Pregnancy Style Stealers

There are certain style quandaries that arise with pregnancy. Some of the them sneak up on a mama-to-be because they happen so gradually, others are shocking and impossible to ignore. Since I am currently in the throes of pregnancy number four (!), I can both commiserate and share some wisdom that I've gained over the last six years. If I had to sum up this advice, I would lay it out something like this: 

Don't abandon your own style. This can be a real temptation especially if maternity wear options are limited in your area, or your budget is very tight. Resist! Make boards on Pinterest of maternity fashions that you actually like, and try to get creative using what is available to you.

Be careful of too short shirts.  This style stealer is a sneaky one; it can happen soooo quickly!

Be careful of fabric that is too thin. I occasionally find a find or two at Old Navy, but this week when I stopped by their maternity section the shirts were borderline transparent. Transparent. The childbearing body is beautiful, but nothing makes me more uncomfortable than every bump and bulge being on display, as is the case with dresses made of too thin fabric. Too thin tops also look cheap, in more ways than one....

Be careful of the plunging neckline. A lot of maternity clothing employs the plunging neckline because it is easier for nursing post birth, because women want to flaunt their new pregnancy "assets" (I can hear you thinking, "I'm only an A cup, this doesn't apply to me." I say, for now you are an A cup. Milk, it does a body good..), and because some space in a collar line can be really flattering and effective in drawing the eye up. But. These necklines, on a person in motion, can be very revealing and uncomfortable. Constantly adjusting to prevent a wardrobe malfunction is not stylish. And as far as nursing goes, I never found it that difficult to accomplish in "regular" shirts.

Be careful of pulling and gapping in shirt buttons. This advice is along the same vein as the previous two points. Bigger girls can leave one prone to unintentional peep shows when shirts just won't stay closed. I always check this aspect before buying. It's a deal breaker.

Avoid maternity jeans with "feathering" across the thighs. Lighter embellishments and/or horizontal lines draw negative attention to the widest point of the leg. Since most of us don't gain just a belly as pregnancy progresses, maternity jeans in a dark wash with no feathering is the most slenderizing way to go.

Invest in some good undergarments. Avoid lines and "spilling over" by wearing the proper size undergarment. I know it can be a difficult fact to face that one's underwear just doesn't fit the way it used to, but as the saying goes, the truth will set you free. For special occasions that involve dresses and skirts, invest in a pair of these for a seamless look. I'm absolutely serious.