image 1544 Motherly

While we all envision our stylish selves wearing non-maternity through our stylish pregnancies, it’s not always as easy as it sounds. Reimagining those “regular” clothes for our growing bump — estimating just how that non-pregnancy piece might hit as you get big, then bigger, and even bigger — takes some serious fashion know-how. Which is exactly what the founders of our fave maternity-not-maternity shop Nine in the Mirror have got.

Tatiana De Boisanger and Adriana Chryssicopoulos’ concept is simple, yet genius: beautiful, high-end non-maternity wear that’s curated, styled and organized by stages of pregnancy. Yes you can wear 3.1 Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang during pregnancy. And better yet, here’s what it looks like with a 7-month bump!

Below, Tatiana and Adriana give us their best tips for dressing your bump, trimester by trimester.

image 1545 Motherly

1st Trimester:

  • Few rules apply as the likelihood is that you are just starting to show and can probably wear a lot of your usual clothes.
  • Invest in denim you will wear for the whole nine months.
  • When it comes to investing in non-denim pieces bear in mind that you may want to go up in size if you want to wear the piece for longer during your pregnancy.
  • Educate yourself to what is out there in the maternity realm so that you can begin to plan for your wardrobe needs.
  • Try structured tops and dresses that would conceal a growing bump, which at that stage does not yet look like a bump!

image 1546 Motherly

2nd Trimester:

  • Embrace your new curves and growing bump – it’s the best trimester the bump is a perfect size and you look your best.
  • A-line dresses and cocoon shapes look very cute.
  • If you haven’t yet, invest in maternity denim. Get the black and the blue and if it’s good weather, the cropped pair as well! You will not regret it!
  • Don’t size down and think you’ll squeeze into it! Yes there are days where we may like a body con dress and when our bump looks best under a fitted T-shirt or stretch dress but make sure it gives enough to grow with you. Of course our bumps grow but so do our arms and chests and therefore make sure it feels comfortable. Comfort is key!

image 1547 Motherly

3rd Trimester:

  • You need comfortable yet flattering shapes as the bump gets bigger. Dresses are the most comfortable option – lightweight and floaty fabrics are more flattering, another option is overalls, which always look cute.
  • Stay away from A-line shapes that can look like a tent.It’s also time to start thinking of post-birth items: button-front tops to breastfeed and nursing bras.
  • Invest in loungewear and lingerie as your breasts will have grown and need support, and if you are planning on breastfeeding prepare by investing in nursing bras.

image 1548 Motherly

4th Trimester (post pregnancy):

  • At this point you don’t fit in your pre-pregnancy clothes but don’t want to wear any maternity pieces so elastic-waist trousers are a must, as well as boyfriend button-front shirts for breastfeeding.