Bumpalicious Maternity Fashion Sense

Bumpalicious Maternity Fashions is an Australian owned and operated business based in Western Australia striving to bring you the most flattering maternity clothes at the most affordable prices.

As seasoned mothers, we understand the value of a hard earned dollar. We also understand what a splash of makeup and a great pair of butt lifting, leg slimming jeans can do to a woman's confidence.

Comfort is a huge issue with maternity clothes. Earlier on in a pregnancy it's tempting to upsize, to buy regular clothing in a large size. This will work for a time but the notion has it's down side.

Firstly, by the time a top fits around your middle you'll be contending with very loose (and occasionally exposing) armholes and extra fabric around the bust area. It's not a flattering look. The other matter is the garments viability to use after the pregnancy. What are you going to do with all these oversized clothes afterwards?

But the most notable complication of upsizing is the lack of comfort these clothes provide you. During pregnancy, your body is changing and growing so rapidly that is borders on painful. Your bottom ribs are pushed outwards. The ligaments in your hips strain under extra pressure. The skin on your belly feels like it's ready to pop! Your lower back suffers as your centre of balance shifts forwards and you have to compensate for the extra weight.

In that last month or two it's almost impossible to feel comfortable in your own skin. The last thing we need at that stage it tight waistlines around our middle - the constant fidgeting and adjusting..."Do I pull it over my bump or under my bump?" Or the tops that ride up and expose the bottom of your belly.

You've got enough things to worry about...what you need is some clothes that you can put on in the morning and can take comfort in knowing that they'll stay put throughout the day.

Cotton clothes are a good idea during pregnancy because they allow your skin to breathe and maintain a comfortable temperature. Also look for garments that have broad elasticated waistlines - they provide more growing room and you'll fidget less.

Pear shape. Hourglass shape. Rectangle shape. No matter what shape you were when you started this pregnancy, you'll be just one shape by the time you end it....huge!

The majority of women take on an apple shaped body during pregnancy and depending on whether or not you want to draw attention to your growing bump, there are some really easy tricks to flatter to pregnant figure.

The most important rule of thumb with any body shape balance. If you're rather bottom heavy, then you'll be looking for clothes that draw attention upwards and away from your hips or thighs.

DRAWING ATTENTION UPWARDS

• Creating any type of layering over your torso will draw the eyes up and de-emphasize your hips and waist.
• Accessorise the top of your body - necklaces, specs, scarves, earrings. But not all at once.
• The bigger the bottom (half) the better an A-line or Empire line will look on you.
• Wear V-necks - create colourful layers with V-necks.
• Try tying scarves in vertical ways to create an elongating, flattering, lean line down the front of your body.
• Choose interesting design features - tops with wide cuffs, bell sleeves, ruffles, zippers, embellishment, rushing, vertical seaming detail, large collar/lapels, wrap and princess lines are all great choices as these features all naturally draw the eye upwards.

ELONGATING THE LEGS AND DE-EMPHASIZING THE BOTTOM

• Avoid cargo pockets, side entry pockets, waist pleats, drawstrings and embellishments around the hips.
  
• Looks for boot cut and flared hems.
• Stay clear of bias-cuts. Knee length A-line skirts with vertical seams are a great choice.
• Curvy woman can pull off skinnies if you match them with A-line tunic tops/dresses and heels.
• Keep you bottom choices simple and structured - save the visual interest for your tops.