Published On:Tuesday, August 31, 2010

By ARA

It's no secret that pregnancy does not always bring out one's inner glamour girl. As your waistline and bust balloon, it's easy to lose all sense of fashion and hide in baggy sweats, oversized button downs, or even your husband's jeans.

Amy Tara Koch, trend expert and author of "BUMP IT UP: Transforming Your Pregnancy Into the Ultimate Style Statement," demonstrates that a baby bump does not translate into losing one's fashion identity. In fact, Koch shows moms easy tips and tricks to transform a handful of basics into dozens of maternity looks. The trick? Accessorising, layering and rotating key silhouettes per trimester.

"Maximum style, minimal maternity," advises Koch. "You don't need to invest your child's college tuition on a full-blown maternity wardrobe. Style is about mixing and matching compelling accent pieces. 'BUMP IT UP' shows moms how a handful of basics can yield dozens of jaw dropping preggo ensembles."

After combing runways, trend reports and even consulting top designers, Koch has helped translate some of the top trends for new or soon-to-be moms from the runway to the "realway":

* EMBRACE YOUR WAIST: Silhouettes remain in the spotlight, so when the notion of zipping your pants becomes comical, use an elasticised band. The soft, seamless stretchy band miraculously sheaths unzippered, rolled to the hips pants, helping extend the lifespan of jeans, trousers and skirts. A lightweight, thigh length top romantically draped over the band "camouflages" your handiwork.

* GO WITH THE FLOW: Don't pack up the floaty, easy-to-wear shift dresses from your first trimester when your stomach balloons. Instead sport them as tunics. Just add leggings, kitten heels or a heeled wedge.

* SHOE IT UP: A heel visually lengthens your silhouette and balances out your tummy-enhanced proportion. You don't need 5-inch Carrie Bradshaw stilettos, but, height will balance out the bulge, elongate your body and add that soupcon of glamour that transforms dumpy to diva.

* SUPER ACCESSORISE: When shimmering chain belts no longer circle your girth, pop them over your head for a flashy looking necklace. Tie belts can also be worn as lariat necklaces.

* KEEP YOUR SHAPE: A bra that provides shape and support is a lingerie must-have to accentuate and support your curves as your body continues to change before, during and after pregnancy. Pick up seamless microfiber undies and bras which are comfortable and perfect under dresses.

* BID ADIEU TO BULK: As you sleekify your wardrobe, say goodbye to clunky, unattractive diaper bags. Pampers has recently introduced their new chic, high performance diaper, Pampers Cruisers with Dry Max. Not only are they Pampers driest diaper ever as they help lock in wetness, but they are 20 percent thinner than before which means mom can carry more within less space so grab a chic diaper clutch.

* GET THAT GLOW: Self tanner is the ultimate pick me up so use it strategically on face and body and it will nip the "you look tired" comment in the bud.

Courtesy of ARAcontent