Fashion

How to avoid a frumpy pregnant look

Your no-frump guide to a bumpalicious pregnancy

Firstly, congratulations on your pregnancy! This is a time to celebrate YOU and how amazing you are for choosing to undertake the greatest calling known to woman.

It can be a scary experience watching your body grow and change in ways you never thought possible. As you say goodbye to your pre-baby body for a while, remember that you are also saying hello to your beautiful new BUMP that represents the ‘little wonder’ growing inside of you.

Choosing clothing to celebrate and style your ‘little wonder’ bump is a huge part of the fun of being pregnant. The clothing that you wear during this special time in your life should be an expression of how you feel about yourself and your journey into motherhood.

You shouldn’t have to tolerate any clothing that makes you feel FRUMPY. You should feel celebrated, confident, proud and beautiful!

When putting together your maternity wardrobe make sure to include at least 5-10 staple pieces that you LOVE (i.e. things that you will wear to death). Make sure these pieces are versatile, cross-seasonal and easy to style.

I recommend including the following staple pieces:

CLASSIC STRIPES

The classic stripe allows for endless styling options and its powers of versatility will see you through your entire pregnancy.

STATEMENT PRINT

Think bright floral, bold geometric or colourful animal prints that can take you from day to night.

BLOCK COLOUR

For something fun and edgy, experiment with different colour combinations by choosing a bright colour block piece. I love orange and pink combos for summer.

TANK TOPS

A few long-length tank tops in a variety of prints and colours are very versatile. If you are planning on breastfeeding opt for buying some nursing tanks too.

CHAMBRAY BUTTON FRONT SHIRT/TUNIC

Chambray shirts are comfy and can grow with your belly. They are also great for in-between seasons. Buying a looser fit means it will give your belly room for growth throughout your pregnancy.

A HIGH WAISTED BODY-CON or PLEATED SKIRT

This maternity essential is comfy for your bump and can be easily dressed up or down. Depending on the style this can also be non-maternity branded, which means you can find some great buys.

STRETCH MATERNITY JEANS

A really comfy pair of maternity jeans with an elasticised band and some stretch in the denim will very quickly become a key part of your maternity wardrobe. They are well worth the investment early on in your pregnancy because you will more than certainly wear them to death.

MATERNITY SHORTS

A really comfy pair of maternity shorts are perfect for the summer months when you’re feeling hot and bothered.

LEATHER LOOK

A pair of leather-look maternity leggings will keep you feeling on-trend and in absolute comfort. Leggings are a MUST for pregnancy. In fact, buy two pairs.

Here’s to YOU, your love of fashion and your journey into Motherhood.

Alex O’Callaghan is the creator of and mamma behind MammaBelle – a stylish and seriously fun maternity clothing label that helps expecting and breastfeeding mammas look + feel beautiful from the inside out.

Through her philosophy of REAL WOMEN with REAL BUMPS Alex advocates for positive body image and positive mindset among women by celebrating women of all shapes and sizes.

MammaBelle includes Alex’s own designs, including original fabric prints exclusive to MammaBelle.

Visit MammaBelle’s website at MammaBelle.com

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