Pregnancy is a beautiful and mysterious thing, in which we find a delicate and intricate reproductive process that is essential for the continuation of the human race. In many cultures, the importance of fertility was emphasized to a religious or ritualistic degree, with the highest expression of this found in the pregnant woman. While times may have changed, this importance has not, and it is imperative pregnant women look and feel their best by choosing the right maternity clothes.
No matter what your budget is, or what events you are going to attend, you can find the best looking and fitting clothes at affordable prices online. The trick is to visualize yourself with your full pregnancy body and consider the various settings you will be in. What function will your outfit serve: do you want to attract attention, or be comfortable and blend in?
Dress to Impress
While there is a wide selection of maternity clothes available, a maternity dress is an excellent starting point for any pregnant woman, as they are stylish, comfortable, and flattering. A dress is a profound statement of femininity and is a classic choice for maternity photoshoots, baby showers, or everyday activities while pregnant. Depending on what setting you will be in, you can choose from a wide variety of dresses - from casual and comfortable, to elegant and formal.
Some of the various types of maternity dresses you will be looking for are:
- Wrap dresses
- Off the shoulder dresses
- Maxi dresses
The maxi dress is a modern style of maternity dress that has exploded in popularity in recent years, due to its flowing design and comfortable, breathable fabric. These dresses are designed to flow around the pregnant woman’s body, as well as accommodate other needs such as nursing and cradling your baby. In short, these are an excellent choice for anyone shopping for maternity dresses.
Most people are familiar with the different styles of dresses, and each one will fit a certain body type best, depending on who is wearing it. When you find the perfect combination of aesthetics, functionality, and design, you will instantly recognize the right clothes for your body. After all, no one knows you better than yourself.
Back to the Basics
However, there’s much more to maternity clothes shopping than just maternity dresses. The child developing inside you will play a critical role in your life, and to provide the best life possible for them, you must look, and therefore feel, your best. The first step towards doing this is to develop a comfortable and diverse maternity wardrobe.
It’s smart to wear what you can as long as you can, but there will be inevitable changes that require some additions to your wardrobe. Some of those might include:
- Leggings
- Oversized T-shirts
- Cardigans
- Nursing bras
- Maternity jeans
Remember, you will be wearing these clothes all the time while you are pregnant, so make sure you have at least a few of each normal outfit you use. These will, inevitably, provide you with a diverse wardrobe with consistent outfits for casual, formal, or work-appropriate wear. In this way, you will find a balance between trying to stay comfortable while sleeping in oversized t-shirts at night, and wearing an elegant maternity dress for an important business meeting or maternity photoshoot.
The Key to Success
Psychologists and fashion experts agree that the way you dress has a profound impact on the way you feel. While pregnant, you are undergoing many biochemical and physiological changes to your body, and new pathways for pregnancy-related neurotransmitters, such as estrogen and oxytocin will be created. When it goes wrong, this cascade of hormones and regulator chemicals can cause a psychiatric condition known as Postpartum Depression.
A smart step to take, therefore, is to make sure we prevent anything that can cause feelings of insecurity or sadness in pregnant or expecting mothers. In ancient cultures, pregnant women would be able to take off much more time around their pregnancies, but in today’s culture, many women are required to work almost up until they go into labor. Wearing the right fitting and looking clothing while pregnant is a way to reduce stress and induce positive feelings of self-affirmation and reward.
Tying Up the Threads
Anyone can find the right clothes for the right situation - it just takes finding the right selection and knowing how to work within your budget. Prioritize your choices, and try to cover as many bases as you can. Look within your existing wardrobe first, and try to utilize the options you have when possible. Try to find comfortable, stretchy clothing that you already wear, and think about how you could pair it with additional maternity clothing. Finding the right maternity dress is an important step, and it will constitute a critical part of your wardrobe.