Maternity Fashion Doesn’t Always Have to Be Terrible: Tips to Make Your Tummy Work

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When you’re pregnant, your body changes. But that doesn’t mean your style has to. Sure, maternity clothes often make you feel like you have to cover up and wear unflattering pieces.

But that’s simply not the case. In fact, maternity fashion can make you feel amazing during this special time.

Show off your baby bump

Do you think you have to “cover” your baby bump and never wear anything tight? It’s time to challenge that popular maternity fashion rule and show off your growing belly. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, right?

Fashion inspiration, Mimi Ikonn, flaunts some mommy curves in this peach-colored bodycon dress.

Jaime King also plays up her bump here with a mini dress, bursting with graphic prints.

Play with patterns and prints

The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, shows that royal style doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, here, Middleton is wearing a lovely printed dress from affordable maternity clothing brand, Séraphine.

Seraphine maternity dresses come in all sorts of colors and patterns. Take a look at these 3 top picks for example:

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The thing is you don’t have to cover up your belly, but if you’d like to camouflage it, playing with prints and patterns can save the day. Have fun with florals, geometric designs, and contemporary patterns to flatter your figure.

Empire waists look good on everyone

An empire waist cinches in directly below the bra and just above your belly, giving you a flattering, narrowing effect. And the best news is that you can achieve the empire waist look three ways: combining a top with pants, combining a top with a pencil skirt, and finally, an empire waist dress.

Top with pants: This is a great option if you’re not into skirts and dresses. And this fashionista nails the empire waist look with a classic white top and skinny jeans.

Top with a pencil skirt: A high-waisted and/or pencil skirt is a fun way to play with your baby bump, as this mommy-to-be does here.

Empire waist dress: Finally, the simplest way to get the empire waist look is to wear a dress like this.

Peplum Tops

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Peplum tops aren’t maternity clothing per se. In fact, anyone can wear them. And they make a great transition piece as your belly expands. The shape and cut of the peplum top is flattering to the midsection, especially during the early part of the pregnancy.

Mimi Ikonn rocks a fun and whimsical crop top with a bold blazer and proves that maternity style can be trendy and modern.

Overalls

Overalls aren’t a super common piece for pregnant and non-pregnant women alike. But we’ve got to admit that there’s something absolutely adorable about seeing a pregnant belly in a pair of old-school overalls.

For a summer-time look, pair overalls with a striped top like as Mimi Ikonn does here.

For cooler weather, wear full-leg overalls with a cozy sweater for a look that’s playful and comfortable.

Crop tops

Whether you want to go bold and show a little skin, or you prefer to play it safe, a crop top is a cute way to play with your changing body and highlight your belly, too.

Here, a feminine and delicate pink top is paired with a flowy white skirt.

And for something a little more daring, skip maternity clothing altogether, and wear a bodycon crop top and matching pencil skirt like Mimi Ikonn does here. As you can see, you can still be sexy and attractive even if your belly gets bigger and bigger.

Wear a wrap coat

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If your outfit is fitted, loosen things up with an elegant wrap coat. You can either wear the wrap coat open, to keep things simple, or you can tie the belt above your waist to get the empire waist look.

Another great thing about wearing a wrap coat is that it instantly elevates whatever else you have one. So, whether you’re wearing jeans and a tee, or a more elegant top and slacks, or even a bodycon dress, the wrap coat works equally well with all three outfit choices.

Jeans and a tee

You don’t have to give up your jeans-and-tee uniform just because you're pregnant. In fact, it works perfectly well when you’ve got a baby bump, too.

Go edgy with boyfriend jeans, and a comfy black and white stripe tee like this trendy outfit.

You can even rock some supermodel vibes, and wear black jeans and a tee like Gisele Bundchen does here and here. Play it up with accessories, like sunglasses, scarves and a cool jacket, just as you would if you weren’t pregnant, and voila! You’re perfectly pregnant and in style.

Oversized, cozy sweaters

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Make a bold statement when you wear a bright, oversized sweater along with your favorite pair of boyfriend jeans or skinny jeans. It’s a winning look.

Leggings and tunic tops

If you love comfort above all else, but still want to look good, consider trying a fashionable tunic top along with a pair of leggings. With the right combination, you’ll look like anything but a bag lady, and you’ll feel at ease, too.

The delicate trim on this white tunic top is evocative of a Greek goddess. And this chambray top from Séraphine, with the drawstring detail, is perfect for on-the-go and weekend errands.

Embrace bold colors

Some might say that you should wear neutral colors that don’t make a statement and draw attention. But you don’t have to be a wallflower just because you’re pregnant. Of course, if you prefer to wear softer, neutral shades because that’s what you’re comfortable with, that’s one thing.

But if you like to wear vibrant hues, you should!

As you can see, just because your body changes during pregnancy, that doesn’t mean you have to reinvent the fashion wheel. In fact, you can keep your style going strong. Just remember, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident.

What was your favorite outfit inspiration?

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