So, here’s the deal. About 4 months ago I said to my husband, “Holy Moly, I think I’m pregnant!” 3 EPTs later, it was confirmed. (OK, after one it was confirmed, but I had to check).

Here are the next two things that went through my head:

1. I calculated how much weight I still needed to lose from the being pregnant 16 months earlier – 5 pounds, damn.

2. Then, I realized, Yay, I actually love my “maternity” clothes!  This is NOT because I love stretchy waist jeans, but because I figured out last time I only really needed one or two pairs of them and that the rest of this supposed wretched wardrobe could be constructed out of pieces that were actually IN STYLE.

So, with one and a half pregnancies under my belt, I offer you the INPT guide to being pretty and pregnant.

First off, let’s deal with that staple that nearly every woman lives in–denim. I’ve tried the designer denim with “maternity panel” – it’s crap. I’ve tried the cheapo denim with “maternity panel” –also crap.

So, I took a pair of my favorite jeans (one size up of course) and handed them over to dear mummy begging her to help me turn them in to the best pair of maternity jeans ever and she did.

This is them. I know it  looks hideous, but I swear they’re a freakin’ treasure. Note the frayed edges and beautiful black on blue stitching!

I’m pretty sure I’ll wear them 90% of the next 5 months. The key was, the panel was made of heavy cotton jersey, the elastic was enormous as you can see and it came up high enough in the back that I wasn’t pulling them up every 10 seconds. Delightful! I’ve commissioned another pair that I am so excited for.

If you want to go a more traditional route, I would recommend checking out these JBrand jeans with side elastic panels that will work great just post-pregnancy as well.

JBrand Love Story Maternity Jeans

If you normally rock a fairly low-rise jean, consider investing in a couple pairs that are one or two sizes up. These should take you most of the way through your pregnancy and will be a good friend in the days just post-partum.

WARNING: Booty popping out of anyone’s jeans is unacceptable. On even the most fabulous pregnant woman it is pretty much the polar opposite of sexy. Avoid at all costs.

Tanks and tops! Invest in four or so of the absolutely most amazing layering tanks you can find. These will hide the aforementioned “maternity panel” while giving you the perfect pregnant silhouette that can be accented with stylish jackets and cardigans that are already hanging in your closet. These tanks should hug and glide over your belly. A few options to consider:

Gap Layering Cami

Lavish by Heidi Klum Sleeveless Scoop Neck Mock Layer Tank Top

I would highly recommend checking out asos.com’s maternity section. Compare the styles on this site to some you’ll find in some of the U.S. maternity stores and you’ll see just why we covet those British. They’re just so darn fashionable! I won’t lie, I definitely got distracted doing “research,” but here are a few tops and dresses that seem to be an absolute necessity for the oh-so-current mamaista.

Behold a few fabulous tunic style dresses and tops.

Clockwise from top left: DVF’s Gussie Dress in African Sugar, ASOS MATERNITY Lace Edge Long Line Tunic, ASOS MATERNITY Exclusive Batwing Knitted Tulip Dress, ASOS MATERNITY Cotton Trapeze Beach Dress, Ella Moss’ Mosaic Stefano Tunic

One final note: with so many fabulous working mamas out there I highly recommend investing in a great maternity black trouser and pencil skirt. Noppies makes a solid pair at a great price.

Noppies’ Trousers Bengalin and Maternal America Maternity Pencil Skirt

Happy shopping for those beautiful baby bellies!

Cheers,

Ashley