A friend of mine is due to have her first child in just a few days and today’s post written by Alex Summers really made me think back to being pregnant at this time 7 years ago. Finding clothes that wouldn’t make me feel or look like a whale was not easy. So when she brought up sharing a few tips to help you through those sometimes difficult clothing days, here are a few tips!

Now that I’m excited to be pregnant with our second child, I have to think back to the weight gain and stares from strangers looking at me wondering, ‘Is she… or is she not pregnant?” If you’re dreading that as well, I’m here to tell you that dressing that baby bump can be FUN and STYLISH! So while that inevitable stare and question will likely arise on multiple occasions, you can feel sassy and classy all at the same time. A stylish and comfortable bump is a confident one!

Each trimester will have some trimester tricks that can be solely for those months, but often can linger into the next trimester as well. There are many tips are truly endless and everyone will have their own opinion of what you can do to feel confident, comfortable, and uniquely you during the next nine months.

First Trimester

In the first trimester your bump won’t be that noticeable, so the “Oh boy she is gaining weight” comments are most likely to come at this time. At this stage, your overall goal may be to hide your bump a little more to avoid unwanted attention. Trying empire waists and flow tops is a good way to go. If you keep the top of the flow fitted, it can offer you a little more shape to work with. And if you want to flaunt what you got, then bust out ‘the ladies’ because they’re going to be looking perky and great right now. Nothing wrong with putting your best assets forward.

Source: Merrick’s Art (where you can also learn about dressing up a boring empire waist top)

Trapeze tops on the other hand, ones that start the flow above the bust line may be a better, more flattering option, the swing that happens from your bust line balloons slightly over the belly allowing you to hide it. Other options are banded waistlines, capes or ponchos, and of course dresses! The wonderful thing about most of these styles is that they are also comfortable. And many of the outfits you rock in this first trimester will be ones that you will also come back to for the post-partum period.

Second Trimester

Your bump is becoming more noticeable, however the notorious commentary will still happen in the early months of the second trimester. So why not take the plunge now and show off the bump, might as well right?! This trick will put those comments to a minimum as styling the bump with something as simple as a belted waist will exaggerate the curve of your belly, making it (hopefully) obvious to all that you’ve got a bun in the oven.

Another option, and stylistically it’s completely your choice here, is to exaggerate the belly below the bump, so tucking in the shirt or belting (but you’re pre-pregnancy belly belt likely won’t do the trick).  Keep using those banded waist tops from the first trimester and you’re good to go also!

Don’t be afraid to let your style change as you are pregnant. There are several blogs and the like out there remarking on how personal style completely altered when they got pregnant. And that is totally normal because you adjusting to a completely new body shape and size.

Kick in the accessories: scarves, headbands, jackets, belts, and larger bags may all help you achieve a look you’re going for.  A good key is to remember to keep yourself comfortable too. So having some loungewear that is easily adjustable to your expanding belly, dressed up sweatpants, and even maternity compression tights for comfort and style outside the house is a good idea.

Third Trimester

This is a tricky one, but hey if you’re going to do it, do it and rock it! NO looking back on crazy fashion ideas, you’re pregnant and you have a free card for all kinds of style attempts, failures, successes, etc. Stretchy dresses with sneakers, hell yes!  However there are several bloggers out there that say chunky heels help with the balance, try them, see if you’re on board. The most important thing here is to Be you, Be bold, Be comfortable and Flaunt It!

Feeling enormous? Well try the trick of color theory and go monochromatic. Wearing all one color allows you to look longer and slimmer as the eye isn’t being broken up through the ensemble.

Ultimately the style game is up to you. Try it, risk it, and love it. If it doesn’t work don’t worry about it and try something else. There are no rules, truly, and even if there were they could all be broken anyways! Don’t forget to use the rubber band trick on pre-maternity pants to make your favorites last for a while. Ask friends for hand-me-downs.