Pregnancy is an amazing time in a woman’s life. Her body readjusts itself for the growing life inside of her and her hormones are on overdrive to supply all the nutrients she and her baby needs. For many women, the changes to their body can be initially shocking, but your style doesn’t have to suffer.

The belly gradually expands, breasts get larger, ankles get swollen, skin changes, weight gain occurs and even the most confident woman can be  alarmed by the challenges of dressing her new body. Rest assured though, as daunting as it may seem to still look stylish and be fabulous while pregnant, it is absolutely possible once you accept your new body and learn a few new tricks. Use these 10 fashion tips to guide you in the right direction as you build your pregnancy wardrobe.

1. Do create the illusion of a waist as the tummy expands. Tops/dresses that tie in the back are waist enhancing as are those with princess seaming (vertical contoured seaming on the sides of a shirt/dress) that contour to the body and highlight the waist. Empire waisted tops and dresses (horizontal seaming right below the bust) are also fantastic
—as they bypass the waist altogether and flow nicely over the belly. If you wear an empire waisted top, try wearing it with cool/funky maternity slacks or jeans that make you look more Diva than Dowdy.

2. Do try flowy black pants that have a wide elastic waist band. A pregnancy wardrobe staple for sure!

3. Do draw the eye away from your belly and towards your face as much as possible, try wrap style tops/dresses which are very figure enhancing (Halle Berry rocked this style during her pregnancy). In fact, showing as much skin near your collar bone and upper torso is flattering to pregnant woman as it draws the eye to the face. So V neck tops/dresses are particularly flattering. Accessorize profusely to draw attention away from your wide middle and to your neck up.

4. Do try dressing to look slimmer/taller when pregnant-- wear darker colors on top and strategic prints that give the illusion of a more streamlined
frame—any vertical line or pattern will be elongating to your upper body. Prints are a great way to distract from a tummy bulge.

5. Do use strategic layering. Layering T’s under jackets or cardigans is a great look that is comfortable and that helps make the figure look more proportional.

6. Do wear stylish and comfortable shoes and heels if you can still manage. They help you feel sexy and fashionable even though your body may say otherwise.

7. Do get manis and pedis routinely so you have pretty hands and feet regardless. Get facials and massages, your eyebrows waxed and your hair styled (without chemicals)
and anything that makes you feel more beautiful.

8. Don’t hide that you’re pregnant, flaunt it! Don’t wear baggy shirts and matronly dresses; show off your larger breasts, your arms & that belly! Embrace the changes in your body and work to enhance the attributes
you do have.

9. Don’t try to wear the same clothes you wore pre-pregnancy and think no one will notice. They will and your look will not be flattering.

10. Don’t use your pregnancy as an excuse
not to care about how you look. Many women have their best hair and skin while pregnant—maximize these benefits! So step out everyday like the magnificent, beautiful, pregnant woman that you are!

NOVA resources
Try these local stores
• Periwinkle – Alexandria
• Hysteria – Alexandria
• My Sister’s Closet – Vienna
• Gossip on 23rd – Arlington