As our business has grown, we have had the opportunity to work with women through many different stages of their lives. One of the most exciting times is when they are having, or have had, a baby! We help women hide the first ten pounds and the last ten pounds. We work with our clients, soon after the birth, to ensure their wardrobe is breast-feeding friendly and also chic.
Now it's my turn! I am now 17 weeks pregnant and finally feeling like a person (as oppose to a sea-sick zombie). I spent my first 11 weeks wondering if I was ever going to want to move my body or eat a meal ever again. Healthier days have arrived and I can now think about the important things, like my look for fall. My focus now is not the high Rick Owens killer wedge boots or leather leggings but rather, how am I going to get dressed as my body continues to change every day? How am I going to still look and feel great, and not spend a fortune? How can I steer away from the terrible jersey dresses or super hippy maternity clothes? I am not Nicole Richie and I do not want to be! As much as I use and love my yoga clothes, I wear these clothes for yoga only! I can't forget, its part of my job (literally!) to look chic and professional every day.
The first trimester can be a challenge when getting dressed in the morning. You do not look pregnant. You may not have even gained a pound, yet every inch of you is working to cook that little baby inside of you and you FEEL pregnant! For the early days, when you are feeling nauseous, bloated and have a whole new chest size, I found wearing simple loose fitting dresses to be best. Loose fitting is important but not so loose that you look like you are trying to cover up every inch of you. Stay away from bell or baby doll shapes. I myself have always worn quite avant-garde shapes, high necklines and baggy loose fitting sheath dresses. (Clothes my smaller friends refer to as tall people clothes). As soon as your chest grows these shapes (or lack of shape) no longer work. With a bigger chest it is important to show off your neckline, collarbones, and shoulders. Also show off your legs, your arms and the parts of you, you have some control over, at least for the time being.
Deep v-necks, rounded scoop necks and open shirt-style dresses are also great. Go buy a new bra. Start with one, as most likely you will grow out of it in just a few weeks. Be sure to buy a nice bra as you need the support. I am in favor of it being lacey and beautiful too, so when you catch a glance of it in one of your new deeper v shapes it looks sexy. When you are nearing the end of your first trimester, make a second trip to the lingerie store and buy 3 more bras. Kindly store your bra's from your smaller days for another time. In most cases this well- endowed chest doesn't last, so enjoy it while you have it.
If you are in a cooler climate and your pants do not feel quite right at the top, perhaps a lower waist could be more comfortable. Then layer some longer shirts on top. Always have the bottom of your top cover the waistband of your trousers or jeans. Again, stick with open necklines, loose button downs, flowing silk tanks with a scoop or v-neck and tunic style blouses for your top layer.
Second layer... All of the open cardigans, menswear inspired blazers and large scarves that are very much in fashion are great outer layers. These are especially helpful during the days when perhaps it is just you, your partner and those nearest and dearest to you that know your little secret. These layers are great for nosey office peers and people on the periphery of your life who ask too many questions.
Comfort, of course, is key, but for me I find feeling beautiful and sexy to be more important than ever. Experiment. If your jeans are not fitting you try one size bigger. I read about a stretchy band that you can fold over the top of your jeans so you are able to wear your pre-pregnancy jeans unbuttoned and slightly unzipped. I made my own by folding a tube top over the top of my jeans. This looks great with just a t-shirt, as it looks like you have layered two shirts. Or if this sounds unappealing, take the plunge, try a slim leg dark or black maternity jean. And store the rest for later days. I have long gawked at low jeans for anyone over 22 but now I own a pair of simple, white, slim Seven jeans that have been just perfect these past few months, as they are below my new belly. I wear longer tops and no one knows they are low jeans, so I feel cool and comfortable in my new look.
Do not continue to try on the clothes that just aren't working. It is depressing and unhelpful. As women, we are pre-programmed to be hard on ourselves. Now is not the time, ladies! If you have the space, store your clothes worth keeping for another day. Remember, Your baby does not like to hear mama saying negative things about the size of her belly or bum!!!
As you begin to show and are able to share your news with the world, perhaps wearing some more fitted dresses will make you feel great. Show the world you have a little wonder growing inside of you. You are pregnant for 10 months. It's a long time and your clothing wants/needs will change, so buy pieces slowly as your body and the weather changes. More soon.
Karyn Starr of White-Starr.