Looking Good While Pregnant

Fashion is hard. Being pregnant and trying to be fashionable is even harder. I have long since struggled with my sense of style. Mainly because of the jobs I have had in the past.  I worked as a marketing director for a local food restaurant and was always under scrutiny for what was appropriate while at work. I did not work in the restaurant, but I was there often enough that people knew who I was and what I did. After that I went to a marketing agency that had an open policy on dress. "Business Casual"- whatever that means. Then I also worked in health care that was strict on dress code, and now I am back to a very lax "Business Casual" office.

I have to say, this new job has been the best place for me to express my sense of style. So, of course I have to go and get pregnant only 3 months after being there. Obviously the first three months of pregnancy were a breeze so no one knew I was pregnant, and I didn't start showing until around the 18th week. I went in between on the whole buying maternity clothes and just getting bigger sizes. So I opted for both. I've been doing pretty good with the 'what to wear' aspect but I always wonder if I really do have good style or not. Today when I read the pin on looking good while pregnant, I felt a sense of pride. The staples of the wardrobe are totally what I have bought so far to get me through pregnancy. YAY! Let's take a look at what she suggests for each trimester. Feel free to view the original pin.

I will make one final comment- I love the belly band, AKA the tummy sleeve! I highly recommend them. I wear them all of the time. I know she was not a fan. I think it depends on your body type. I'm an apple shape, and I also wear lower riding pants so the band works great for keeping your pants on- okay, that's my rant. I'm done now.


First Trimester:
1. Wrap Dresses

2. Shift Dresses



3. A-line dresses or Trapeze dresses



4. Empire waist dresses

6. Tunics



7. Empire Waist shirts


8. Blouson



9. Anything that float away from the body





My favorite part of her blog is where she says, and I quote:

Shoes
The book highly suggests wearing heels.
(It's pro heels for the entire pregnancy, as far as fashion goes.)
This gives you height, which will have the effect of elongating and slimming.

The people at work have given me so much crap about always wearing high heels. I'm 5'2"- its just a part of life. I have to wear heels to look like I am normal. And besides, they are much cuter and make my calves look fan-tab-u-lous! My absolute favorite place to by shoes is 6pm.com. They are awesome. Please, just take my word on it- I think you'll agree.

Second and Third Trimester: (more in the style of an "uniform")
1. Long black maternity tank top


2. Dark Denim maternity jeans


3. Black leggings


4. To the thigh t-shirts in white and black


5. Empire waist dress


6. Basic Black Jersey Dress


7. Maternity Black pencil skirt or a versatile skirt


8. Above the knee shift dress


9. Infinity dress

I will say you can find these on zulily most of the time. If you are a crafty person- why not try to make your own:


Take these items and ACCESSORIZE! (as a jewelry maker- I totally agree with this statement being pregnant or not)

Layer your pieces with:
1. Jackets
2. Sweaters
3. Cute Shoes/boots
4. Jewelry
5. Scarves
6. Belts

She also talks about making your wardrobe "seasonless". I concur. I have a super cute summer dress that I bought for our honeymoon. This winter I added leggings, a blazer and some knee high boots and it was cuter than cute. Buy pieces that can transition from summer to winter and spring and fall. Which, let's be honest, with the right styling- almost anything can work for any season (I suppose a parka might be an exception....)

Fourth Trimester- SAY WHAT?

Yep, not done yet. Even though you've had the baby doesn't mean you are back to your old style. I really liked this section because so many people forget about it. Here's her suggestions:

1. Sweater or shirt dresses


2. Sun Dresses


3. Patterns


4. Shirts that conceal the belly (gathering, ruching, draping, extra fabric, ruffles, blousons)


5. Loose button downs


With all that being said, I feel pretty confident in the outfits I'm wearing. Hope this article helps you get your bump stylin'! All of the items I found came from Destination Maternity, Pink Blush Maternity, and Kohls.