How to Look Hot (or at Least Pretty Good!) When You're Expecting

It's been years since Demi Moore appeared naked and gloriously pregnant on the cover of Vanity Fair. Looking back, the photo is still beautiful—but no longer shocking. While the average pregnant woman isn't walking around in the buff, the ruffles and draping once common in maternity wear are long gone.

Today's moms-to-be have nothing to hide. Modern maternity doesn't conceal the belly, it highlights it with streamlined styles and stretchy, clinging fabrics. "It's not about showing it all off," says fashion designer Liz Lange, president and founder of Liz Lange Maternity. "It's about sophistication and style."

Even if you've never felt comfortable flaunting your figure, pregnancy may change things. "When I got pregnant, I had to do something to feel pretty, and the old clothes just weren't doing it for me," says Brooke Kelley, a Los Angeles mom of two. "I felt most sexy while wearing revealing clothing. I loved to prance around by the pool in my bikini."

Of course, not everyone is going to suddenly love wearing a bathing suit and exposing most of a growing tummy, but whatever your personal style, you'll probably look and feel your best wearing a tank—as opposed to a tent.

There are probably several pieces in your closet already that can double as maternity wear, especially at the beginning of your pregnancy. "Just wearing my regular T-shirts made me feel good, since they all fit more tightly," says Kelley. Anything made of stretchy fabric will do, as will sweaters or blazers that can be left partially unbuttoned.

When you finally go shopping, enjoy yourself! Pregnancy is a great time to indulge in trends—after all, these are clothes you'll likely only wear for a few months. Lange notes that empire waistlines, which hits just below the bust, have been hot in both ready-to-wear and maternity for several seasons, and the trend continues. "It's a great silhouette for showing off sleek shoulders and a great neckline." Love the bohemian look? According to Lange, "boho" styles work well for maternity. Think pretty tunics and tiered skirts.