We get a lot of comments asking where moms-to-be (that we feature here on Cakelet) get the non-maternity, bump-friendly clothes they wear in their maternity photos, plus tips on how to keep your style throughout pregnancy. We thought it’d be great to have Wilmarose Orlanes (don’t you just love her name?), designer and stylist behind Lovely Jubilee, tackle that question with finesse. She is after all doing a pretty fab job of dressing her own bump, yeah?

She’s going to share a few examples and inspiration on how to dress your bump with non-maternity items from Ruche (an online retailer specializing in vintage inspire clothing, accessories, and shoes), mixed with some must have maternity basics.

Layer in your waist line. Wearing jackets and coats that have a defined silhouette, through seams and draping, can give the illusion of a defined waist line while worn open over a flowy dress or top. This quick layering piece will not only help to define your silhouette, but will also allow you to deal with the lovely temperature fluctuations our bodies are going through.

Shop this look: blue dress, pink coat, Ban.do heart clip, mini drawstring bag

Pants can party too! With the help of belly bands, long tanks, and the amazing hair-tie trick, you can still rock some of your favorite pants well into your pregnancy. The key to wearing pants is definitely making sure you’re comfortable and able to move without feeling constricted. Know what the amazing hair-tie trick is? Simply loop one of your rubber hair ties through the button hole of your pants and use it as an extender to connect to the button. With the help of a long tank or a belly band, you can easily conceal a half way zipped zipper – or let’s face it, sometimes a complety unzipped zipper. Once your pants start to feel too tight and make you nauseaus, it’s time to put them away until post-baby and move onto maternity pants, leggings, or if it’s warm enough just dresses/skirts.

Shop this look: sequins blazer, similar jumpsuit

Bumping up a size. When figuring out what size to wear or buy, always consider that not only will your belly grow but your bust line will too. So sizing up from a Small to a Medium will sometimes allow you to use a piece of clothing well into your 3rd trimester. Although, when pulling from my current closet I found myself still using my current size small dresses – just applied a few of the tips above (ie. adding leggings or using a belly band). Don’t focus on the tag, focus on the fit.

Skirting the rules. Most people wouldn’t think a pencil skirt would be your friend during pregnancy. But I’m finding that a stretchy pencil skirt worn above the bump has been one of my go-to items for a night out or a dressy lunch. Paired with a cropped blouse, this outfit allows me to accentuate the bump without feeling too exposed. Skirts in general are great, especially when they are stretchy and can land above or below your bump.

Shop this look: pencil skirt, yellow blouse, necklace, suede wedges, handbag

Accessorize! One of the easiest ways to pull an outfit together is through the use of fun and easy accessories. Scarves, pins, hats, and a great shade of lipstick (yes, a fun pink lip counts too!) – can all add a little something to an otherwise simple outfit. Most importantly, it allows you to have fun with your outfits. Even on days when all that seems appealing are those yoga pants and sweatshirts. Yes, even these outfits can look cute too with the help of an accessory or two!

I see London I see France… Regular length dresses that might already be living in your closet have now become a tad too short to wear on their own. But layered over leggings, these now tunics can still be worn without fear of flashing your undies! One of my favorite maternity buys have been my maternity leggings! I love the kind that go above the bump as I never have to worry about them slipping.

Shop this look: hat, dress

All in all, when dressing your bump make sure you are comfortable. If something feels too tight, don’t wear it. It will eventually catch up to you throughout the day. If heels don’t sound appealing, then throw on a cute pair of flats or sandals. I had planned to wear wedges to my recent baby shower, and at the last minute I opted for a cute pair of sandals instead.

Hopefully these tips and outfit inspirations will help you to feel even more beautiful and confident with that growing belly. To shop all maternity-friendly picks from Ruche, click here.

Styling by Wilmarose Orlanes from Lovely Jubilee / Photography by Jennifer Sosa / Clothes & Accessories by Ruche / Makeup by Kelly Zhang from Kelly Zhang Studio / Hair by Yuzu from Studio K Hair Designory