STYLING THE BABY BUMP - STYLING TIPS FOR EACH TRIMESTER

“Dressing like a shapeless blob is bad for morale (yours and your mate’s; possibly even the baby’s). Invest strategically in a few flatterin...

“Dressing like a shapeless blob is bad for morale (yours and your mate’s; possibly even the baby’s). Invest strategically in a few flattering maternity clothes. Then convert cardigans and leggings from your closet into pregnancy gear and brighten your face with lipstick and colored scarves. Attention to these details signals that you are not graduating from “femme” to “maman.” You’ll be both.”

- Bringing Up Bebe, Pamela Druckerman

Taking a warm shower, dress in nice-comfy clothes, smell great, look bright and put the best self out everyday, is how I treat my own self. But sometimes, I may be tooooooo lazy to do that. Especially when those pregnancy hormones kicking in, giving effort into my looks became more difficult when I was pregnant. But being pregnant is not an excuse for me to look messy. Not an excuse to borrow my husband pants because I got way too big and out of size. Not an excuse to smell like hell because I was too lazy to get some shower. You are going to be a momma, one of the most beautiful role one can be, and pregnancy only last for 9 months, go style yourself and make memories of you and your baby bump. It was not always easy to style the bump actually, especially in the third trimester when everything, your size definitely, changes a lot. But with some little tricks here and there, no need to worry about the complication of choosing your everyday preggo-outfits. And in the end, it turned out to be so much fun! Some tips for the first trimester might not work for the last trimester. So, I am going to give some overall tips that work for me, breaking them down for each trimester.
One thing we can do to value ourselves is to take care of ourselves,
and dressing good is one of it
Trimester one: DON'T WAIT for maternity pants
Yes, I know, like I said, you might not feel pregnant yet in the first trimester. No obvious baby bump yet, no additional fat on thigh/arms yet. I still wear my non-maternity clothes at this time, but choosing a loose and cozy pants might be very helpful to keep you feeling comfortable in the first 13 weeks of your pregnancy. I packed my skinny jeans and tight trousers, put them in the top shelves, switched them to leggings and sweatpants. I am very happy that I did.
 
Trimester two: A LOT OF DRESSES! Go for ruching-dress, pleated dress or knot-topped over a dress
The second trimester, in my opinion, is the best maternity fashion period. I loved to wear many dresses from loose, comfy-tight dress that would show my bump, or wearing a knot-topped over a dress like in these pictures on my babymoon. Adding a knot-topped, t-shirt or sweater, on your dress, say it a maternity dress or non-maternity ones, will add more highlights to your belly. If not a knot from your top, you can also add illusion of empire waist by using a belt just under your bust can help to make those faux empire waist.
 
Trimester three: more leggings, more flowy and more maxi dress, more button-front pajamas
The last trimester is all about COMFORT. I bought 2 additional leggings with slight bigger size than I wore. I also filled my wardrobe with so many flowy maxi dresses with different colors and patterns. I still can wear some of my non-maternity t-shirt but it is not as comfortable when I have to move around the house, I still do the cleaning-cooking-doing errands by myself. With leggings and flowy clothes, I feel totally unrestricted. I also add more pajamas, especially with button on front, preparing them for breastfeeding once the baby is out.
 
Footwear tips: Buy footwear with 1-2 size bigger than your non-maternity sizes
Your feet may swell badly when you are pregnant and the swelling become bigger within trimester. I bought one-size-bigger shoe for work because I can't use my usual shoes anymore. Most of the time I wore sandals and I avoided closed footwears because it added pressure to my swelling feet. You may still wear heels, but I do not think it will be a good idea to wear for a long time when you are pregnant. Risk of slip and fall are high. Find more comfortable flat sandals for your daily footwear or sneakers, trust me, they are safer and are more comfortable.
...
You don't have to buy new clothes each trimester to suit your size or your maternity looks. I also don't think buying many new clothes for pregnancy is a good idea since your body will change again after giving birth. Buying 1-2 maternity pants and 2-3 flowy-dresses are a go-go, other than that is a no-no. Pregnancy might be the best time to be playful to mix and match anything in your wardrobe as long as they are comfortable to wear. Plus it would be great if those clothes boost your look as well (as for me, it’s a must! I must dress and look great). Wear some make-up, too. Brighten up your complexion and let yourself glow. Mamas need to look beautiful, don’t you agree? I hope this styling tips help you out to choose style during your pregnancy. It is a learning process to know what works for you the best to make you feel comfortable while curving out that pretty bump of your belly. Last but not least, I wish you all healthiness and happiness all throughout your pregnancy. Take care.
❤️
xx

Wearing: THIS IS APRIL black sweater top and polkadot dress, COACH bag, ADIDAS white shoes 
Photos by: Angga Wiadnya

Dias Predani. A full time doctor, currently pursuing her dream to be a pediatrician, a wife, a mother and a part time blogger. She pours her feelings into letters and pictures. Here to share about her personal wardrobe choices, beautiful places, great books to read, random thoughts and memorable life experiences. La vie en rose, how she sees though her rose-colored glasses to look at all the positives in life. Searching and sharing for beauty and love in her everyday life. Catching on to a secret that is hidden in plain sight all along.

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