Fashion Tips. Plus size and pregnant. Part 2

This is part 2 of my interview with Nadine Newell. You can read Part 1 here. Today she shares her fashion tips for mums to be.

Q) What are your key fashion tips for mums to be?

A) Ideally the pieces that make up your maternity wardrobe should be mix & match so you get maximum value for money. Here is what I would be looking for:

1. A great pair of maternity jeans is a must-have in your maternity wear wardrobe. Too many women try to wear non-maternity jeans when they are pregnant but in bigger sizes to fit the belly, the problem with this is that they tend to look baggy and ill-fitting everywhere else. Belly bands & tummy ties are great for the first few months, but once you’ve been snapped by a popping elastic you know it’s time for some maternity jeans that will fit and flatter.

2. Another must for your maternity wear wardrobe is a wrap top that is flattering, easy to wear and comfortable. This can take you to work or a casual outing, slip under a singlet for a different look. Choose a great basic colour that works with both black pants (another wardrobe staple) and your jeans and you can dress your top up or down and gets lots of wear out it. Team a wrap top with an envelope opening singlet and you’ll get so much more wear from your wrap top long after bub arrives.

4. Empire line tops are not only comfortable but flattering in that they enhance your beautiful (ever changing!) shape. Match them with jeans or pants.

5. With your bust growing it is important to invest in a few maternity and nursing bras. There are specialist lingerie stores that sell large cup and large fitting maternity bras, ensure you are fitted by a professional, they’ll get a bra to fit you rather than being fitted into the bra they have in stock (HUGE difference) There is discussion tab on our Facebook page that lists some specialist maternity bra suppliers in most capital cities.

6. A swimsuit- great for pre natal aqau classes, a few laps at the local pool or just haning out in the back yard at home. Warm water of hydro therapy pools is fantastic whilst you’re pregnant to be weightless for a while.

7. Comfy pajamas and a nightie – make sure these do double duty & you can wear them once bub arrives and you are breastfeeding (and it’s nice to have a set to take to hospital to wear in the first few days after bub arrives, a T shirt stretched to within an inch of it’s life never looks good in photos!)

Q) How do women work out what size they are in maternity clothes?

A) There is an easy to use size chat online – grab a tape measure and double check, but our maternity wear sizing is the same as regular clothes sizing, there is no need to upsize (even if you’re having twins), no guess work at all.

If a mum has any questions about sizing, they can drop me an email to ask. I have been known to send out 3 pairs of pants in different sizes, just so the mum to be could get the perfect fit, for this particular mum to be, her mum was buying the pants for her as she was doing it tough and she wanted to surprise her daughter and wasn’t exactly sure what size she was. Very happy to help in any way I can.

Do you have any fashion tips you’d like to share?