Maternity Clothing Must-Haves

Thankfully maternity clothes have come along way in recent years. They're not the frumpy outfits they once were. Now, you can be pregnant and still retain your sense of style and sophistication.

Having said that, there's no reason to go out and blow a fortune on new clothes, that you'll only be wearing for a short time.

Here are OHbaby!'s top picks for your maternity wardrobe to see you through as your bump gets ever bigger.

Jeans

A really comfortable pair of maternity jeans is worth shelling out a few bucks on. And there's plenty of choice with some of the mainstream brands like Max and Jeans West now offering their own maternity line.

Jeans West Slim Straight Maternity Jeans 2 for $100.

 

 

Black Stretch Pants

 

Get versatile but good quality fabric that will still retain its colour and shape even after multiple washes, because you will wear these a lot, including those first few months after baby.

Yoga pant $59.00 from www.mamalove.co.nz

 

Stretchy Tops

Depending on the time of year you'll want a couple of good stretchy cotton tops to see you through. Tank tops for summer, long-sleeved t-shirts for winter. Buy one size bigger than your normal size and you should be fine.

3/4 sleeve scoop neck tee from Max $39.00

 

Bra

By about your seventh month of pregnancy your breasts will be in need of a little more room and a little more support. So invest in some decent maternity bras that you'll be able to use while breast-feeding. It's worth a visit to a specialist retailer who can help fit you correctly.

Cake Lingerie Meringue Nursing Bra $59.92 from www.bellybeyond.co.nz

Tunic Top

Dress it up or down. Choose one with a v-neck and some detail around the top to draw the eye to your pretty face.

Also think about colours and patterns and fabrics. Many tunics come in some gorgeous floaty fabrics that help you feel extra feminine.

 

Egg Maternity Pleat Tunic $139.90

 

 

Empire Line Dress

Not of the Jane Austen persuasion, we're talking cute, sexy and comfortable. But the empire line is the ideal cut for a pregnant woman. It fits nice and tight under the bust, allowing the fabric to fall nicely over your bump.

 

Ripe Maternity Greta Stripe Dress  $142.90 from Pregoli

 

Wrap Dress

Go for a soft jersey fabric in a style with a v-neck to showcase your growing bustline. The crossover tie will help accentuate your belly.

The Womama Birth Wrap is great because you can wear it during your pregnancy, during your labour and birth instead of a hospital gown, and afterwards as a nursing nightie.

Womama Birth Wrap $124.90 from Breastmates

Skirt with Elastic Waist Band

This doesn't have to be a specific maternity skirt.  You'll likely have one in your wardrobe already. The stretchy waist band will keep you comfy, team a slim denim skirt with a tunic and tart it up with some accessories and you're good to go.

 

Utility Skirt from Egg Maternity $119.90

Flat shoes

By about four months your belly will be starting to show, you're feet will be swelling and you'll be getting tired on your feet. So put the high-heels in hibernation for a few months and come down a notch.

Winona Ballerina Pump from Country Road $79.90

 

Belly Bands

These are a great product.  There are various kinds available, some that attach to your existing button and buttonhole of your trousers or skirt, to create an expanded waistband.

Others are fully elasticised and are great for covering up the gap when your tops start to get too short. You can also wear them as a boob tube or as a bra under strapless dresses and tops. Plus they also come in handy hiding that baby pouch when you're breast-feeding.

Bando Belly Band $39.90 from Breastmates.