Looking Sexy In Maternity Clothes -- Five Ways To Flatter Your Pregnant Body
By Heather Phillips

In theory, pregnant women are supposed to radiate some sort of special glow and our bodies are supposed to, as they say, "blossom". In reality, that glow is often created by the sweat from our hot flashes, and the word we might use to describe our bodies -- especially after 30 weeks or so -- would be "ballooning."
Regardless of how we thought we'd feel about our baby bumps, the challenges of dressing a pregnant body sometimes seem more difficult to bear than the child itself. But luckily, in the past decade or two, maternity designers have really, er, delivered. Thanks to changes in the way the pregnant body is viewed, even the most pregnant mamas can look fabulous with a few little tricks.

1. If you've got it, flaunt it!
When our mothers were pregnant with us, maternity clothes were little more than an offshoot of the tentmaking trade. Nobody could tell what was going on underneath the big top until the main event was imminent! While body-hugging fabrics may seem frightening at this most weight-sensitive of times, fitted styles are actually the pregnant woman's best friend -- no matter what her size.

It sounds counterintuitive, but clothes that cling to your curves create a more slender silhouette and draws attention to the baby belly. (Conversely, baggy clothing creates the illusion of overall hugeness.) Especially when you are heavily pregnant, highlighting rather than hiding the baby bump draws attention to your pregnancy rather than your size. If a shirt that is fitted throughout is too daring for your taste, consider empire-waist tops that are fitted through the shoulders and bust -- and pass by the baggy oxfords, shapeless tees and blousy dress tops.

2. Do it with flare
Tapered pants are unflattering on all but the skinniest of figures, and yet for some reason, maternity stores continue to sell them. The result is the "Tomato Effect," in which the poor fashion victim looks like a big round tomato on little stick legs.

Don't buy tapered trousers just because they're on the rack! To balance your new top-heavy look, shop for a pant with flared legs. A boot cut looks great with almost any shirt and counteracts the extra weight you're carrying in the belly and butt. A pant that makes you look like a million bucks is worth the extra shopping time.

3. Change your stripes
One of the worst things a pregnant woman can wear is stripes -- of any kind. Horizontal stripes are out for the obvious reason that they create a widening effect on an already bulky part of the body. This may work in the second trimester when your bump is tiny and cute, but by the time you are ready to deliver, it can be a bit frightening to behold even if you are the tall and willowy type.

But lest you leap to the seemingly logical conclusion that if horizontal stripes enlarge, then vertical stripes are slimming, consider this: That vertical-stripe top may be cute on the rack, but where will those stripes lie when they are draped over a 45-inch belly? From the side, you are going to have layer upon layer of striping, with yet more stripes appearing along the rise of your bump. Be sure to strap on the pillow and check out the side view in the mirror before you even think of purchasing that shirt! Chances are, it's going to look bizarre.

The one exception to the stripe rule is a top with a chevron stripe whose horizontal lines meet at a point over the center of the belly. That type of stripe is indeed flattering from any angle; unfortunately, most striped maternity tops don't fall into this category.

4. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!
No matter the difficulty of finding suitable maternity wear, there is one thing we don't have to compromise on -- accessories! Yes, at some point, we may have to buy new, roomier shoes with lower heels, but there are still earrings, necklaces, belts and bags -- the great equalizer for women of all shapes and sizes.

When your feet plump up like sausages, take that opportunity to buy attractive footwear from a shoe store such as Naturalizer or Aerosoles that specializes in comfort. For optimal comfort, doctors recommend something with a low heel rather than a perfectly flat shoe. Our grandmothers may have worn clunky orthopedic shoes, but we don't have to -- many of today's comfiest shoes are nearly indistinguishable from fashion footwear.

No matter what your personal style, jewelry and bags are the perfect way to complete your look.

In the second trimester, when you are sporting a smaller baby bump, nothing is a cuter counterpoint to a fitted tee than a funky, low-slung belt or two under the tummy. And if your belly is beyond huge at, say, 41 weeks, a monochromatic outfit accessorized with a striking, chunky necklace draws the eye up and away from the possibility that you could deliver right here, in this very spot (because you know this is running through the grocery checker's mind!).

And, last but not least, by all means indulge in cute little bags while you can. Because for quite some time after your little bun comes out of the oven, you'll be toting around a diaper bag by day and dreaming at night of tiny satin handbags.

5. Keep it natural
Last but not least, one of the best ways to feel good about how you look is to wear what you love. It's a bit harder when you're pregnant and the stores are all selling the same style of maternity wear (which may just be too frilly, too strappy, too frumpy or too bohemian for your tastes), but it's still doable. Why change your entire look just because you're having a baby? Instead of limiting yourself to one or two stores, check out the maternity sections in places you might not ordinarily shop. Look online for fashions that aren't available in your area. There's something out there for every expectant mother -- rocker chick, fashionista, preppie or princess. Finding clothing you're confident in is key to looking and feeling like a sexy mama!

Copyright 2006, Heather Phillips

About the Author: Heather Phillips is a longtime journalist, fashion devotee and founder of the maternity and baby website Mamakaze.com. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, children and longhair cat.