How To Dress for Pregnancy Without Buying “Maternity”
Exciting news…I’m pregnant! Dave and I are expecting our first child July 1. All of the joys of learning about motherhood and this next stage of life has us very excited. Of course, there are many fears also associated with child birth, etc., but as a stylist and retail therapist my top two pregnancy fears are:
- Having to step foot in a mall maternity store
- Not being able to fit into my collection of shoes towards the end of my pregnancy.
While there is little I can do about the second one, I am determined to maintain my style throughout pregnancy and try not to invest in too many maternity-specific pieces. I have a hard time purchasing low-quality items, so I want to make sure I don’t unnecessarily spend my hard-earned dollars on pieces I won’t be able to get some serious mileage out of.
I asked my friend Stephanie Kapsis, who is due in January (with her third adorable baby girl!!!), to help me by modeling her bump in the styles from Kiskadee I have found to work pre- and post-baby.
Stylist Tips
Wear Dusters & Vests
Not only do these third layers make any outfit seem twice as chic, in my opinion, but they are cozy AND the cover the bum! I find this to be much more comfortable then wearing a pullover sweater because this baby is making me HOT!
Avoid Styles with a Waistband or Seam at the Waist
This seems obvious — and sometimes if it is a drop waist or has a lot of fabric, you can pull it over the bump — but in most cases this just will not work. Face it: you have no waist no more.
Go Flow-y- but not “Whoa-y”
I’ve always been large chested, so this has always applied to me: choose items that are flow-y, particularly in the midsection to rump region. Make sure it is fitted properly in other areas, like chest and arms, so you don’t look like a tent.
Stick to Smaller Details and Prints
Large prints, especially in BOLD colors, make you VERY present. The amount of space your belly (and other body parts) are occupying during pregnancy isn’t necessarily something I want to enhance or have anyone focus on too closely. Of course, Stephanie still looks beautiful here (I wish we could all look this amazing with a belly!). For most of us, a big bold pattern is hard, so try a solid in a darker, more subdued color for an equally fun but more flattering look.
Unavoidable Maternity Purchases
Nursing/new bras
Maternity leggings
Belly Band
Maternity tights
Maternity Spanx shorts
- About the boutique
Looking for a killer cocktail number for the latest party? Shoes for running around town? Eye-catching separates for lunch at Cheesetique? Kiskadee has you covered. A favorite destination in the heart of Del Ray, shopping this boutique is akin to browsing your friend's lust-worthy closet. Kiskadee is fun, flirty and full of original designers,a ll presented to you with a focus on personal service. You will always be welcomed by a friendly face, eager to assist!
2205 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
703.549.0813
