For most women, the most stylish maternity clothes solution is

to wear stretch classic jeans and a man’s white oxford shirt.

However, the day comes when they face the inevitable: the visit

to a maternity clothes store, either for a special occasion

outfit, or to browse the plus size maternity clothes section in

search for the most flattering solution to their style dilemmas.

So what exactly should an expecting mom look for in maternity

clothes, either regular or plus-size ones?

For the first few months most women can get along with the

wardrobe they already have. Slightly bigger breasts and

increased waistline will make them sexier, not bigger. But when

regular clothes do not work anymore, most women prefer to forget

about fashion trends and cocoon themselves into shapeless

dresses or high-waist slacks paired with voluptuous sweaters.

First of all, don’t try to hide your condition. It’s chic to be

pregnant today, and young Hollywood stars happily get pregnant

whenever they want – and remain fashionable and glowing till

the delivery. Today it’s much more flattering to show off your

belly than to hide it under layers of clothes. The most current

maternity outfits are sleek numbers that let your curvy

silhouette show.

Happy Hippie. You will be perfectly stylish in free-flowing

ethnic skirts, kaftans and yoke dresses that accommodate a

growing belly. Airy tunics and patterned blousons look equally

great with oversize cardigans, perhaps with a wide belt under

the belly, or on their own, with a tiny capelet for warmth.

This trend also embraces the wide empire-waisted and baby-doll

dresses that can be worn over the maternity pants and jeans.

Best designers working in this style: Alberta Ferretti, Anna

Sui.

Bold Accessories. Keep the visual details on top. A scarf, a

capelet, a bolero jacket in contrasting colors, virtually

anything that accentuates the shoulders and bust line are very

flattering. Layering with ponchos and shawls will complete the

look, if you go for a loose bohemian style. Halter-type

necklines are also very flattering, because in most women their

neck and arms look the same even if the rest of the body grows

at enormous speed.

Skip Underwires. When your bust is growing, a thick shelf bra

is healthier than a bra with metallic wiring underneath. The

sports bra will also do the trick. It will allow more room and

support while you grow.

Wear Jeans. Today denim designers offer maternity versions of

their most popular models. Citizen of Humanity, Seven For

Mankind and Earl Jeans have maternity lines, as well as Juicy,

in a variety of denim washes. Wear your maternity jeans

low-slung, embroidered and slimming with contrasting washes.

Multifunctional Suits. With modern maternity suits you can

easily switch from day to night, as they do double duty. You

can dress them down with a t-shirt for a day or add a silk

blouse or tunic for the night. The most charming maternity

suits are made of wool and cotton, with blouses made of

charmeuse and chiffon. Menswear plaids and pinstripes also look

charming on pregnant women. Choose the size wisely: if you can

stick two fingers between the waistline and the fabric of your

new skirt or pants, it’s too big and will stay so, even when

you grow.

Don’t Bare Too Much Skin. Revealing the growing belly may do

the trick for Britney Spears, but not many women can do that

with flare. Pregnancy is the beautiful period of life, but

wearing too skimpy clothes will just look tacky.