POSH MOMMY MATERNITY

So you're having a baby - CONGRATULATIONS!!  Here are some great tips on how to find the perfect fit and the right style for your new figure.  This is the most exciting time in your life, so be sure to sit back and enjoy every minute of it (even if you're nauseous and swollen all the time).  Nine months can go by very quickly so that leaves you little time to shop for that growing tummy.

Size Matters

Just about everyone agrees that you should purchase maternity wear in your pre-pregnancy size.  This is great advice.  If you used to normally wear a size Medium (8-10) before you became pregnant, you should purchase that same size in maternity clothing.  If you were to purchase larger sizes of clothes, they'll probably fit you in the belly and bust area, but would look oversized and frumpy in the shoulders, arms and length.  Maternity clothing manufacturers specially design their items with extra room in the places that you're growing.  Pants, jeans and capris are cut longer in the rise, and fuller through the hips.  T-shirts, tops and dresses are cut fuller through the bust line and hips giving you the room where you need it.  Hemlines are cut longer in the front, so the more you show, the more your hemline evens out.  Unless you're carrying twins or more, sticking to your pre-pregnancy size will give you the best fit every time.

The Measure of a New Mama

You can use the list below to get a general idea of the measurements to follow when selecting the right fit for you.  The ranges of measurements listed here are based on your current pregnancy measurements.  But do remember that every maternity brand is cut a little different, so be sure to refer to the correct size chart for each brand.

• XXSmall Maternity Clothes (size 0) - Bust 32" - 33", Hips 35" - 36"
• XSmall Maternity Clothes (size 1-2) - Bust 34" - 35", Hips 36 1/2" - 38"
• Small Maternity Clothes (size 4-6) - Bust 36" - 37", Hips 38 1/2" - 40"
• Medium Maternity Clothes (size 8-10) - Bust 38" - 39", Hips 40 1/2" - 42"
• Large Maternity Clothes (size 12-14) - Bust 40" - 41", Hips 42 1/2" - 44"
• XLarge Maternity Clothes (size 16-18) - Bust 42" - 43", Hips 44 1/2" - 46"
• XXLarge Maternity Clothes (size 20) - Bust 44" - 45", Hips 46 1/2" - 48"
• 1X Plus Size Maternity Clothes (size 18-20W) - Bust 43" - 45", Hips 46" - 48"
• 2X Plus Size Maternity Clothes (size 22-24W) - Bust 47" - 49", Hips 50" - 52"
• 3X Plus Size Maternity Clothes (size 26-28W) - Bust 51" - 53", Hips 54" - 56"
• 4X Plus Size Maternity Clothes (size 30-32W) - Bust 55" - 57", Hips 58" - 60"

Hot Brands, Cool Style

Just because your body is changing and growing, that doesn't mean you have to give up your style.  The maternity wear industry has come a long way from dowdy looking, oversized clothes with big bows to sexy halter tops, pretty tees, comfy jeans and cute capris.  There are lots of maternity apparel companies that offer hip and trendy items for a hot night out on the town or more conservative styles of career clothing for the hard working mom-to-be.  No matter what your fashion tastes are, you'll be sure to find something you love from any one of these popular brands of maternity clothing:

• Gap Maternity
• Old Navy Maternity
• Ann Taylor Loft Maternity
• Motherhood Maternity
• Japanese Weekend
• Bundle of Joy
• Oh Baby
• Mimi Maternity
• A Pea in the Pod
• Liz Lange
• Duo Maternity
• Babystyle

Just the Basics Please!!

It's important to have some versatile basic items in your maternity wardrobe that will mix and match and last you through out your whole pregnancy.  Depending on which season you're due in, you may end up with more tees and tank tops in your closet, than sweaters and cords.

• T-shirt - choose a nice stretchy one with lots of room to grow.
• Tank top or cami - great for wearing alone in the summer or layering under shirts and sweaters in colder weather.
• Button down shirt - perfect for dressing up with a pair of slacks or dressing down with jeans.
• Cardigan sweater - easy to throw on at the last minute and a wrap style cardigan will fit your belly no matter what trimester you're in.
• Black pants or capris - these will go with EVERYTHING!
• Khaki pants or capris - great for business casual or relaxing around the house.
• Jeans - a pair with a demi panel for the early stages of pregnancy and a pair with a full panel for later. (See below for more info on the different types of tummy panels available).
• Straight skirt - this style of skirt tends to be more flattering than a full skirt.
• Dress - a classic black dress is perfect for going out day or night.

A Panel of Experts

If you've just begun purchasing your maternity wardrobe, you may be a bit confused when it comes to all the different tummy panel choices you have on pants and jeans.  Comfort is the most important factor when deciding on which type of tummy panel you need.  If the waist of the pants is too tight, you'll be uncomfortable all day and that's never fun.  Here are the different options available to you when looking for maternity pants:

• No Panel - this style of maternity pants fit at or below the belly with a regular zip fly and button closure.  They have an elastic back for a stretchy, comfortable fit.  Best for your 1st and 2nd trimesters.
• Demi Panel - this type of panel is designed to sit below your belly for a contemporary low-rise style.  It usually features an all around elastic waistband that measures about 3 inches wide.  Great for the whole 9 months and even post-pregnancy.
• Full Panel - this style of panel is typically made of a soft, stretchy knit that wraps around your waist and sits above your belly to support it.  Best for your 2nd and 3rd trimesters when you're really showing.

And Finally...

Very few women can afford to go out and buy a completely new wardrobe for their pregnancy.  But it is important that you have at least one outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident.  A sexy dress, black velvet pants and a swingy top, or a stunning suit can make you look like a million bucks when you feel anything but.  Wear it as much as possible, while you can and enjoy the next 9 months.  You're going to have a beautiful gift to love and cherish at the end of this journey called pregnancy.