Women can find it tough to decide what to wear on a normal day but when your body is changing on a weekly basis, getting dressed and finding the right clothes can be a nightmare!! As if you don’t have enough to worry about already?!

Well here are my top style tips for mums-to-be...

Good Foundations are Essential...

During your pregnancy your bra size can increase from two to four sizes so it’s essential that you get the right support for your bust to minimise the stretching of your skin and drooping of the bust post-pregnancy. A well fitted and good quality maternity bra will ensure you feel more comfortable as you grow, reduce stretch marks not to mention the fact that a well fitting bra (whether you are pregnant or not) makes you look slimmer and more streamlined anyway.

A good tip when you’re trying on bras during pregnancy is to fasten the bra on the tightest hook first so that you can let it out as your ribcage expands.

For high street fittings try your nearest Bravissimo or read myGuide to Trying on Brasto ensure you understand how a good, well fitted bra should look and feel.

Layering...

It is a common assumption that layering makes you look bigger, but clever layering actually gives the illusion on a more structured and streamlined figure. When you’re pregnant and feeling hot and flustered, as well as making you look more streamlined, layering light fabrics can prevent over-heating!

Look for long shawl cardigans in light knits and little cotton jackets that look cool and chic worn open.

Anything light, that flows and drapes over your bump, rather than clings and sticks, will make you feel more comfortable and look elegant and chic.

Keep it basic...

Because you are essentially buying clothes with only a relatively short period in mind, opt for good quality basics that you can mix and match easily with other items in your wardrobe.

Achieve a capsule maternity wardrobe by first working out what you will wear most and invest in those first. Actually put together in your mind what you will wear with each piece to ensure you aren’t just throwing money away!

Look for basic colours such as black, white, navy, grey, brown and nude colours, which can be easily matched with a wide palette of other colours in your wardrobe to brighten up your look and achieve a wider variety of outfits.

Accessorise...

Accessorising is a really easy, cheap and hassle free way of achieving on-trend looks at minimal cost when you’re pregnant. Go for statement necklaces, bangles, scarves, brooches, bags and shoes to add a pop of colour or achieve a fashion look by adding it to your basics.

For example, to work the pop colour look of s/s 09, head to the high street where you could get a bright patent clutch to update your look for less than £20, or to work this year’s tribal trend, grab a bib-style, oversized necklace to throw over white tee’s or shirts, team with wooden bangles or cuffs and some gladiator style sandals.

The great thing about accessories is that they fit you no matter what size you are, so you can still use them post-pregnancy when you’re a yummy mummy.

Accentuate your strong features...

If you have great hair, then work with different styles and hair accessories to draw the eye up to your hair. If you have nice hands or petit wrists, ensure you always get your nails done. No matter which parts of your body you like the most or feel most comfortable with during pregnancy, use your creativity to think of ways of drawing more attention to those areas (which will in effect, draw the eye away from those bits you’re not so crazy about).

Styles to try...

Empire line dressesare great for pregnancies, and you don’t even have to buy maternity wear – just get a size bigger! The cut of the dress will flow nicely over your bump and if you go for a maxi style, it’s a great and easy way to keep cool in the summer with flat sandals or flip flops, a pair of shades and statement bag. If it’s a little bit nippy, opt for a long shawl style cardigan to drape over your shoulder, or alternatively a brightly coloured shrug or bolero.

Wide leg trouserswith a low rise elasticated waist are really easy to wear with flat pumps or sandals. Scrunch the fabric of the trousers before you purchase them to see if they crumple and crease easily because ideally you want a fabric that hangs nicely off the body, lengthening the legs without creasing too readily.

Wear with a v-neck tee and casual blazer for a cool easy “out and about” look or add a white shirt for the office, teamed with brogues and a silk neck scarf for the office. To make your shirts and blouses more comfortable, invest in a couple of plain, good quality vests to wear underneath and unbutton the shirt half or all the way. Zara do fantastic quality basic vests every season for under £10 in a rainbow of colours.

Kaftansare a great staple piece for summer as they can be worn on the beach on holiday, or with linen trousers, leggings or jeans for a more structured look.

Kaftans are made from fabrics that are light, cool and that drape nicely over your bump so not only will you look the part, but you’ll feel comfortable in the warmer weather.

Kaftan styles will a longer v-neck look great on pregnant women as they lengthen the neck (ideal if your face is looking a little fuller throughout your pregnancy) and this will also break up the bust to make it look smaller and more compact.

Flat shoesare a huge trend for s/s09 whether they are gladiator style, embellished sandals, ballet pumps, loafers or brogues. This is great news for mums-to-be who want comfort and practical footwear during their pregnancy.

Brogues and loafers are a smarter options for the office worn with long and cropped trousers, were as ballet pumps look cute with jeans for an easy weekend look. Embellished sandals are easily worked in summer with summer dresses to keep you cool yet looking chic and stylish.

© Nicola Cupples, 2009