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STYLING THE BUMP!

3/13/2017

Beyoncé at this years Grammy's wearing a dress by Roberto Cavalli's creative director, Peter Dundas. Photo courtesy of Beyonce.com

Beyoncé announced her second pregnancy (this time with twins) in true star style last month, by releasing a stunning set of photos rumored to have been shot by Awol Erizku, a young LA / New York based photographer. At the time of writing this, the photo released on Beyoncé’s Instagram page had over 10.7 million likes. The full collection of photos were later released on Beyoncé’s website.

Beyoncé's pregnancy shoot photo courtesy of Beyoncé's Instagram

Beyoncé later absolutely rocked the Grammy’s embracing her growing bump walking the red carpet in a sequin long sleeved red dress by Roberto Cavalli's creative director, Peter Dundas.

Beyoncé isn’t the only A-lister announcing their pregnancy this year, with Rosie Huntington Whiteley, Amanda Seyfried, Natalie Portman, (who announced her second pregnancy last year and is likely to have actually had the baby by now!), George Clooney’s wife, Amal Clooney, Benedict Cumberbatch’s wife, Sophie Hunter, and reality TV stars turned designers, Lauren Conrad and Whitney Port also all announced their pregnancies this year so there are plenty of glamorous women sporting baby bumps in 2017.

Natalie Portman at the Golden Globes wearing Prada. Photo credit: Instagram.

Lauren Conrad. Photo credit : Laurenconrad.com

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Photo credit: Jason Statham Instagram.

Amanda Seyfried at The Last Word Premiere photo credit: Amanda Seyfried Instagram

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley at the Vanity Fair party wearing Versace. Photo credit: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Instagram.

With all these beautiful women announcing their pregnancies, what better time to take a look into some fabulous styles that you can also wear throughout your pregnancy and beyond!

It’s very easy during pregnancy to forget who you were before your bump arrived, and with the changes happening to both your hormones and body, you’re bound to feel insecure about what to wear and how to feel your old self. There’s also a surprising lack of good maternity wear out there. So here are some tips and tricks on how to stay chic throughout your pregnancy, as well as some tips on utilizing pieces and accessories (including bags) you already own and how to not spend an absolute fortune buying clothes that you can’t wear after you’ve lost your bump!

FIVE RULES TO STICK BY:

1. REMAIN YOURSELF

Stick to your normal style. This is rule number one, and possibly the most important rule to follow to still feel like your old self. Just because you are now pregnant doesn’t mean you have to start dressing in a really feminine silhouette if that’s not what you would of worn before; If you are a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl stick to that style. Alternatively if you love cute dresses, keep rocking those.

PERFECT PIECES FOR A JEANS AND BLOUSE WOMAN

There are some great oversized shirts on the high street at the moment, including an incredible collection from Zara, that will see you through both your pregnancy, and after. Check out EV's top picks to wear with skinny maternity jeans.

All shirts by Zara

MATERNITY JEANS

If you are a jeans kind of a woman it might be hard to let go of your favorite pair for the term of your pregnancy and beyond whilst you take the time to lose the baby weight. Well fear not! There are some great options out there for you. If you are comfortable still wearing your same jeans throughout at least the first half of your pregnancy, buy a baby bump band to fit over your favorite jeans. Simply unbutton them and then use the band over the top to create a new waist band. The band allows you to wear your unbuttoned pre-pregnancy pants longer and works from early pregnancy to after the baby arrives.

Bump band available from Ingrid and Isabel (available in a selection of colors)

Many women will get more of an hour glass figure during pregnancy and may not feel comfortable in their regular jeans which is totally normal. In these very common situations, fret not. Enjoy the moment and get some fab maternity jeans. Maternity jeans are not what they used to be a few years ago and instead of having a huge band over your stomach, many just have a small piece of elasticated fabric at the side to expand with your baby. My personal favorite are Paige denim. Their regular jeans are fab for curvier figures and their maternity pieces are no different. Soft denim and just as chic as their regular line, these will see you right through your pregnancy and after whilst you get back to your pre-pregnancy shape. Simply choose the size you would normally wear and you'll be good to go. Alternatively, if you prefer a flared jean, Target have a fantastic pair that are only $34.99. Topshop also do a looser fit, 'over the bump jean' if they're your go to style.

Verdugo maternity jeans by Paige.

Flared jeans from Target

Jimmy Jimmy skinny by Paige

Over the bump jeans from Topshop

2. DON'T SPEND MONEY ON SHORT TERM ITEMS

Don’t feel you have to invest huge amounts of money on a new wardrobe you’ll never wear again after the baby has arrived, and you’ve lost the baby weight. If you love dresses, invest in some non-maternity shift dresses. They will be so comfortable throughout your pregnancy and can be layered with a sleeveless jacket to keep your proportions balanced. Buy a few longer oversized shirts that are so on trend now, you don’t have to go near the maternity section and can be worn after your pregnancy and will be great for nursing if you’re planning on that! Also buy some longer length vests and t-shirts that you can layer with a shirt or under a knit sweater.

CASUAL T-SHIRTS

For casual everyday casual pieces, ASOS do some great basic vests and t-shirts. These will work long after your pregnancy, but with such a low price point (around $12 USD, or less for their two packs) they can easily be thrown away after, but will be great for layering during and after your pregnancy.

All tops from ASOS

3. INVEST IN A JACKET

If there’s a time to treat yourself to a new jacket, the time is now! To keep your proportions on point, look at buying a cape leather cropped jacket, or relaxed fit body con jacket to layer over dresses or jeans. Again, this will be another addition to your wardrobe you can wear after the baby arrives and will be a piece you can wear on a daily basis so will be a great investment. It will fit above your bump and layer really well over some basic t-shirts. Pair with your maternity jeans and a pair of heels or elegant flats for a causal cool look for the evening.

Cropped jacket by Alice and Olivia

Cape jacket by BCBG

FOR THE FEMININE DRESSES AND SKIRTS WOMAN

If you are a fan of dresses, now is really your time to shine! Dresses are the most comfortable way to look cute and chic during pregnancy. The same rules apply as above, no need to invest in specific maternity dresses and you may even find that you have some pieces that work in your wardrobe until the later months of your pregnancy if you are already a fan of a looser silhouette. BCBG have some gorgeous shift dresses in their collection. Here is EV's pick of some wonderful non-maternity dresses that will look great throughout your pregnancy and beyond.

Shift dress from BCBG that can be worn with leggings and boots or heels / flats for the evening

This two piece set from BCBG is great as a maternity dress. You can either wear it together, or take the knit, and layer it with a vest and pair of maternity jeans, flats, heels or a pair of over the knee boots. The proportions work really well with your bump hitting the smallest point of your waist for a flattering silhouette.

Above dress by Zara. This dress would look great styled with a statement necklace, and with the color contrast, the dark 'sweater' hits just the right point to look perfect over a bump and will work so well after the baby has arrived.

If you want to accentuate your bump, this dress by ASOS will look perfect during and after the baby. Bluebelle Maternity Floral Bodycon Dress by ASOS

4. EVENING WEAR

For eveningwear: stick to your favorite styles. Blake Lively really led the charge when it came to non-maternity-maternity dressing. For a special event, wear a stretchy dress that accentuates your bump. Focus on the amazing curves you’re now getting and show off that stunning hourglass figure. Although the dresses below are specific to maternity, due to the cut, they'll still work for after pregnancy, some may just need to be altered slightly in length to work after the baby bump has gone!

All dresses by ASOS. Perfect for both maternity and with their flattering silhouette, well beyond.

NON-MATERNITY DRESSES

The Jetset Diaries Primavera Maxi Dress available on shopbop.com

Nicholas
Spot Print Shirt Dress available on Shopbop.com

Diane von Furstenberg
Long Sleeve Crossover Dress available on shopbop.com

Shary embellished dress by Alice and Olivia.

5. THE DREADED DIAPER BAG : YOUR SOLUTION!

Perhaps one of the biggest dilemmas for bag lovers out there. The dreaded diaper bag! When the baby arrives, don’t feel you have to store away your beloved bags in favor of an unattractive nappy bag. Instead, purchase the Totesavvy from Life in Play. This genius organizer inserts in to your favorite bag and turns it into a diaper bag giving new moms the best modern alternative to a traditional diaper bag. They use the inner lining of a traditional diaper bag that is functional and durable and easy to wipe clean.

The ToteSavvy organizer has everything you'll need, including an insulated bottle pocket, key clasp, changing mat, cell phone pocket, and even a flat pocket for paperwork to make it truly functional for the woman on the go, so no need to put away your favorite bags! In addition to change bags to coordinate with your outfit, simply pull out the organizer and place it in your chosen bag of the day!

The large TOTESAVVY (CLASSIC BLACK) will fit perfectly into your classic designer bag including this Prada.

Inside the ToteSavvy

TOTE SOLUTION

If you don’t have a bag large enough to fit all the essentials, pick up Life in Play's, Tassel Tote. This beautiful convertible tote is made from genuine pebble grain leather. The bag converts from a shoulder tote, to cross body bag, and even to backpack for those day trips out. It's also equipped with stroller straps and two decorative tassels. Sleek and practical! This sleek bag is specifically made to work with the Totesavvy and after the baby is out of diapers? Simply remove the organizer and use it as a fab work or gym bag.

The TASSEL TOTE $198.00 USD / ToteSavvy $75 USD. Visit Life in Play Company to shop the collection.

MATERNITY CHIC INSPIRATION

Finally, let's take a look at some of the gorgeous Instagram bloggers and celebrities rocking their bumps for a touch more inspiration! Keep well, have fun and enjoy this amazing moment in your life!