How To Buy Maternity Clothes

Maternity wear has come a long way from the flowered tents of yesteryear.  Whereas once even

the word “pregnant” was taboo in the media and polite society, now the watchword is basically if

you’ve got a baby on board, flaunt it.  And though this can be taken a bit too far, creating a new

life is definitely not something which needs to be hidden away under yards of fabric.  

Fortunately, nobody knows that better then the department and specialty stores that are selling

maternity wear these days.  Though you will still find some downright ugly dresses, for the most

part the emphasis is on comfort, convenience and stylishness.  One thing you should remember

as you shop for maternity wear however is to accept your changing body and dress accordingly. 

You are not “fat,” with all of the negative connotations our society and ourselves place on that

word.  You’re pregnant, and you naturally have to accommodate the fashion needs of that second

person you’re carrying around inside you.  Trying to squeeze into too small or otherwise

restrictive clothing will be a battle that you can’t win, so why even try.  Enjoy your pregnancy as

much as possible along with the changes your body is going through, and use it as an opportunity

to develop healthier eating habits, if necessary, as well as getting regular exercise.  

In addition to specific maternity wear, such as “empire” style dresses (which are fortunately

becoming fashionable again) for special occasions, you can also find business and professional

wear.  Maternity pants with elastic panels in front to accommodate a growing baby, longer coats

and tunics which lengthen the body, t-shirts, shells, elastic waist skirts and stretch fabrics that are

already popular and stylish can all help you look neat and accommodate a pregnancy.  Unless

you have a specific reason for not doing so, informing your coworkers is always a good idea, not

only for advice and tips they may have but also because, frankly, you may need a break now and

then in terms of dressing a bit more casually if necessary.  Remember, when it comes down to it,

it’s also about how you feel, because your perception of how you look may be skewed by the

dramatic changes you’re going through.

For non-professional situations, leggings and big shirts (raid your husband’s closet) can provide

easy outfits for shopping or just around the house.  And if you attend a lot of formal occasions,

consider supplementing your wardrobe with outfits that may have only been worn once or twice

available at your local thrift store or women’s exchange.  You may find you want to put some of

your own maternity outfits there as well once the baby arrives. With maternity wear, which can be a little bland or monochromatic, accessorizing is even more

important.  Give yourself a maternity makeover, with a new easy care haircut and color.  Shop for

diaper bags as well as totes and bigger handbags to accommodate all the things you’ll need to

carry.  Don’t forget shoes and underwear, even if you’re a dedicated thong and Jimmy Choo kind

of person, you’re going to need some sensible underwear and some stylish, but flat soled shoes

once your pregnancy progresses and for some time after the baby is born as well.  And have your

partner keep up a steady flow of jewelry, watches, hair-wear and the like, there’s nothing like a

little gift of fashion to lift your spirits as well as enliven wool leggings and a cashmere sweater.  

Finally, don’t forget basic black (and other neutrals and basics from navy to cocoa to winter and

summer whites.)  Whether you’re dressing for work, for a formal occasion or just knocking

around, an elastic skirt, a pair of elastic waist pants, short or long sleeved shell and a long

deconstructed blazer, coat or tunic can form the backbone of a stylish and not overly expensive

maternity wardrobe which you can then supplement with more fun pieces, items borrowed from

friends and relatives or thrift shop finds.  Just remember to buy yourself one outfit (and American

designers like Donna Karan are moms’ best friend) that makes you feel as fabulous as you are.