The time has come when you can no longer squeeze your bump into your roomiest trousers. Action is called for, but what do you really need in the way of maternity wear?
What's In Your Wardrobe? Before you rush out to buy an entire wardrobe of maternity clothes have a good look at what you've already got. You can continue using any loose fitting clothes, and when your bump really starts to expand, a drawstring or elastic waist in your trousers is endlessly useful.
A Borrower Be
Check with any recently pregnant friends or associates to see if they wouldn't mind lending you their maternity clothes for the duration. Having said that, it’s nice to treat yourself to some garments that will make you feel really special during your pregnancy.
Super Size Me
When you buy maternity clothes, they will be labelled according to your normal dress size. If you’re buying from an every-day shop, try clothes that are two sizes bigger. First and foremost, you’ll need good maternity bras, to prevent unnecessary sagging and stretching. Make sure you get measured by a trained fitter and only buy a few at a time as you’re likely to go up in size more than once.
Ship Ahoy! Although you want to show off your bump, no-one likes to look like a ship in full sail, so avoid patterns and too many bright colours. Keep the lines clean and simple and remember the slimming qualities of dark colours. Natural, breathable fabrics are best as you will tend to perspire more when pregnant.
High Street Chic More and more high street stores are coming up with excellent maternity ranges at affordable prices. Stores worth checking out include Top Shop, Next, Dorothy Perkins - all of which have maternity lines available to buy online - and H&M.
Something Special Whether it's a designer range you're after, or would rather shop at a store that specialises in maternity wear, the choices are numerous. For formal work wear, Formes is a good choice while Bloomingmarvellous.com has a wide range of clothes and pregnancy lingerie.
If your budget is more Desperate Housewives than Eastenders, then try online store Pushmaternity.com which sells maternity versions of ultra-hip Earl and Citizens of Humanity jeans.
The time has come when you can no longer squeeze your bump into your roomiest trousers. Action is called for, but what do you really need in the way of maternity wear?
