In an effort not to beat you over the head with this pregnancy, I tried to abstain from writing about it every week. But since I am on the verge of needing to wear maternity clothes, I thought I might cover some new trends.

And since I personally know about 15 people, who are pregnant, I thought this piece might have a “mini” mass appeal.

I’ll start by saying that I have recently pulled out the big, plastic bins of maternity clothes, which I keep hidden far away in the depths of a basement storage closet. Most of that clothing was purchased seven years ago when I was pregnant with my first son.

Since that time, my sister-in-law and I have worn those clothes another three times. When I put them away this last time, I threw out quite a few things that had become pretty ratty.

And after pulling them out again for this pregnancy, I sort of wished I had thrown them all out!

Wow!  Even maternity styles have changed significantly.

Another friend of mine gave me two large bins of her mostly summer maternity clothing to borrow. While she had many beautiful things, most were “work clothes” and clothing for professional social functions – two things I do not do often… er, at all.

This leaves me perusing online maternity sites for casual, and more importantly, comfortable maternity clothing for this very transitional (read awful) time of year.

Luckily, the maternity styles have gone from the pup tents of yesteryear to more body-conscious, “proud-of-my-belly” options. Can you believe this woman was a fashion icon?

Here’s a work-worthy or even better, a date-worthy ensemble that flaunts your baby bump and draws attention to your growing assets up top. A fitted blazer cinches in your high waist and adds polish to a simple, knit dress. Add an on-trend structured bag and wedge heels that elongate legs, but offer a little more steadiness than stilettos.

If you’re a stay-at-home mom like me or just like to be casually cute on the weekends, this get-up is for you. Designer jeans aren’t just for the non-preggy set. Great-fitting jeans – just one great pair – will make you look good and feel good. (Find them on Ebay for half the price!) Pair them with cute, cotton tees and a shrug. Wedge-espadrilles give you a little heel for longer-looking legs, but flip-flops are easy to take along when your pregnant dogs are barking. Add a cute straw tote and a hat for sun protection because your skin is much more sensitive when expecting.

I will be spending the “largest” part of this pregnancy during the hot summer months. For me, bare legs and bathing suits will be key. (I’m cringing just thinking about it!) If you still like your legs when you’re pregnant, there are plenty of shorts in every length possible for the the mom-to-be. If you don’t, try skirts and cute sundresses instead. I lived in them during my last two pregnancies. The best part about dresses? Nothing around your growing and sometimes sensitive waistline!

Maternity designers have come a long way in swimsuits. If you are one of the lucky ones, who only expand in the belly area, a regular two piece may still be an option. But don’t forget, you’ll probably need to upsize in the top for better support and coverage. Add hot sunglasses (cat’s eye styles are big this season), an oversized hat and don’t forget the sunscreen for your tender pregnant skin.

Amy Grace is married with two children. You can read her every Friday on momaha.

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