The key to looking stylish for any occasion during your pregnancy can be found in these 10 belly-beautiful basics.
1. Maternity jeans
Invest in a pair of maternity jeans in a dark, slimming wash and a universally flattering boot cut. The pregnancy version of this wardrobe basic has extra room in the rear and hips and a supportive stretchy panel around the waist. You can choose styles that fit over or under your belly.
2. Maternity tanks
Cotton maternity tanks with a touch of Lycra or Spandex have extra fabric in the belly that expands with you while keeping your curves comfortably contained. Plus, showing a little skin can keep you cool when your inner furnace kicks in. Go for hip length, which not only is more flattering but allows a pop of color to peak out beneath top layers, adding visual interest.
3. Wrap dress
A wrap dress in a soft jersey fabric plays up your shape without restricting it, and the V-neck showcases your growing bustline. A crossover tie helps differentiate your breasts from your belly, accentuating your feminine form. Bonus: It adjusts as you grow.
4. Tunic top
While fitted across the shoulders and arms, a tunic provides plenty of room where pregnant women need it – across the middle, to accommodate a growing belly, and in the length, to cover your expanding hips and bottom. Choose one with detailing around the neckline (embroidered stitching or beads) or in a fun pattern with a punch of color. A V-neck or boat neck shows just a touch of skin and elongates your neck.
5. Leggings
A pair of stretchy black leggings keeps you comfy and stylish year-round. Pair them with knee-high boots when it's cold, or ballet flats or sandals when it's warmer. While you can get away with non-maternity leggings, pushing the waistband beneath your bump, maternity leggings have a more forgiving belly band that grows with you.
6. Drapey cardigan
Toss aside those button-up cardigans for now. The silhouette that is most flattering during pregnancy is one that hangs loose and helps give a more vertical, elongated look to your figure. Choose one in a midweight, drapey jersey knit or lightweight wool blend. Many designers make ones that are a bit shorter in the back than the front, so you can wrap the longer ends around your shoulders or sides for warmth and shape.
7. Dark, boot cut pants
Choose pants made from a material that contains a bit of Lycra, so they'll hug your curves and move with you. Make sure that the cuff falls just an inch or two from the floor to create a long, lean line from waist to toe.
8. Jersey knit skirt
Choose one in a dark color (navy, gray, or black) with a soft, fold-over waistband. You'll look polished and pretty without feeling constricted, and you'll have plenty of ventilation for your fluctuating body temperatures. Opt for an A-line cut – this style flatters almost any mom-to-be.
9. Yoga pants
Whether or not you do downward dog during your pregnancy, a pair of good yoga pants – preferably in black or gray, for versatility – do more for your shape than baggy "I've given up" sweatpants, and they're just as comfortable. Find a pair that are stretchy enough to hold their shape and yours. Look for a wide, fold-over waistband so you can adjust it as your body changes.
10. Slip-on shoes
Whether you choose a ballet-style flat or a mule with a sliver of a heel, you'll slip in and step out in style and comfort. Plus, no laces or buckles means no bending over your burgeoning belly.