Flattering Maternity Clothes

You welcome the news of your pregnancy with excitement and for the first few months, everything's fine because you still fit into most of your clothes. However, the next thing you know is that you start getting bigger as the months drag on and that's when your search for the right maternity clothes begins.

But what exactly should a pregnant woman wear without having to look dowdy or sloppy? Would it even be possible to look fashionable with a growing belly? The answer is YES, of course! There's no need to hide yourself in shapeless clothes all because you're pregnant.

You need not settle only for the usual stretch jeans-and-man's-Oxford-shirt combination seemingly preferred by many other pregnant women. A little bit of mixing and matching of clothing items here and a little accessorizing there and you'd be off to create quite a stir as a chic soon-to-be Mama.

If you do feel comfortable wearing your man's Oxford shirt over jeans or leggings, remember, at least, to roll its sleeves and you can add a feminine touch by pairing it with leggings and adding accessories like a neck scarf or a necklace. Widely available in the market today are stylish maternity pants and jeans that you can pair with tunics, silk blouses, loose tops, and the popular empire-waisted Babydoll tops. TOPS

Most pregnant women these days manage to look fashionable in swingy tops and shirts, loose peasant blouses, and empire-waist tops that leave room for the growing belly. If you're a believer in the saying, "If you've got it, flaunt it", then there's no reason to hide your assets simply because of your visibly pregnant condition. If you've got nice shoulders and arms, by all means, wear sleeveless shirts/tank tops or dare to wear low-cut blouses to show off a little of that pretty and new cleavage. You can find fun t-shirts that have humorous sayings such as "What's Kicking?" or "Hot Mama." DRESSES

Whether it's tops or dresses, form-fitting numbers are the fad these days and they simply look more flattering for your silhouette and curves - A-line dresses, kaftans, and again, empire-waisted dresses. Some fashion experts suggest to wear clothes in one color and to add jewelry and other accessories to add a beautiful contrast to what you're wearing. Prints can work as long as you avoid stripes. ACCESSORIES

Accessorizing is a superb way to add to the overall effect of your maternity outfit. Whether you're dressed in an elegant dress or in a pair of leggings topped with Oxford shirt, throwing in accessories like a silk scarf, a poncho, a bolero, and/or shawl can make you look stylish. Other accessories to consider are handbags and jewelry to match your clothes. Gaining popularity today is the "belly band" which holds up your loose maternity pants and keeps it in place.

UNMENTIONABLES

When it comes to underwear, there's only one thing to consider - your comfort. Since the breasts swell and the pelvis expands during pregnancy, look for bras with adjustable straps and come with a couple of extra sets of hooks. Over-the-belly maternity briefs can be quite comfortable but if you much prefer your usual bikini, just make sure it's a size or two larger than your pre-pregnancy measurements.

It's perfectly fine to spend on maternity clothes or to get yourself a lovely dress if it makes you feel beautiful and sexy. Wearing flattering maternity clothes can boost your morale and give you the confidence you need at a time in your life when you feel less beautiful or desirable. Remember, if you look good, you'll feel good. So, dress up in style!