Hip designs make getting preggers [a little] less scary

If pregnancy could be classified as a trend (and it very may well be, considering the masses seem to base all their decisions on what other people are doing), a rounded belly would perhaps be the hottest accessory of the year. It’s so overdone in Hollywood that B-listers can no longer use the birthing of a child as a means of mustering up some press coverage (anyone know Jenny Garth is pregnant? didn’t think so), while the media is oversaturated with the messianic arrival of Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt. But all these knocked-up celebrities have at least shown us that pregnancy can be worn with grace and class—Heidi Klum was adorable on Project Runway’s second season.

But then there are Britney Spears and Katie Holmes, who reinforce every sterotype of how pregnant women completely lose all sense of self-maintenance.

Personally, whenever I see a pregnant woman all I can think is, “I’m so glad that is not me.” Mostly because of that whole cause-and-effect relationship: pregnancy=having to take care of a baby, who then becomes a child, who then becomes a teenager… and I myself was a teenager just four years ago, which is just too close for comfort. I know my aversion to pregnancy will dissipate as my biological clock ticks louder (how trite, how true), but I also think that it can be attributed to the fear of being relegated to sweatpants and overalls for the last five of the nine month gestation period. I mean, if I am going to be morning sick, bloated, swollen, and all those other lovely things, shouldn’t I at least have the right to cover it up with fabulous clothes?

Piggybacking on the New York Time’s article “Showing? It’s Time to Show Off,” in last Thrusday’s Style section, I decided to confront (and work at overcoming) my fear of pregnancy (and a five month confinement to Pea in a Pod hell), by researching the maternity sections of Nordstrom’s and Neiman’s online stores. I must say that the selections available to expectant mothers is impressive. It appears that there has been a convergence of trends that are conducive to maternity clothing, and the industry is capitalizing on this to produce clothing stylish moms-to-be.
[I promise all the pics below are of maternity clothes--you'd think they could find some models who actually look, I dunno, pregnant?]

Empire dress maternity (yes, that is leopard print peeking from underneath-I couldn’t resist).

Kimono-inspired maternity.

The abundance of black clothing must be due to its slimming effects (running counter to the “show off your belly” culture), which is classy and sophisticated, as always. This little black dress is perfect for sipping sparkling cider at a cocktail party.

This is my favorite—very effortlessly chic. It says, “I am so not morning sick right now.”

Some high-profile designers are offering maternity selections, such as Chaiken (a Wintour favorite) and Diane von Furstenberg (the wrap dress is so conducive to a belly bump).

Citizens of Humanity even makes jeans for pregnant women, with a large black elastic band that expands with your tummy—I would only wear them with a tunic or other extra-long shirt, as the band is quite ugly, but I am sure very functional/useful.

With all these ultra-gorgeous maternity selections, there is no excuse (even if you are going on your tenth month of pregnancy) to wear a velour sweatsuit (try a Puma tracksuit).

Of course, by the time I actually decide to have a baby, I imagine boho-chic will be out and form-hugging, pencil-thin everything will be in… hopefully that won’t be too much to dissuade me.

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