Being pregnant changes a lot. Small tasks can be exhausting, your body is rapidly changing, and the little one growing inside is about to change your entire life (in the best possible way)! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, or lose your sense of self during these long 9 months – especially when nothing fits and you feel bloated beyond belief. It’s a mix of often feeling no motivation to dress up, or the fact that you knew how to dress your figure, but that’s all been thrown off now by a completely different shape. If you used to play up your small waist, for example, where do you begin on trying a whole new approach to flattering your figure? Plus, maternity wear (although better than it used to be), is still relatively sucky. Very little I’ve found has been trend-lead, and if I see another stripey Breton dress, I’ll scream. Guys I really went through the motions – and still do. I got sick of tearing off outfits and bursting into tears because they looked ridiculous, and after a lot of research, figured out some tips, and brands, that will help you feel as confident and beautiful as possible while pregnant. After all, I’m having a baby, not a taste crisis!
1. Nobody Compares to You
It’s easy to compare yourself to friends, family, or the media’s depiction of superhuman celebrity pregnant women. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences pregnancy differently, and everyone’s body reacts in it’s own unique way. It can be easy to compare yourself to other pregnant women, but always remember that what we see on social media is only a fraction of reality. I found talking to my besties who are new Mums really helped me decipher what’s real, and what’s crazy unrealistic tabloid fodder.
2. Find Your Uniform, And Play With It
Find what works for your body (right now I’m loving fitted dresses layered with cool outerwear), and experiment with different variations of those pieces. For instance, I now have tons of bodycon dresses in every color, and I’m investing in cool coats, jackets and cardigans of every silhouette to add some interest to my maternity looks. Switch up your shoes and accessories, and try new prints or textures that you wouldn’t normally. Just because your body is changing, doesn’t mean you can’t push fashion boundaries. Don’t hide in baggy t-shirts and sweats – you’re pregnant, not having a style crisis!
3. Work Out
Although I have been tired in the evenings, I feel pretty energetic in the mornings. So, working out four mornings a week has helped me feel like myself again. Not only does exercise make me feel productive, the music puts me in a good mood, and just doing ‘normal’ things in society (as weird as that sounds!) make me feel less isolated. Keeping fit has helped my body stay in shape, and I have to tell you – the random compliments I’ve received in class make me feel so happy! It’s nice to have a reminder that people notice and cheer you on. I haven’t bought any new fitness gear but have been wearing some of my stretchier yoga pants and longer tees to work out in. For a more detailed look at my pregnancy workouts, check out my vlog diary here.
4. Pamper Yourself
Subtle details that may not have always been as important to your daily routine before pregnancy are now crucial to remember. Though it may be the last thing you want to do, buy a new lipstick, treat yourself to a (toxin-free!) manicure or a blowout, and get dressed up for date night with your partner. For us, that now means a special lunch out, rather than dinner, as otherwise I’m falling asleep into my soup – but it’s still super important to Mackenzie and I that we spend quality time together, and I make the effort to look cute those days – LOL!
5. Focus on The Big Picture
Pregnancy can be hard on your body, and your overall confidence. Keeping your focus on the big picture is a great way to get through the more difficult times. It isn’t permanent, and soon enough you’ll have your precious baby in your arms. It’s all worth it a million times over.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to remember to do those activities you would normally do if you weren’t pregnant, during your pregnancy. Go out on that special date night with your partner, go on that long walk, or do whatever else makes you feel like you. Being pregnant doesn’t mean your life has to stop for nine months. In fact, a new, wonderful chapter of your life is just beginning.
Shop The Look:
What I’m Wearing: Jumpsuit by Envie de Fraise (Similar here), Jacket by Gestuz (Similar here), Bag by Polene (Similar here), Shades by Pared Eyewear (Similar here), Shoes by Next, Bangle by Cartier
xx,
