It takes some women years to nail down what their look is, whether they find themselves to be a jeans and t-shirt gal, a polished career woman, a more athletic style but really a lot of women just buy what they like without ever pinpointing what their actually style is. Once you do, it is easy to transition your style into the next nine months of your life. Here are a few ways to determine what your personal style is and therefore determine how you'd dress your bump.

 

Start by looking into your closet. Pull out ten items that you wear regularly and find out why. Do you wear them because you love them, because they fit, or both? Do you navigate towards more casual looks, more dressy looks, or is it a combination of both? 

Figure out your lifestyle. Are you a jettsetter or a weekend traveler? Do you need clothes that travel well or more beach essentials. Do you have a career? Do you meet friends or clients for lunch? Narrowing down what you do most on a day to day basis will help you figure out your needs and what your maternity wardrobe must look like. 

Are you happy? Does your wardrobe speak to who you are? Do you feel confident and comfortable when you step out in the morning or are you looking at a closet full of ill fitting clothing? If you are happy, shop for maternity pieces that mimics your existing wardrobe. If you are not there is great news, you'll need new clothing now and possibly again later. Replacing a wardrobe can be costly so narrow down the expenses my reselling your existing wardrobe or host a clothing swap party after you've had the baby.

But for now, take comfort in the fact that you can pick up a few maternity pieces that is a representation of how you want to look. 

If you find yourself to be more casual and laid back, and more of a homebody you may want to look into the following pieces for your maternity wardrobe:

Soft pants- This seems to be more an on-trend piece in pre and post baby wardrobes but soft, draped pants are always in style in maternity. The soft pant mimics the look of loungewear without looking like a pajama pant. This can be worn about on the weekend or dressed up with a blazer and wedge come Monday morning. 

Knit t-shirts- Have a variety of these as knit t-shirts, whether in plain cotton or a modal jersey, you'll always feel comfortable. Believe it or not, you can easily dress up a plain t-shirt if need be but your goal is casual and comfort so stock up. 

Maxi dresses- I was pretty casual with my first pregnancy and lived in maxi dresses, two in fact. I wore a purple jersey maxi dress at least once a week only to alternate with black midi dress of the same fabric. It was easy to throw on flip flops and run to the store for comfort of gold sandals and stacks of bracelets for the weekend. 

Everyday jeans- I wore the same dark skinny maternity jeans throughout my entire second pregnancy. Though I dressed it up a lot more than with my first, they are still denim and still considered a casual staple. 

Scarves- This isn't really maternity but if you plan on living in the same simple t-shirt and jeans, fun and bold scarves are a great way to add a bit of flair. 

If you find that your look is a big dressier, then you'd want to look into purchasing the following:

Wrap dresses- This is a flattering look pre and post pregnancy and gives the illusion of a smaller baby bump. These dresses are great for everyday as they are comfortable without looking too casual.

Woven maternity pant- A black pant is ideal if you like to dress up more as a jean would feel too casual and black goes with anything. You'll be able to wear draped blouses and wrap tops for a more elegant weekend look. 

Jersey pencil skirts- Whether at the knee or below it, this style of skirt is a classic. The jersey allows for comfortable and gives a bit as you go further into your pregnancy for a dressy look that is not restricting. 

Wedges- Go ahead and wear heels (with caution) if you really want to. I did into the beginning my second pregnancy but once the weather got cooler, I went for a more sophisticated wedged black bootie. 

A soft jacket- This is a great time to find a piece you love as you can wear it during and after your pregnancy. This is a great layering piece over any dress, pencil skirt, or top to add a bit more style to your outfit. 

 

Be sure to join the conversation on twitter using the hashtag #AboutMaternity via @YaniraGarza23 for style questions, beauty tips, and more. Tell me about your favorite shoe during pregnancy.