Not that many years ago, being pregnant meant forgoing all sense of fashion, forgetting sexiness, and simply finding a way to cover up your pregnancy in any way possible. Sweatpants, oversized t-shirts, and any larger sized men’s clothing were seen on pregnant women everywhere…and expected! Luckily for us, those times have passed. Being pregnant is now seen as a chance to show off one of life’s greatest moments, and the enormous variety of maternity fashion available demonstrates this.

Instead of hiding pregnancies, maternity fashion embraces it with flattering cuts and the latest styles, while managing to combine comfort and fashion. From dark jeans to cute tanks to sexy cocktail dresses, maternity fashion makes sure you are set for everything from everyday wear to that special New Year’s party. Know what to look for, and you will love the clothes designed especially for you during this special time in your life.

Everyone needs that perfect little black dress, LBD, and expectant mothers are no different. One of my all time favorite LBDs is the Maternal America Satin Border Dress, which is both flattering and comfortable. With an empire waist and gentle pleating, this dress is figure flattering. The wide satin band at the bottom allows this dress to be taken from day to evening wear and has the versatility of being worn to work or for an evening on the town. Another one of my favorite LBDs is the Beaded Neck Cocktail Dress from Olian Maternity. This dress is gorgeous, with a detailed beaded neckline and elegant pleating which drapes nicely over your body. Both these dresses are so fashionable that you will want to keep wearing them long after your baby is born!

Another wardrobe essential is a great pair of jeans, since they can be worn throughout the day or dressed up in the evening. The Megan Jean from Maternal America is a best seller and very flattering with a flare cut and stone wash. The wide stretchy waist band provides comfort and allows room for your belly to grow. Maternal America’s Pintuck Jean is also a great choice. A front stitched crease is very slimming, as it elongates the line of the leg. With the great stretchy waistband and flare cut, these are sure to become a favorite. Pair jeans with a basic white tea, a cute blouse, or a chunky sweater, and you are guaranteed a fashionable yet comfortable outfit.

A basic t-shirt or tank is very important to any wardrobe, as it can be used in several different ways. Great by itself in the warmer months or for layering during the cooler months, a few great t-shirts are essential to every wardrobe. The Maternity Baby Tee from Shade Maternity Clothing is a basic essential t-shirt every wardrobe needs. Seamless and soft, it looks great paired with anything from jeans to a skirt to your sweats. When looking for a tank, one of my favorites is Bella Band Essentials’ Everyday Cami. Ultra-soft and with an extra long cut, this seamless tank will keep you covered and comfortable throughout all stages of your pregnancy. Great for layering, you will want to keep wearing this tank long after your baby is born. Coming in a variety of basic colors, it’s a great staple to stock up on.

A final necessity in every wardrobe is a versatile top or blouse that can be worn from a lunch date or to the office and then to an evening out. A favorite of mine is the Jersey Cross Over Maternity/Nursing Top from Japanese Weekend. A flattering cut and a variety of gorgeous colors make this top both versatile and incredibly figure flattering. It looks great paired with jeans or a skirt! The Maternal America Mock Cami Maternity/Nursing Top is another great everyday option. The deep v-neck with a mock cami and empire waist cut is incredibly flattering. I love this look paired with dark jeans and ballet flats!

Overall, your pregnancy is a time to experiment with the fashion created just for you. At the cutting edge of all styles, maternity fashion combines comfort and style to make you look and feel your best. Pepper your wardrobe with a few basic essentials, and you will look and feel great throughout your pregnancy.

For years, jazz has influenced different countries culture. This influence is mostly spotted on fashion developments across the years. This industry targeted a society that revolved around a certain kind of music. The evolution in jazz music throughout the 1920s was accompanied by reflective changes in the fashion industry. The jazz music was so popular in the twenties, that the fashion industry was barely able to satisfy the needs of the costumers.

Like the music, jazz fashion evolved in a few stages. Upper and lower body freedom was essential when dancing the Charleston, so dresses were cut to reflect the ability to move freely while dancing.

The precarious hairstyles of the pre-war era were unsuitable for jazz dancing. The “bobbed” hairstyle of the 1920s was not only a mark of rebellion; it was a practical style for the popular dance music. The Charleston was a very strange and vigorous dance, and chest binding, while appearing bizarre to some people, would have been a functional practice for many women. In the Fashion Source book of the 1920s, Peacock states that an average ensemble for evening wear in 1927 would consist of: “A sleeveless mesh dress embroidered all over with gold sequins, a low V-shaped neckline, a loosely fitted bodice, and a flared short skirt. Gold kid shoes and matching handbag, along with a long string of pearls” (58).

Jazz music provided females of all ages with an outlet for rebellion. It helped to provide jobs for women within the music industry, and expanded the base of women as a consumer target market. Jazz encouraged primitive and sexual behavior through the uninhibited and improvisational feel of the music. This kind of music was rejected by the older generation, and therefore, jazz music and jazz dancing were ideal ways for young women (and even men) to rebel against the society of their parents and grandparents.