Image by Tobias Lindman via Flickr

Only a couple of decades ago, pregnant women were condemned to wear sack-like tops or dresses printed with enormous prints. In other words, if you were expecting, the minute you started showing, everyone was going to know you were about to have a “blessed event”. Thankfully, today’s expectant mothers have a wealth of fashion-forward gear, leaving them free to choose whether to emphasise their baby bumps or keep their condition on the down-low. Just be glad that you’re pregnant right now, when fashion is flattering.

Buying maternity clothes online is a great way to avoid the shops when you’re pregnant. Let’s face it, when you’re tired and hormonal, the very last thing you feel like doing is shrugging on and off various outfits in a cramped dressing room. Online shopping is also a fabulous way of seeing exactly what’s available, what’s trendy and what will look good on your emerging form.

You know what looks best on you. We gravitate to certain styles, and rely on specific shops and brands. There’s a reason why your partner, friend or relative will say “Oh, that looks so you.” when shown a new bit of clothing. Because they see you often, know what you like and are familiar with your tastes.

For example, if you have a “hourglass” figure, you’re likely to be curvy with a tiny waist: think Betty Page, Marilyn Monroe and Dita Von Teese. You look best in a belted jacket, and a traditional wraparound dress, popularized by Diane Von Furstenberg, and favoured by celebrities. You emphasise your waist with a crop-top; rock the classic pencil skirt (try it in a print), and belted, wide-leg pants. Pregnant? Opt for the traditional expectant mum garb, an empire waist dress or top.

Traditionally however, pregnant women are actually what some fashion folk call “an apple” shape. If this is an unwelcome shock (believe it or not, many of us aren’t so keen on our out of control baby bumps) there are ways to minimise the appearance of your midsection. You can put an emphasis on your shoulders and legs to detract attention from your belly, and try out less structured styles such as uber flattering swing coats.

If you work in an office or in a job which requires you to dress professionally, consider the time of year you’ll be at your most pregnant. For example, if you’ll be closer to your due date in winter, get a heavier weight blazer to wear over a knee-length swing dress or a coordinating pencil skirt. A pretty, flowy blouse, made of chiffon, rayon or cotton, in small prints or in eyelet, lace or embroidery, looks great with maternity capris or shorts, in spring or summer, or, leggings and boots in winter.

A staple for any pregnant woman, you’ll also need a pair or two of maternity jeans and/or trousers. Your best bet is to look for low-waisted, straight-legged styles, in a versatile solid colour, or one with a small print that won’t clash with your favourite maternity blouse.

Speaking of blouses, you will rely on on some tops more than others. A flattering and casual look is easily achieved with a simple, crew or v-neck solid long swing-style t-shirt. This goes with practically everything and is perfect for most occasion; from slouching about the house in your later stages, to mooching around baby shops. It’s a great transitional look, a must-have for weekends and suitable for every season.

Similar to the swing t-shirt, a plain shift-dress, in neutral and flattering solid colours of black, navy or dark brown is another item you’ll reach for often. It can be dressed up or down, depending on where you’re headed. In the winter months, you can pop a long sleeve fitted tee underneath, and add tights to keep you and baby warm. In the summer, just pop on dollies or sandals and rest up those swollen ankles.

The cute crop-top you bought to show off your burgeoning belly (and for the less self-conscious expectant mum) will go very well over a high-waisted circle skirt. Look for wide band elastic waist skirts, which will accommodate your growing belly for a few months.

I guess my biggest tip is that you shouldn’t feel compelled to go too far afield from the styles you normally wear. One of the most common mistakes a pregnant woman can make is to choose something she would never, ever wear when she’s not pregnant. You’ll end up feeling uncomfortable and unhappy in your pregnancy when you should be embracing it.