Getting dressed can be quite a challenge sometimes. Getting dressed when you’re pregnant is a whole new ballgame. Your old clothes stop fitting fast. And no, you can’t necessarily wear the same looks (especially if you loved, say, a fitted button-down shirt or sky-high stilettos) because they just won’t feel or look good right now. But that’s okay. Your body is growing a person! Give it the respect it deserves and dress so that you and that bump are comfortable – you absolutely can still look like your gorgeous self. It’s a little daunting at first, but ti’s also an opportunity to try styles you might not have bothered with before when you couldn’t, oh, fill them out.

Play with Proportions

I did a lot of fitted jackets over full skirts and dresses; think empire-waist maxidress with a denim jacket or cardigan. Your pre-baby cardigan will do
just fine – it’ll be a bit snugger – use it as a layering piece, so you don’t need to button it. You can also flip the look and pair a flowy peasant top with leggings or skinny jeans.

Embrace Your New Neckline

Depending on your pre-pregnancy shape, a voluptuous chest might be a new experience for you – it was for me! Go with it and work your new assets, honey! V-neck, camisoles, and scoop necks are your new allies. So are bold statement necklaces.

When In Doubt, Wear a Wrap Dress

You can adjust it as your belly grows – and cinch it back in afterward. Such a versatile piece works on almost every body – I have several, in solid colors and cute prints, for each season. My favorites are by Diane von Furstenberg.

Wedges Are Your New Best Friend

As your due date approaches and your center of gravity shifts, you might find that heels may not feel as great as they used to. I wore a lot of flats, but there are times when you’ll want to make your legs look longer. Enter wedges, and boom: sexy, no suffering. Keep in mind that you may need to wear a half size larger during your later months or you’ll pay the blister price.

Invest In Pieces You Can Wear Again

Think pull-on skirts, long layering tanks, oversize men’s dress shirts, and a bold lipstick collection.

 

TIP: Sisterhood of the Traveling Maternity Pants

“Cute maternity clothes cost a fortune, and and it stings to spend that much on stuff you’ll only be able to wear for a couple of months. After I had Honor, I stuck all of my pregnancy jeans, bras, Spanx, and more in a bin…and before I knew it, I was passing it on to a girlfriend who had just become pregnant. That bin got passed along to another mom and then another. At least four people wore my pregnancy clothes, and then they came back around to me for Haven. When you calculate the cost per use, they’re now a downright bargain!” -Jessica Alba

Tips from The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You