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Style and the Stork

A Closer Look at Maternity Fashions

When you think about going shopping for a great new outfit, maternity clothes probably do not spring to mind. If you have given up hope of dressing fashionably during your pregnancy, you may be in for a pleasant surprise! Maternity fashions today can be stylish and affordable if you shop around. With the wide variety of styles now available, women have more fashion options than ever before. By investing a little time and exercising some creativity, you can build a practical and versatile maternity wardrobe.

Treat Yourself Right
During pregnancy it’s important to keep a positive self-image. You will be experiencing a lot of changes and adjustments, most noticeably in your physical appearance. Though the idea of putting on weight may be discouraging, there are ways to make the best of every situation! By putting together a maternity wardrobe that is both flattering and fun, you can increase your confidence and self-esteem. Learning how to treat yourself right can make all the difference. Though you may not be ready to talk about your pregnancy just yet, trying to hide it can be uncomfortable and even harmful if taken to the extreme. Spending a little money when it becomes necessary for comfortable, well-fitting maternity clothes will benefit your health and your self-image in the long run.

Getting Started
For the first few months of pregnancy, you can start with the looser clothing you already own. After about three months, though, you will begin to show, and it’s good-bye favorite jeans (at least for a while). But don’t despair! Looser clothing will be much more comfortable and will help avoid any explanations before you are ready to offer them. Possibilities include: roomy sweaters, sweatshirts and sweat pants, jackets, oversized T-shirts, and loose dresses.
When considering clothing options, don’t overlook your feet. Pregnancy often causes water retention, and your feet and ankles may swell. A simple remedy is to buy comfortable shoes with low heels and firm support. Remember, pregnancy is temporary, but your body may or may not be quite the same after delivery. Keeping this in mind, try to avoid spending a ton of money on shoes or tight-fitting clothes while you are expecting. Instead, wait until you get back to your ideal size, and then celebrate with a new outfit or two.
As your pregnancy progresses, you will probably need to buy some actual maternity clothes. Skirts and pants with maternity panels can be mixed and matched with looser sweaters and tops you already own. Baby-doll tops are ideal and fit right in with the current trends. Using accessories to finish off each look adds a personal, polished touch, and is a great confidence-booster. Accessories are inexpensive and can add variety when you may otherwise grow tired of a somewhat limited wardrobe (this is true even when you are not pregnant). To express your individuality, pick out styles that suit your taste and personality. Don’t give in to a particular style just because you think, “This is what maternity clothes are supposed to look like.” Create your own look! You’ll be happy and feel at ease during your pregnancy, and you’ll have some favorite clothes to wear after delivery until you get back to your target weight.
Take a peek in your catalogs for current maternity styles. If you know how to sew, you might even choose to make or modify certain styles to suit your own tastes in color and fabric.

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