6 Tips for a Stylish Pregnancy

Being pregnant doesn't mean you can't keep up with the trends and feel fashionable. According to Jody Kozlow Gardner, coauthor of Pregnancy Chic: The Fashion Survival Guide (Villard, 1998), the key to dressing modern and sexy during pregnancy is to pick out the trends you like and adapt them to your new body. Check out these tips to up your pregnancy style quotient.

1. Show some skin. For those of you who belong to the Wonderbra fan club, pregnancy offers the best chance you'll ever have to flaunt cleavage, so take advantage of this fortuitous occasion and wear scoop-neck T-shirts or sweaters.

2. Go synthetic. If you wore leather pants before you were eating for two, pick up a pair of synthetic leather pants now. They'll stretch to fit your new curves and they're unbelievably flattering to your still-slim legs.

3. Choose snug over bulky. Donning bigger clothes to hide your size sounds like a good idea, but it only contributes to a bulky look. Instead, slim down your silhouette and emphasize the features that aren't expanding with snug-sleeved tops, skinnier pants, and button-down shirts or blazers (from your prepregnancy wardrobe) left unbuttoned. Try knits that stretch to fit your form -- they're sexy and feminine. If all else fails, break out a crisp men's dress shirt and pair it with leggings or jeans and a fitted T-shirt or tank underneath. This look is the perfect mix of sexy, modern, and classic style.

4. Be colorful. Don't limit yourself to black and neutral tones -- color is an essential part of the modern maternity closet. You'll feel happier when you're wearing clothes that aren't drab. But, if you're really a color-phobe (or if you're feeling budget-conscious), just throw a bright sweater around your shoulders to complement an all-black outfit.

5. Get decorative. Perk up a staid wardrobe with just a few decorative elements, such as ruffled trims or embroidered or beaded accents. Just be sure to stick with things that you'll be able to wear more than once without feeling too conspicuous.

6. Try some trimmings. One of the easiest ways to add dimension and flare to an otherwise simple ensemble is to put on your favorite accessories and jewelry. Try long, dangling earrings and lariat necklaces to de-emphasize fullness in your face. Wear a patterned scarf in your hair, put a jeweled cuff on your wrist, or carry a chic handbag. Better yet, if you're not going to be on your feet all day, throw on some fun open-toe sandals or sling-backs. Sexy shoes can instantly perk up practically any outfit.

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.