Baby Week: Dressing the Bump

It's week 2 of BabyWeek, and we're kicking if off with maternity style!  When I first started shopping around for maternity clothes, I realized a couple things.  First off, maternity clothes are expensive, secondly most of them are ugly, and lastly, if you're going to get pregnant aim for your second and third trimester to be in the summer, that way you can wear all the cute maxi dresses etc and still look chic.  As part of my "I'm not wasting money on clothes I'll only wear for 5 months" mantra, to date I've only purchased a pair of skinny maternity jeans, 3 tops, 2 dresses, and 2 bellybands.  Here are some of my favorite pieces to show off your bump in each trimester.

First Trimester: Is great because most of your your regular wardrobe still fits.  Unless it's your second, third, etc pregnancy and you might start showing sooner.
Key pieces: Bellyband as your work pants and skinny jeans will start to feel snugger.

Second Trimester: Congrats you've progressed from: "Is that a food baby?" to "Look at your cute bump!"  It's officially time to showcase the belly, wearing huge tops will only make you look frumpy, work the bump!
Key pieces: Bellyband, Maternity Skinny Jeans, Leggings, long side ruched tops, long tank tops, and button down shirts (chambray).

Third Trimester: It's all about comfort at this stage.
Key Pieces: Dresses are great at this stage, maxi dresses & skirts, loose tops & tunics, and long cardigans.

Favorite maternity stores: Asos Maternity, H&M, GAP/Old Navy, & TopShop.

Other suggestions: Accessorize:  Nothing distracts from a huge baby bump like a statement necklace, stacked bracelets, scarfs, and belts.  And while they can't always hide the bump, they will make the mommy-to-be look more glamorous.
Layering: Try cardigans and blazers over a fitted top.  It'll accentuate your smallest part and add some depth to your outfit.

Need more maternity outfit inspiration, here are some cute Maternity style blogs: MyChicBump; The Daybook; Tres Chic Mama; The Simple Swan

{All of these outfits were items I already had in my closet and not maternity specific: Pink Dress - Mango, Black Belt - Old Navy, Tights- H&M; Stripped shirt - H&M, Skinny Jeans - Express; Stripped Dress - H&M, Blazer - H&M, Necklace - JCrew, Boots - Steve Madden; White Shirt - F21, Belt - Old Navy, Necklace - BaubleBar, Tank Dress - H&M, Tights - H&M}

{Tulip Maternity Dress - Asos, Belt -Asos, Necklace - BaubleBar, Jacket - F21; Tank Dress - H&M, Tights - H&M, Sheer Black Dress - TopShop; Black Blazer - H&M, Layered Top - Limited, Maternity Skinny Jeans - GAP, Bracelet - BaubleBar, Necklace - Zara}