Maternity Clothes

Dressing for both comfort and style can be a daunting task during pregnancy. Thankfully this year buying maternity clothes is easier than ever. Most of the current fashion trends are easily transferable into pregnancy styles. High waistbands and flowing fabrics make it easy to keep up with the current styles.

Some popular looks for 2008 are shirts with extra detailing on the sleeves or shoulders, which draws attention upward and away from your ever-expanding stomach. Empire waists also are in vogue and are very flattering to the pregnant figure. Many shirts can even be purchased that are not specifically maternity shirts due to the current styles. The tunic is fashionable again this year and is a nice, loose fit during pregnancy. Longer shirts and dresses also make it easier to find something flattering that will keep your stomach covered into the ninth month of pregnancy. Layering shirts always is an option for getting away with wearing a slightly shorter shirt on top, while still having enough coverage underneath.

Styles that should be avoided during pregnancy are baggy T-shirts and items that are overly large in the neckline and shoulders in order to fit your stomach. The exception to this would be occasionally lounging around the house in your husband’s T-shirts. Why make everything on your body appear larger and formless when it’s only your tummy that’s growing?

Maternity shirts should fit tight enough around the neckline and bust to be flattering and then become looser around the waistline for comfort. Equally flattering can be a shirt that is form-fitting around the tummy as well. The only caution with this style is to make sure the shirt is not too snug around the tummy as to show unwanted curves. Also it is important the shirt is long enough when it is worn tighter. Otherwise the appearance is that of being too small and short.

Although you can get away without always wearing maternity shirts, it is quite difficult to fit into normal-sized pants past a certain point in your pregnancy. Maternity pants generally would be worn in the same size you were previous to pregnancy. Another option to maternity pants is the belly band, which can be worn over non-maternity pants and underneath shirts. If the belly band happens to peek out from underneath your shirt, it simply looks like you are layering.

Maternity pants generally come in several different forms. The hidden panel, which is just below your belly, and the roll panel, which can be folded down below the belly or pulled up over it, can be worn in any stage of pregnancy. The demi panel is best suited for early on in your pregnancy and the full panel typically is needed only in the last trimester. Depending on your body type and how you carry, one style may be all you need the entire pregnancy. Whatever feels most comfortable to you is most likely a flattering option.

Pregnancy is a time in your life when you can experiment with styles you may not normally choose. You can shop for a completely new wardrobe and not worry about how the fashions will have changed nine months from now.

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