Just because you are 8 months pregnant with a stomach out to there, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't still care about your appearance. In fact, when you're feeling hormonal and down in the dumps, a good shopping trip for stylish maternity wear may be exactly what you need.

General advice

The first instinct pregnant mothers have when shopping is to go directly for something that is large and baggy. Please avoid this as maternity clothing that is layered or has bold prints or horizontal stripes will only make you seem bigger. Everyone knows that black is slimming so if you want to appear smaller, go for maternity clothing in one solid color. Don't compromise your style. If you find maternity clothing too plain, try going to plus size stores or shop at your usual haunts but buy a bigger size. This will allow you to go for styles that you would normally have preferred pre-pregnancy.

Maternity wear budget

Be careful with your budget though, as you have to remember you won't be that big for that long! If you want to save money, borrow other people's maternity clothing. Most mothers' keep their maternity clothing in case of future pregnancies or as a keepsake and they'll probably be happy to let their used maternity clothing be used by you. Or, you could try yard sales or consignment shops for a good bargain.

Shoes

If you are well into your pregnancy, you don't want to buy high heels. Flat shoes or flip flops are the best way to go. If you must have heels in your shoe, try kitten heels as they are not that high and will be comfortable to wear.

Maternity formal wear

The best kind of formal wear won't hide your shape. Be proud of your new pregnant shape and show it off. Formal wear for expectant mothers can be found in suits or dresses. The most common colors are black or midnight blue as it is one solid color that is slimming to all shapes. The best maternity dresses are empire cut, which means it is cut right under the bust, to provide maximum room for movement of your growing belly. Maternity suits are also alternative and very flattering to those who are four to five months pregnant.

Maternity swim wear

If you are only four to six months pregnant, you can probably get away with going to plus sized stores and purchasing larger swimsuits as maternity swim wear. In this way, you will get a greater range of swim wear to choose from without having to change your style. Maternity swim wear is not readily available all year round so make sure to head straight to your favorite maternity clothing store when the sun comes out if you're planning a tropical holiday during the winter.

Whatever your shape or size, you are bound to find maternity wear for any occasion! Don't just stick to the boring styles you often see in maternity stores; be inventive when mixing and matching to create your own maternity wear style!

About the author:

Article written by Sarah Mitchell of NamesToBe.com (http://www.namestobe.com). Read this article and many others at: http://www.namestobe.com/baby-articles.html or http://www.namestobe.com/buying-maternity-wear.html. Article free for reprint as long as this author bio is present and all hyperlinks remain active.