With Spring comes a deluge of wedding invitations, baby showers, engagements, birthdays, racing days and barbeques.
All fabulous reasons to get frocked up – even if you’re pregnant. While you might not get to stand around quaffing sparkling, you can still head out looking fabulous.
Luckily once again this season the maxi dress is big news. Floral prints and bright colours are key trends that can easily take you from day to night.
Just throw on some dangly earrings, a pair of metallic sandals and a cute clutch and you and your bump will be ready to rock… kind of.
Maternity fashion is no longer the domain of vulgar smocks and offensive muumuus.
These days maternity fashion is comfortable and fashionable – just like your normal clothing with a few clever little additions.
Queen Bee (www.queenbee.com.au) is a great Aussie online boutique that stocks the latest maternity wear, but there are a plethora of options for expectant mothers.
Here are our tips for spring/summer maternity dos and don’ts…
Do
Look for jeans with an adjustable waistband and stretch fabric
Boot or straight leg cuts will balance out your figure and can add length.
It worth investing in a comfortable pair of jeans because you’ll probably wear them for a little while after you’re baby is born.
Look for a lightweight skirt in a basic colour with a stretchy waistband. There are plenty of these available in stretch jersey fabrics.
They’re comfy, can be worn with pretty much anything and look really good with your bump. Stock up on dresses. Maternity dresses don’t have to be unflattering floor-length sacks.
A jersey dress looks great on a pregnant figure; wrap dresses are also great because they expand as you do. Invest in a few maxi dresses.
I’m not talking about huge Hawaiian printed muumuus, I’m talking about one of this season’s key looks.
Go for vintage floral prints or nude and gelato shades.
Maxi dresses look great, can be easily glammed up and do wonders for disguising swollen ankles.
Choose figure hugging tops that will accentuate your bump and empire-waisted shirts that will draw attention to your chest.
For warmer days, just layer a few loose-fitting singlets for a simple look that screams comfort and style.
Don’t
Falling pregnant doesn’t mean you have to become a different person. You don’t have to shop solely at maternity store, mix and match some maternity staples with pieces from your own wardrobe.
Wait until you’re popping out of your normal clothes before you go buy maternity clothes. You’ll get more bang for your buck if you buy key pieces that will grow with our body.
Buy everything at once. Buy a few pieces as your body changes; this is especially important in terms of maternity bras.
Wear large tent-like dresses. They will not make you look smaller, in fact they have the opposite effect.
Clothes that fit and gently hug your bump will look far more flattering.
Look for details like an empire-waist, side-shirring or a tie back emphasise your shape. Not pamper yourself.
You will feel better and more put together if you indulge yourself a bit.
Get a pedicure, wax, spray tan or haircut – whatever you need to stay feeling normal and confident.