By the time of your second trimester, your bump will start to show and it's time I think to throw those skinny jeans into the back of the closet and look at attire more conducive to your present state of affairs. Saying this please do not resort to your husband's XL large t-shirts, those horrible paisley patterned pregnancy dresses and anything that is baggy and easy to pull up. I’m pregnant you say, I need comfort over style you say, but I think we can achieve a stylish and comfortable pregnancy if you follow my tips on dressing the bump.

 

Just because you are pregnant do not lose your own sense of style, I know your priority is your bump at the moment and I do not advice wearing tight clothing and tottering on six inch stilettos. But I do think that if you make an effort to look your best, you boost your confidence and the happiness you feel will also be felt by your baby.

 

DO invest in tops that are form fitting rather than baggy. These are much more flattering than the ones that cover you up in yards of fabric and give you the appearance of a walking tent.

 

                       

DO remember to stock up on your wrap-around tops. These are a good choice since they accommodate your bump as it makes its burgeoning journey through pregnancy. They are definitely a stylish addition to your wardrobe.

 

    

 

DO choose dark denim over light since dark denim always tends to make your legs look thinner and longer. Illusion is your only friend at this point in time. Also invest in a couple of pregnancy denim pants which have the stretchy area to accommodate your bump. Jeans can be either dressed up or dressed down and are great for any occasion.

 

 

DO stock up on your leggings, have a multitude of colours if you wish. They are your greatest friend on the days where your energy levels are low. Slip on some comfortable leggings with a snazzy top and you are the epitome of pregnancy cool.

 

DO have some standard pieces in neutral colours. These monochrome pieces such as leggings, trousers, or long tops can be mixed and matched to suit any occasion.

 

  

 

DO remember to furnish your jewellery box with some cool and colourful earrings, bangles and necklaces. Being pregnant obviously you are limited in your diversity in styles. But you can still keep it chic and stylish by being adventurous in your accessories.

 

        

 

DON’T however easy it is, wear a tent-like paisley pregnancy dress, with that embroidery work in the front and yards and yards of cloth wrapped around you in potato sack fashion. Go for some form fitting dresses that accentuate your bump, everyone knows you’re pregnant so why hide it, show your baby off in pride. Empire waisted dresses are also a good choice since they are tight fitting at top and then flow freely from waist down. It gives the illusion of a waist and you have a figure even though it is not the perfect hour glass at the moment. 

 

DON’T forget to buy a good maternity bra. Face it; your body has changed, your breasts have increased in size and you are putting on weight. This is a good time to make sure you have the right support to avoid putting a strain on your back and shoulders by wearing the correct bra.

 

DON’T  let pregnancy thwart your sense of style. Just because you are now pregnant does not mean that you have to dress in the meek earth mother attire. Be true to yourself, for a happier you is a happier baby.

 

 

 

So therefore ladies all is not lost even though you are pregnant you can still reign as the Queen of style by following a few basic styling tips. Blaze through your pregnancy looking chic and stylish personifying the epitome of pregnancy cool which will most surely put all non pregnant women to shame. Blaze on mums-to-be! 

 

(Text by Mayuri Jayasinghe)