A fashionable soon-to-be mommy asked for fashion tips for expectant ladies.  Note: I am not and have never been pregnant, so I wrote this “as if” I were shopping for maternity items for myself.  If I got something wrong and/or if you have firsthand experience you’d like to share, please post it in the comments!

1. 1.  Embrace your beautiful bump.  I can’t think of one good reason to disguise it.  Don’t be shy about wearing pieces that show off your curves. Fabrics shouldn’t be stretched tight, nor should they be baggy.  “We are not in the 70s and 80s; moo-moo dresses and shirts are out,”  says new mom Dr. Khristy Large (mom to Addison).  “Show your curves and belly!”
2. Exercise some restraint.  Fab mommy Amorice L. advises, “Don’t go overboard on the maternity clothes. The ultimate goal is to only be in the them for a few months!”  So shop for practical items and add some chic flourishes.  As Joycelyn A. advises, “Maternity clothes can be expensive and you don’t wear them for very long so why break the bank?”
3. Look at photos of other expectant  or new moms (Beyonce, Reese Witherspoon, Kourtney Kardashian, Nia Long, Jessica Simpson, Rachel Zoe, Victoria Beckham) whose style you admire, and focus on looking for similar pieces. 
4. Jessica Simpson dreams about giving birth in a leopard caftan; now’s a great time to wear one (or several), whether you’re expecting or not.  They’re easy to put on and comfortable, whether you’re relaxing on vacation or chillaxing at home.
5. In a similar vein, maxi dresses and skirts are a fashionable alternative (some skirts offer a comfy foldover top to accommodate your pea in the pod).  Throw on a denim jacket, blazer (in solid or stripes), a soft cardigan or an easy open-front wrap for extra coverage.  “They are loose-fitting anyway so once the baby comes you can still wear the same dresses,” says Joycelyn.
6. Try Gap’s Starter Maternity Wardrobe, with pieces you can build on.
7. LAYER.  Tanks and leggings are a great outfit foundation.  “[They are] comfortable and you can dress them up or down,”  notes Khristy.  Throw on a long-line cardi, interesting necklace, and flat sandals and you’re done.
8. Don’t forget your denim!  Law recommends that you “splurge on trendy maternity jeans. They are a worthwhile investment.”  Check out  J Brand or 7 for All Mankind ;  yes, they are expensive, but who can argue with a great pair of jeans that fit well and make you feel good? (If you plan to have more than one kid, they may be an investment in your closet; if not, pass them along to another fashionable friend!)  
9. And yes, you can still wear skinny jeans.  “Skinny jeans while pregnant are a must…at least your legs will look small!,” Amorice says.  Pair skinnies or boyfriend jeans with a tunic, button down, or loose-fitting top.  I’m on the fence about the cutesy overalls look; if you can pull off wearing them without looking fresh off the farm, go for it.
10. A tip from MY mom: try to upsize “regular” clothing as long as you can.  Shop for larger sizes that aren’t necessarily “maternity” items; you can always have them altered. 

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