Fashionable Mommas-to-Be

By: Berks County Living May 2013, Fashion, The Look, Berks County Living, Berks Issue Page Departments, Look Feature

Not only does a new mom-to-be have the pressures of prepping for baby; she also has the added stress of learning how to dress a changing body! Fortunately, there are many options out there for looking stylish and staying comfortable. Some of the best and most affordable ways to do so are by scouring consignment shops and borrowing from family and friends who have already been through pregnancies. We styled three looks for your inspiration; one for day, one for evening, and one for the office to show it is possible to look fashionable for all occasions, even with a baby bump!

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Office

Andrea Folino, 27, of Reading

One of the most challenging looks to put together during a pregnancy is for the office. Appearing professional is still a top priority, but it's most likely not a look you’re readily willing to wear at this stage in your life. Surprisingly, a cotton oxford is a great option! The maternity versions offer tons of extra room in the belly and can be changed up by wearing them with a blazer, cardigan, or just by themselves. Accessorize it with a silk scarf and jewelry and you’ll have your office wondering how you look so good! Investing in dressier tank tops or tees in brights and neutrals to pair under a pre-pregnancy blazer are some additional inexpensive ways to add versatility to your work week. A basic pair of black pants will do wonders for expanding the range of your maternity work wardrobe as well.

MUCH OF YOUR PRE-PREGNANCY CLOTHING WILL WORK FOR QUITE A FEW MONTHS INTO YOUR PREGNANCY.

Leggings, blazers, flowy dresses, cardigans, and tunics will all look great without having to spend more money or sacrifice your style

Day

Kelin Gordon, 26, of Reading

Back away from the sweatpants! It can be incredibly tempting to throw on a very casual outfit when you’re running errands around town, but a maxi dress will not only appear more stylish, it will also have you feeling better about your look. The flow of this dress is ideal for comfort, especially now when you don’t want to feel restricted by what you’re wearing. It’s particularly flattering over your expanding belly throughout the entire pregnancy. Wear it in spring with flat sandals or when the weather turns cooler with tights, boots and a cardigan or jacket. The best part of this outfit is the beaded necklace. In multiple colors and styles, these beads are made for your new little one’s teething stage! No worries about giving up your jewelry for the next year. They’re non-toxic and you can even throw them in the dishwasher at the end of the day!

DARKER COLORS ARE THE MOST FLATTERING FOR APPEARING SLIMMER.Also wearing one color head to toe will create a slender look.

Maxi Dress, $12, Jean Jacket , $16, Chewbeads, $30 | Fig & Will | 520 Penn Ave., West Reading|610.373.3400 | FigandWill.com

Evening

Alyssa Damiani, 29, of Temple

Sometimes, the last thing you feel like doing when you’re pregnant is getting dressed up for an evening out. The perfect solution is a wrap dress that’s not only comfortable, but fits well and shows off your beautiful bump! Also, everyone knows black lends a slimming effect that many pregnant ladies certainly desire. Wrap dresses will last the full pregnancy as the fabric generously stretches to accommodate your growing belly. A wardrobe staple, you can ensure it will still be in style for future pregnancies, as well. Their versatility is another factor in why wrap dresses are the perfect maternity wardrobe investment. Throw on a pair of fabulous heels and jewels for your night out or dress it down for day with colorful ballet flats. The possibilities are endless!

ACCESSORIZE, ACCESSORIZE, ACCESSORIZE!

It’s the easiest and least expensive way to change up the look of your small, yet short-lived, wardrobe.

BY ANDREA FOLINO | PHOTOS BY MARIA STAMY PHOTOGRAPHY