Maternity fashion: feel-good looks for pregnancy
As your baby bump grows, your clothes become uncomfortable and will no longer have a good fit. This is the perfect time to treat yourself to some new clothes that support you in this wonderful transformation – clothes that make you look and feel good. Trendy yet functional maternity wear ensures that you feel good during and after your pregnancy. Follow our tips and tricks on how to look stylish during pregnancy.
Maternity fashion during the first trimester: how to hide your tummy
You don’t want to tell your colleagues at work about your pregnancy just yet? Or maybe you haven’t found the right moment to tell your family about the happy news? It is easy to conceal your tummy in the first trimester with some fashionable tips and tricks. In most cases you won’t need to buy maternity wear just yet. You can use the clothes you already have to hide your little bump.
How to hide your baby bump with the right dresses
Flared and flowing dresses are a great choice if you would like to disguise your baby bump during the first trimester. There is a variety of different styles you can choose from that will make you feel completely comfortable and that suit you perfectly. A-line dresses with flared skirts, wrap dresses und empire dresses with a high waist are timeless styles that have proven themselves to be true classics during pregnancy. On the other hand, figure-hugging dresses are not a great choice if you want to keep your little bump a secret.
Cleverly cut tops that will hide your baby bump
During your pregnancy, it is a good idea to choose loose, flowing tops and airy blouses. They disguise your little bump during the first few months. They will also flatter your tummy as your pregnancy progresses. Flared tops and tunics have a similar effect in hiding your bump. They are wider towards the bottom which can distract from your new curves.
When is the best time for your first pair of maternity trousers?
Maternity trousers support your tummy and offer maximum comfort by expanding along with your bump. This ensures you always have the perfect fit. Maternity trousers with an underbelly waistband are particularly suitable for the first stage of your pregnancy. These trousers provide a high level of comfort even if your bump is still quite small. Varieties with an over belly waistband provide maximum support for a fuller baby bump. However, it really depends on which type of trousers you find more comfortable.
Ideally, you should get yourself a pair of maternity trousers as soon as your regular trousers start feeling tight. This usually happens by the end of the first trimester.
Fashionable pregnancy clothes during the second trimester: how to transition to maternity wear
A lot of mums-to-be experience the second trimester as the most enjoyable. As your baby bump grows, so does your pride and excitement. The fact that your body changes during pregnancy is perfectly normal. Mums-to-be simply have curves. The most important thing for you during this phase is to feel completely comfortable in your body. So wear clothes that are comfortable and spark joy.
A belly band: your fashionable little helper
During the first few months of your pregnancy, you can usually still wear most of your favourite tops. However, because your tummy is now curved, even looser fitting tops can tend to ride up. This is where a belly band comes to the rescue. It supports your baby bump and lengthens your tops by bridging the gap between your trousers and shirt.
Keep in mind: depending on the type of fabric and fit, your tops could lose their shape permanently if you wear them during pregnancy.
Pregnancy essentials checklist
By the second trimester, usually the time has come to transition to maternity wear. You may still be able to combine them with some of your normal clothes, but you should not compromise on the comfort of maternity trousers and maternity underwear.
Want to purchase maternity wear but don’t know where to start? Our checklist of must-haves will help you find the perfect essentials for all types of weather and occasions:
2 to 3 nursing tops and maternity blouses
2 to 3 maternity dresses or maternity jumpsuits
5 to 6 nursing bras
2 to 3 maternity jumpers or cardigans
2 to 3 pairs of maternity pyjamas or nightdresses
1 maternity jacket/maternity winter jacket with a baby pouch
2 to 3 maternity trousers and maternity jeans
1 to 2 pairs of maternity tights
1 supportive belly band made from a jersey fabric with an elasticated band
Pregnant in style: our checklist of maternity wear must-haves
You don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe when you’re pregnant. You can still wear many of your favourite clothes in the first few months of your pregnancy. Therefore, it is a good idea to invest in a few key basics. Our pregnancy must-haves checklist will show you essential pieces that will see you through to the birth (and beyond). Find more tips on how to get the most out of your maternity wardrobe in our guide to stylish yet affordable pregnancy outfits.
Third trimester styles for pregnancy: best tips for showing off your baby bump
During the third trimester, maternity fashion is all about showing off your baby bump. However, now it is important to wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t feel too tight. At the same time, the clothes you wear during this time should also show off your tummy in a stylish way. You can look stylish and be really proud of your bump.
How to show off your baby bump: comfortable and fashionable tops
Comfortable tops and T-shirts made from elasticated fabrics are the right choice for day-to-day life. This type of top can be styled both casually and smartly. Tops with a tie ribbon under your bust will make your baby bump stand out and side gathers will perfectly adapt to your curves. You can still use many of these tops after the birth thanks to their built-in nursing function.
How to show off your baby bump: the perfect dresses for every phase of pregnancy
Dresses are a great all-rounder during pregnancy. During the first and second trimester you may very well be able to wear flared dresses that you already have in your wardrobe. Maternity dresses are a great addition to your wardrobe for the last stage of your pregnancy. You can also wear maternity dresses that have a nursing function after giving birth.
A-line or tunic style dresses provide enough space for your growing tummy and you can dress these up or down.
Wrap dresses are a good choice to hide your bump during the first few weeks of pregnancy and they emphasise your feminine silhouette effortlessly.
Empire-style dresses have a high waistline which have a looser fit under the bust and look particularly elegant around your tummy.
In summer, airy dresses made from breathable, cooling fabrics are the perfect choice.
You can also wear dresses in autumn and winter by combining them with maternity leggings or warm maternity tights.
To create a balanced silhouette, you can mix and match tight with loose-fitting clothes during pregnancy. An oversized blouse paired with a pair of figure-hugging maternity jeans or casual maternity leggings can help hide your pregnancy during the early months. Vice versa, tight-fitting tops paired with loose trousers or slightly flared, flowing skirts will make your baby bump look lovely.
How to show off your baby bump: feminine silhouettes for every style
Whether you like it loose and comfortable or want to show off your baby bump with figure-hugging clothes, the important thing is that you feel completely comfortable. Trendy and functional maternity clothes ensure that you can stay true to your style during pregnancy without forgoing comfort. Modern maternity wear can be casual and sporty, stylish and classy or timeless and classic. You can find some ideas here:
Pair maternity leggings with an oversized blouse or a casual button-up shirt to create a comfortable yet classic and elegant maternity look. For a more casual and sporty look, try an oversized shirt or hoodie. Trendy oversized looks are also great to wear after giving birth.
Maternity dresses during the third trimester will need to be loose-fitting for your tummy. You can wear a belt above your baby bump to create a more feminine, fitted look and to emphasise your tummy.
A casual crop top paired with a high cut maternity skirt, trousers or leggings is a great combination. This style is particularly comfortable as it does not feel too tight around your tummy and it will slightly highlight your curves. You can achieve a similar look by knotting an oversized blouse or loose shirt over your baby bump. This look is also suitable for stylish and elegant maternity looks.
Conclusion: being pregnant in style made easy with modern maternity fashion
Modern maternity wear is fully geared to the needs of mums-to-be. Elasticated panels and drawstrings provide the perfect fit in every phase of pregnancy. Soft, flexible and flowing fabrics ensure a high level of comfort and they feel great on your skin.This allows you to stick to your individual style during pregnancy without forgoing comfort or wearing styles of clothes you are not very keen on.
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The image sources in this text are in chronological order:
Cover photo: iStock.com/eclipse_images
1. – 6. Image in text: C&A
