The Fashion Girl's Guide to Dressing While Pregnant
Photo: Splash News
Alissa is the senior merchandising manager for a major fashion label. She is six months pregnant.
The first few weeks of my pregnancy were total euphoria. The coital effort and luteal tracking of the previous months had finally paid off and lurking stress gave way to pure joy. Overnight, I became an empowered, life-bearing force of nature. With a self-satisfied smile firmly on my face and my pert boobs fixed nicely in my bra, I faced the world each morning anew.
For weeks my joy persisted, as I admired my clear skin, flat stomach and narrow hips in mirror. This taut, youthful figure and expecting a baby to boot? What luck!
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But as days turned into weeks and weeks into months, euphoria swiftly devolved into panic. The growing embryo inside me was no longer my smug little secret. It spilled over the cups of my favorite bra, peeked out from the gaps in my button-down shirt, and slid across the flattened pleats of my Issey Miyake skirt. Suddenly I faced my beloved closet each morning in terror: water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.
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My morning ritual of styling and smartening, once a source of proud accomplishment became a riot of stomping, tears, and strewn clothing. For the sake of my marriage and my own mental health, at four months pregnant I resolved to take control of the situation. With no love lost for the challenge of maternity dressing, I formulated a list of sartorial standards to guide me through the next few months.
1. If you can help it, devise to be pregnant in winter
Admittedly, I've only ever known a cold-weather pregnancy. That said, the polar vortex and I were fast friends. During the first few months of my pregnancy, my favorite Acne jeans and The Row sweaters protected me from frigid cold and knowing glances. As the months wear on and my belly blocks the view to my legs, elastic-waist skirts, tights and booties are my weather-appropriate maternity weapons.
2. Slip into something more comfortable
My first trip to the intimates department, like a multitude of pregnancy firsts, resulted in tears, disgust, and ultimately, denial. Three bra sizes in as many months was more than my hormones could handle. Once I had regained my cool, and with some gentle force from my mother, I placed an online order to try in the comfort of my own home. Along with folic acid and regular exercise, finding the right bra is the best thing you can do for your baby: The increased confidence and discomfort relief will do wonders for your mood. Added bonus: They tell me good support will decrease the likelihood of stretch marks later on.
3. Maternity jeans are what's hot in denim
Even if, like me, you abhor ruched seams and empire waists, allow yourself to explore maternity denim. Available in a buffet of washes and fits, you should be able to approximate your favorite pair of non-maternity jeans. A slim-fit style will accentuate your (almost) untouched thighs and the elastic inserts mean comfort from breakfast through dinner. Coming around to this concept will be nothing next to letting it go.
4. V-neck sweaters are for preppy men and pregnant chicks
Once fervently devoted to the classic crew, my burgeoning boobs have forced me to reconsider my favorite neckline. While a high neck draws attention up, up and into your chest, a modest v-neck creates the illusion of a flatter bosom. I pair mine with a long-sleeve tee or chic dickey for added interest, but those more daring might opt to go bare up there. Reward yourself with a new statement necklace to finish the look.
5. Everyone can benefit from another couple of inches
Save the sensible flats for late pregnancy and trips to the park. A low pair of classic heels are the best investment you can make in your pregnancy wardrobe. The added height will offset your increasing width and an elegant shoe will dress up your new maternity jeans for work and play.
Note: Size up a half size to accommodate your growing tootsies. After baby comes, stash them away for next time or thank them very much and pay it forward to the next lucky lady.
6. More is less
My very first maternal instinct was to head straight to my husband's closet, an impulse I quickly discovered was ill-advised. His generous button-down shirts pitched like pup tents over my upper body and his cozy sweaters added bulk to my still-slender shoulders and arms. What I gained in comfort, I gave up in style. Moral of the story: the more fabric, the less flattering where maternity is concerned.
7. Shake what your baby gave you
My shrinking wardrobe aside, pregnancy has given me a newfound appreciation for my womanly curves. Where I used to yearn for Kate Moss's boyish hips and flat chest, I now see my changing body as nothing short of the miracle of life. At three to four months, it's a thin line between a big meal and a small fetus. But as your tummy begins to grow, embrace your new shape. Choose form-fitting silhouettes in dark colors that hug your curves and show off your shoulders or legs. Make your maternity work for you. Then sit back, and bask in the glow, baby.
Photos: Courtesy of Barneys, Neiman Marcus, farfetch.com, lagarconne.com, vince.com, mariejo.com, jcrew.com, mytheresa.com
