Episode: Baby Boom Chic Mission Accomplished

How does one dress with style when sporting a shapely baby bump? With a baby on the way, Afiya provides the perfect model as the agents go on a shopping mission to find the ideal maternity outfit.
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Takeaway Tips
  • Embrace Your Shape!
  • Don’t Get Stuck on Traditional Maternity Wear
  • Accessorize with Items that Work With Baby and Without
Agent Blogs July 2009
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Shopping for maternity is a style mission dear to my heart, as my fellow Style Agent Afiya has been sporting a stylish baby bump for many months now! Together, we have figured out the secret to maternity dressing and have found ways to look absolutely fabulous when you are pregnant.

For starters, skip the maternity wear! Most fashions this season feature empire waistlines, flowing and forgiving fabrics – perfect for pregnant gals!

We headed to Old Navy, which was chock-a-block full of soft cotton fabrics in bright colours. From cute flat footwear to super-cute dresses, we managed to find not one, but about 20 stylish maternity outfits!

My favourite outfit featured a blue strapless cotton sundress (you could also wear as a long skirt!), paired with a shrunken white jean jacket. The dress left plenty of room for a baby bump and looked just adorable on (yes I couldn’t leave the store without buying one in blue… and green… and pink!).

Which brings me to my second point when it comes to maternity dressing: remember that you’ll probably want to wear these outfits post-birth, so look for items that can be worn in a different style post-pregnancy. Our blue dress, for example, looks great cinched with a wide belt. Finally, finish your look with a colourful pashmina or scarf. I saw some really cute ones at Old Navy, H&M and Holt Renfrew Last Call.
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You may have noticed that I'm sporting quite the baby bump and, as such, this subject is my current obsession.

I really think that it's important to stay true to your style while pregnant and to embrace your beautiful new shape. It can be fun!

While maternity wear is definitely leaps and bounds ahead of what it was in years past, it can be pricey and somewhat limited. Fortunately, many current silhouettes flatter and accentuate the pregnant belly. Think maxi dresses, tunics, leggings and empire waist blouses. I've been treating myself to inexpensive pieces from Old Navy, H&M and the Gap Factory Store and then filling in the blanks, such as with maternity jeans and shorts, at maternity stores.

I love the cute cotton ruched dress that we found at Old Navy. It is so versatile, comfortable and definitely a piece that you can continue to wear after pregnancy (it would even make a good nursing top!)

Invest in neutral monochromatics that you can mix and match, and add splashes of colour in the form of accessories and a few printed pieces to maximize your wardrobe and wallet mileage.