Monday, October 31, 2011

Let’s face it, you may not be feeling at your most sexy, slim and glamourous – BUT this is really a time when looking glamorous can help you feel loads better.  

The rules to stick to when dressing when preg are similar to any other time but a 2 come to the front for me: FIT & STRETCH

It does depend a little on the stage you are at – early on you can get away with wearing your existing items that have some give in them, are a bit looser etc.  Once your bump starts to show then you need a new plan.

So, here are my tips:


? Make sure clothes FIT well.  This is one of my cardinal rules.  Many women buy clothes too large and the temptation to do so when pregnant is even more strong (you think – this will last 9 months!).  EG. if you just buy larger sizes to fit your tummy the top will be too large.  If your clothes are too big you will look bigger than you are! 

? Show your smallest, slimmest areas: wrists, legs below the knee, shoulders/decolletage.  Look for styles that highlight these areas.

? Emphasise your bump and bust!  

? You don’t necessarily need to buy maternity clothes early on BUT as you progress you’ll notice that mat clothes cater for your tummy whilst staying fitted in all the other places.

? Buy stretch fabrics that hug curves and will grow with you.  They are also most comfortable.

? Accessories are your friends. 

? Try things on.

? Styles to look for:


o Empire line 
o V or scoop neck, boat neck if your shoulders aren’t broad
o Fitted stretch dresses with rouching and gathers or a tube
o Knee (just below) length dresses and skirts

What’s out there:  Target, Big W etc. Have some great jersey stretch dresses of many styles.  Some to suit work, outings and long tube type maxi dresses.  These are great to put a top or cardi or shirt over the change the look.  

Target has some good staple maternity items also that are very reasonably priced.

Maternity clothes are more expensive.  BUT you will get to a stage where you will need some.  Just get a couple of staple basics you can accessorise:

1. Black fitted dress (work, going out)
2. tube dress and/or skirt (can dress up or down) depending on top and acccessories.  (eg metallicus)
3. a couple of Mix & match tops and bottoms

There are some great online stores that stock some fab brands that are fashionable and a little better price wise.  If you aren’t an avid online shopper, my tip here is to go to a few stores, try on some styles and brands and then see if you can get them online.  

My fav online sites for maternity wear:

Ostara maternity
Mothercare
Lillyb


The brands which also have some great items are: szabo, bloom, ripe and egg.  You can find these at maternity stores in Brisbane.