Several of my clients are currently pregnant, which is super fun for me. I always love a good challenge and like to mix things up, so helping them build a wardrobe for their ever changing bodies is a great change of pace. My first piece of advice: do not go crazy at the over-priced maternity stores. Start in your own closet, you'll be surprised by how many non-maternity pieces can be repurposed for your pregnant body: stretchy skirts, tunic tops, empire waist dresses, cardigans, wrap dresses, scarves, statement jewelry, capes, wraps, oversized totes, etc.
At the beginning of each trimester, reorganize your closet so that the pieces you will be able to wear for the next three months are front and center and everything else is relegated to the back of the closet. Mixing in maternity friendly pieces with your old skinny jeans and slinky tops is just asking for frantic mornings. The items you can actually wear when getting dressed tomorrow need to be clearly separated from those you can't. This will also give you a clear picture of what you have and what you may need to add into your wardrobe for the next phase of pregnancy. Organize your fourth trimester wardrobe before heading to the hospital so you're not overwhelmed with what to wear while trying to take care of your new baby.
You will probably want to purchase a few core basic maternity pieces to build around. These pieces will be different depending on your personal style and lifestyle but will include things like: one pair of designer pregnancy jeans, a long stretchy black tank top for layering, maternity tights or leggings, a maternity pencil skirt and black trousers. Then add in some non-maternity pieces that can be worn now and later - empire-waist jersey dresses, an unstructured sweater, a funky tunic. The key to pregnancy chic is getting creative....and accessorizing. Accessories are your best friend during pregnancy. Scarves and statement necklaces can be worn at any size and will allow you to get away with wearing that same black jersey dress once every week or two. You also have to make a commitment to keeping your style up during pregnancy. Sometimes, it takes effort to look effortless. You will have to put some effort into keeping your closet organized, doing some shopping for your unfamiliar body and spending a little extra time and effort putting together a creative outfit in the morning when all you want to do is get back in bed.
First Trimester: Goal: to not look fat. Trade in tailored, structured clothing for loose fitting pieces that drape and flow, such as tunics, empire waist dresses, a-line skirts, shift dresses, trapeze dresses, and blousy tops. Heels and accessories can help create the illusion of a longer, leaner you and help you feel more fabulous, rather than just fat, during the first trimester. Avoid Lycra, which will only emphasize bulges at this point in your pregnancy; save those bump hugging dresses for the second and third trimesters.
Second Trimester: You can finally show off that adorable bump! By rotating basic silhouettes and layering with fabulous accessories, you can create dozens of killer looks with only a few uniform pieces. Choose easy and flattering silhouettes and then punch them up with add ons. Try silhouettes such as wrap dresses, an embellished neck shift dress, a deep v-neck top with slimming black maternity trousers, a tunic and leggings, dark denim pregnancy jeans and a flowy knit cardigan, maternity pencil skirt and long stretchy tank, and empire-waist dresses. Add on unstructured cardigans, trench coats, trapeze jackets, statement jewelry, printed scarves, belts, eye-catching heels and oversized handbags.
Third Trimester. It's time to punch up the wow factor. Stick with what you've already learned and been doing in the second trimester but now that your belly is really taking center stage, it's time to add in lots and lots of accessories so you can keep rotating through your uniform outfits. Take everything to the next level: instead of five bangles, wear ten, layer up several pendant necklaces, choose accessories in bright colors and prints, really add in that wow factor. Also, go overboard with your beauty routine, add in a smokey eye or red lip for some extra everyday glamour. Don't give in to feeling blah, get your eyebrows and your nails done. Pamper yourself.
Fourth Trimester. Be patient as you slowly return to your pre-baby body. You'll be home a lot at first so chose items like leggings, breezy caftans, shirt dresses, your jersey maternity dresses (it's OK to keep some maternity items in rotation at this point) and cotton t-shirt dresses that will fit your transitional body. Tweak the drapey pieces you wore during pregnancy rather than spending money on your temporary shape. Think back to your first trimester wardrobe and those loose fitting pieces that drape and flow.
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