Maternity Fashion Dos and Dont's

Dressing during pregnancy can be tricky--adding 20 or 40 pounds to your body can make even the most adept fashionista anxious. Here are some no-fail tips to keep you looking stunning for the next 40 weeks.

Dos
1. Monochromatic legs. Match your tights to your shoes. This brings the focus up to your face and belly, not your swollen ankles.
2. Pairing your look with knock-out accessories. Now is the time visit to try a daring pair of chandelier earrings or a bold tribal beaded necklace.
3. Wraps are wonderful. Pick up a couple "Pashmina" shawls in vibrant colors. They make great scarves and you can pull them on and off without mussing up your gloriously thick hair.
4. Continue to look professional. Jeans and tunic tops are not going to convey the right message at your work place. It's better to have a uniform than to look disheveled.
5. Stock up on basics , such as T's, casual pants and underwear as discount retailers. Target and Old Navy have a wonderful selection of staples.
6. Splurge on a knock-out dress. If this is out of your budget, try to split the cost with a pregnant pal and share the dress mapping out a calendar of special occasions.
7. Buy comfortable footwear. A good look starts from the bottom up. Don't neglect your feet by jamming them into small shoes. Your feet may expand a size or more during pregnancy.
8. Splash out with bold color on top. Bright, flattering colors are a perfect way to bring attention to your lovely complexion.

Dont's
1. Raiding your husband's closet. You'll look shapeless and dowdy in his boxy clothes, we've got curves ladies! Keep feeling sexy by taking care of yourself. If your budget is tight swap with other pregnant friends, shop eBay, find sales.
2. Oversizing. Of course it is exciting to be pregnant. Just don't go bananas in the first trimester. Make your wardrobe work for the first few months with a belly band, then start building your maternity wardrobe. Leave room to grow, by opting for stretch fabrics.
3. Too Small. Remember that poorly fitting bra, the same goes for everything else, once the clothes become uncomfortable move on!
4. Over accessorizing. It's a balance. Pick one signature accessory with each outfit. Remember, baby is also an accessory.
5. Playing it safe. Suddenly dressing like a school marm with ruffles and bows. If you were a sleek and sexy dresser before baby, there is no reason to change. Show off those curves, don't hide them under a shapeless muumuu. Your belly is a thing to celebrate. There are women out their spending thousand of dollars to get pregnant. Rejoice!
6. Spend money on work clothes. Work your network-make friends in your prenatal yoga class with women that are further along and offer to buy their clothes when they are finished.
7. Invest in a maternity coat. Your body temperature will be running warm with all that extra blood flowing through your system. Wear your pre-pregnancy coat unbuttoned. If you must add this item, try to borrow or find one on sale as these are very expensive items.

For more pregnancy tips on fashions and baby gear, visit my site: www.momtrends.blogspot.com. Where the motto is: "More style, less stuff!"