Haute Mama- Maternity Musts for Fashionable Moms-to-Be

Pregnancy gives a woman all sorts of reasons to be excited, but maternity clothing isn't often one of them. Frankly, many pregnant women assume that fashion must take a backseat to comfort for a solid nine months. However, with a host of trendy, hot maternity lines vying for your dollar, you can find a many fashionable choices to either camoflage or, better yet, celebrate your growing bump. Recently pregnant celebrities such as Natalie Portman, Jessica Alba, Rachel Zoe, and Victoria Beckham have set maternity fashion trends any expecting mom can emulate, regardless of her baby bump and body type.

There are four basic pregnancy body types and most pregnant women will find that at least one describes them throughout their pregnancy. The four types are: carrying high, carrying low, carrying wide (expanding seemingly everywhere) and small all over (you look like a snake who swallowed a watermelon, or as if you stashed a basketball under your shirt). Though many women envy the last body type, some women (like myself) sometimes wish for a different shape, since many people can't tell you are pregnant at all. In short, as a woman who is small all over, I often look for ways to accentuate my bump so people can at least see that I'm pregnant, not just assume I had a big lunch!

There are some pregnancy basics that any woman should find useful, clothes that will grow with you and flatter your new shape, while keeping you comfortable. Read on to find out more:

• A basic tee. Whether long-sleeve, short sleeve, or a tank style, this is a must for layering during pregnancy, a time when you are often warm and find yourself shedding layers as the day continues. In the past, many women have hid themselves under massive, "muu-muu" style tunics during pregnancy. There's no need! Your tee should fit properly, but buy it from the maternity section: you can buy your pre-pregnancy size and you will fit that maternity tops tend to feature stretch materials and ruched side panels that will expand with your belly as you grow during pregnancy. Keep it simple: black and white are classic, versatile choices.
• A fitted jean. By "fitted", I mean that there is no need to drape yourself in baggy, saggy cargos or the eighties pregnancy staple, overalls. Buy a pair of jeans that fits you properly (normal pre-pregnancy size in maternity section) and remember it's all about style and fit. If you are "carrying high", a boot cut or slight flare will even out your silhouette a bit. If carrying low, you want a boot or flare that grazes the floor when wearing shoes ( carrying low can make your legs look a bit shorter, so lengthen them). If "carrying wide", a trouser or boot style is best, as these are not too clingy. And if you are all baby and small all over, opt for a boy-cut jean with a straight leg or a slight boot cut to accentuate what curves you have. Crisp, darker washes look great on any body type and are slimming, which is a feature many pregnancy women crave in a jean. Remember, jeans are supposed to be comfortable! If you try on and they feel uncomfortably snug, go up a size- pregnancy is a time of growth, so you can't afford to be uncomfortable!
• A Belly Band. Every pregnant woman has that moment when the pre-pregnancy jeans still fit everywhere except the waist. Well, if you are hoping to avoid a maternity jean purchase early on, invest in a Belly Band, that will comfortably keep your pants up, while allowing you to continue wearing your jeans, unbuttoned and unzipped a bit until you need to buy maternity. The "Bella Band" is an affordable favorite.
• A wrap sweater or blouse. A wrap sweater is perfect in the fall as a coat and flatters your growing bump while keeping you comfy. If your job requires more formal attire, a wrap blouse is a perfect choice. By their very nature, wrap tops are adjustable, so take advantage of their chic, Audrey Hepburn look while they help you move through the remainder of your nine months.
• A Little Black Dress. Okay, you may not feel so little yourself anymore, but believe it or not, this is a simple classic look that works throughout any stage in your life. The all black look is not only chic and slimming, but monochromatic silhouettes are gorgeous on pregnancy's newly fuller frame. Don't be afraid to show off your bump: the little black dress is simple, so you can afford to make your new bump the center of attention.
• An Empire Waist. All pregnant women, like non-pregnant women, have bad days when you may feel nothing looks good and you just want to hide. The empire waist helps you to hide in style a bit. The bust should be slightly fitted and flare out below a bit to keep your tummy under comfortable cover. Go with a print, or a solid and this look will instantly make you feel a bit better about yourself on a bad day.
• Accessories. Pregnancy is a great time to experiment with jewelry, especially if you have been very minimal with accessories in the past. So long as your fashion is simple, you can play with bracelets, necklaces, and statement rings that add a unique touch. Rachel Zoe is a good pregnancy role model in this area.
• Ballet Flats. One of the things I love most about pregnancy is that it gives me the freedom to wear flats every day! Believe it or not, your belly can really throw off your center of balance, so it's important to not be teetering and tottering in 6 inch heels. If you are a heel addict, kitten heels are a good, still sexy compromise. In the summer, I live in my flip-flops during pregnancy, since sometimes your feet will swell in the heat. Paint your toes and you will feel you've completed your look.

The most important thing you can wear during your pregnancy is your happiness: smile and be confident. You don't have to worry about your weight during pregnancy, so it gives you a fashion freedom you may have never had before so enjoy your new look and the brand new, fun, different choices it brings you.