One on the Way And Looking Good Everyday Feeling caught up in a maternity wear maze? Memo Prickisie will help you find your bearings and stay ahead of the pack Regardless of time or place, finding flattering maternity wear can be very daunting. You may find it even further exasperating to do so while experiencing discomfort from initial pregnancy symptoms! After taking time to meet your body and mind’s needs, you can focus on what you need to add to your wardrobe for the time ahead. As much as you might have to forgo doing and wearing a lot of things you normally enjoy, you need to be realistic in your selection and match it to your pockets. With all the inner and outer changes going on, if you can look past any discomfort, knowing it will soon come to pass and your efforts will be rewarded then you are already halfway to meeting your “yummy mummy” goal.
Accessories: The Bare Necessities In summer, accessorise widebrim floppy hats with silk head scarves and Jackie O type sunglasses with wedges or strappy sandals with good ankle support. Choose a slim belt to wear at the bustline or just below your belly, with an oversize bag on your shoulder to carry snacks, water and
other necessities. Remember less is more, so accentuate rather than add volume with each item that you wear. For winter, go for playful woolen hats and scarves with matching gloves and if need be, some chic legwarmers. It is advisable to pick soft, colours such as baby pinks and blues, lilac and other soft pastels to maximize your pregnancy glow.
First Trimester (1-3 months): On your Marks! Once you start filling out, invest in some adjustable maternity lingerie: preferably in cotton for comfort and durability. If you are a “G.I Jane” type and like to keep fit, make sure you wear a sports bra to avoid straining your back. Because your body starts to retain more water to facilitate the changes, your usual shoes may feel snug and that is a good sign to look for roomier, flatter shoes with good ankle support. If you eventually have to buy one size up, the advantage is that most shops will have more of your size on
sale and leave you more choices to mix and match your new wardrobe with your everyday one.
Second Trimester (4-6 months): Get Ready! Now that your belly has the world’s attention, drape it with sarongs and wrap it with Thai pants or wrap skirts and let it flow with bohemian maxi dresses and swing out empire line midis for the summer. If you have to wear anything mini, do it tastefully so each time you bend over or sit down, not the whole world has to be let in on Victoria’s Secret! Winter is best taken on in classic, interchangeable knits complemented by opaque tights and leggings or any other stretch bottom item with an elastic waistband or drawstring for ultimate comfort. This will not only ensure lesser bathroom- trip hustles, it will also not leave you panting for breath due to restrictive clothing. It also makes more sense to wear only or mostly natural fibers, because your skin may be so sensitive that even fabrics you have worn happily before feel like a sheet of sandpaper,so for comforts sake, love the skin you are in! This look can be completed with a playful, maxi winter coat with ample room for you to close the fasteners properly and to keep both you and your baby warm.
Third Trimester (79 months) Steady! If the second trimester had you on your toes baby clothes shopping and decorating the nursery, this might be the time you choose to slow down and stop to smell the roses a little more. Your belly is much bigger and so your center of gravity shifts in accordance. This is the perfect excuse to spend more time off your feet in a spa, or maybe the swimming pool. You will definitely need new swimwear and your best bet would be a 3-in-one set of hipster bottom, bikini top and swing out camisole or one with a sarong you can wrap around your hips or wear as a halter neck top. If you have been invited to a formal dinner or gala, adorn your luscious curves in a single coloured floor length dress with a shawl or go for a leggy midi empire dress to make the most of your silhouette and sensual cleavage.
Birth: Go! Goodbye bump, Hello baby! You have reached the end of the maze and out you go! You find yourself standing in the same place where it all began a few months before and your heart skips a beat with excitement. As you approach the closet once again, a familiar question gnaws at the back of your head. What am I going to wear today?