For a lot of women, remaining healthy, fit, and fashionable are important goals — even and especially during pregnancy. After all, carrying a baby to term is a unique gift and one that should be as rewarding as it is important. Even though Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, is now a royal, her latest fashion choices prove women can look great (and, hopefully, feel great) on a budget.
Earlier this week, the duchess, who is reportedly about six months pregnant with her first child with Prince Harry, was photographed wearing this adorable maternity dress. The cut fits her growing belly well, the color compliments her skin tone, and despite how it looks, it’s not from a high-end fashion designer — just plain old H&M. (Granted, she did pair the dress with a gorgeous jacket from Armani, but even royals have to dress somewhat royally.) This isn’t the first time she has looked fantastic in a budget-friendly maternity dress. In December, the duchess was spotted wearing a dress from ASOS that cost about $56.
Maternity styles have shifted over the years and flatter pregnant women more than ever. Remember when maternity shirts just looked extra large and dresses looked like tents? I have a few simple tips any pregnant woman can abide by within any budget.
Buy a few basic pieces like jeans, khakis, and black pants. Likewise with shirts.
Invest in a few simple but well-made maternity dresses that hug your belly, rather than look simply extra wide, and pair those with various blazers, sweaters, and jackets. While it might be tempting to purchase a large wardrobe (because maternity clothes are fun!), remember pregnancy is only nine months.
Of course, looking fashionable while pregnant is only one piece of the puzzle to looking and feeling great. The duchess has access to resources average Americans don’t, but it doesn’t mean other pregnant women can’t exude that wonderful glow of carrying a baby.
I had four babies from 2007-2013, and I never gained more than 25-30 pounds during my pregnancies. I actually struggled more with weight fluctuation after the baby due to sleep deprivation, busyness, and autoimmune difficulties. Still, the keys to staying trim and having energy were similar to what anyone else should do: eat clean foods, drink water, get moderate exercise, and adequate sleep. During the first trimester (for some people, this lasts even longer), this is especially hard because nausea can prevent a decent appetite, and women feel unusually tired.
Still, there are so many fashion choices available now and so many avenues through which to improve a woman’s understanding of what she needs during pregnancy. As long as she has no significant health issues, she can look and feel great during a really special time.
Nicole Russell (@russell_nm) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner's Beltway Confidential blog. She is a journalist who previously worked in Republican politics in Minnesota.
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