super stylish dresses that look amazing with or without a bump. The higher price tag is definitely justified as you can continue to wear the item even after your baby is born and I have sold lots of these dresses to girls who couldn’t have baby bumps further from their minds! Oh, and there is no reason to hang up your heels for the entire 9 months. Flats are fine for day but if you are having an evening out and you are still feeling steady on your feet why not bust out your heels. There is always something to be said for looking and feeling great and nothing says glamour like heels!

Maternity Must-Haves:

Maternity/nursing bras: a time will come in the very near future where you will have to ditch those uncomfortable push up bras. Maternity/nursing bras should be made of comfortable fabric because you’ll be wearing them everyday and you won’t be in the mood for something constricting. If you are trying to be frugal why buy maternity bras when you will only have to buy nursing bras in a few months? Conserve that cash and invest in good quality nursing bras. If you are the type to wear lacey underwear there is no need to give up your standards just because there is a bun in the oven. There are plenty of brands out there are make sexy nursing bras with matching underwear that will ensure you’re feeling beautiful and will certainly please your husband.

A multi purpose top: one that can take you from day to evening with ease. With your busy schedule who has time to go home and change?

Maternity leggings: Comfort and style all in one garment. Leggings are perfect to wear under a tunic or dress that you feel might be a bit too short. Get the ones that fit under the belly so you can’t see the top of the band under your shirt.

Dresses: Invest in a day dress and an evening dress. It’s so much easier to only have to choose 1 thing to wear as opposed to matching a top with a bottom.

Designer jeans: Even though your bum might be expanding you can still wear your favorite brand of denim. Follow in the footsteps of Jessica Alba and Gwen Stephani and choose styles with strategically placed pockets to visually slim the bottom.

Wraps or cardigans: Perfect for when you want to feel cozy and stylish at the same time.
 
If you live in Hong Kong come visit our spacious showroom filled with fashion items for those with a bun in the oven.

http://www.ninemonthshk.com/
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