The Perfect 10: Must-Have Maternity Pieces.....(Winks)

The key to looking stylish for any occasion during your pregnancy? Ten belly-beautiful basics from top stylists – Alison Deyette, Amy Tara Koch (author of Bump It Up), and Leka Dobbs – and you're good to grow.

1. Slip-on shoes

Whether you choose a ballet-style flat like these by Sam Edelman or a mule with a sliver of a kitten heel, you'll slip in and step out in style and comfort. Plus, no laces or buckles means no bending over your burgeoning belly. Look for shoes that have a slightly pointy toe instead of a rounded one, which can make your legs look shorter. An added bonus: If you splurge on shoes, chances are you'll be able to wear them after the birth.

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2. Maternity tanks

Cotton maternity tanks with a touch of Lycra or Spandex like these from Liz Lange for Target and Old Navy Maternity have extra fabric in the belly that expands with you while keeping your curves comfortably contained. Plus, showing a little skin can keep you cool when your inner furnace kicks in. Go for hip length, which not only is more flattering but allows a pop of color to peak out beneath top layers, adding visual interest.

3. Wrap dress

A wrap dress in a soft jersey fabric like this one from Mayreau plays up your shape without restricting it, and the V-neck showcases your growing bustline. The crossover tie helps differentiate your breasts from your belly, accentuating your feminine form.

4. Tunic top

While fitted across the shoulders and arms, a tunic  provides plenty of room where pregnant women need it – across the middle, to accommodate a growing belly, and in the length, to cover your expanding hips and bottom. Choose one with detailing around the neckline (embroidered stitching or beads) or in a fun pattern with a punch of color. A V-neck or boat neck shows just a touch of skin and elongates your neck.

5. Leggings

A pair of stretchy black leggings like these from Japanese Weekend keeps you comfy and stylish year-round. Pair them with knee-high boots when it's cold, or ballet flats or sandals when it's warmer. While you can get away with non-maternity leggings, pushing the waistband beneath your bump, maternity leggings have a more forgiving belly band that grows with you.

6. Drapey cardigan

Toss aside those button-up cardigans for now. The silhouette that is most flattering during pregnancy is one that hangs loose and helps give a more vertical, elongated look to your figure. Choose one in a midweight, drapey jersey knit or lightweight wool blend like this one from  Veronica M for Mom's the Word . Many designers make ones that are a bit shorter in the back than the front, so you can wrap the longer ends around your shoulders or sides for warmth and shape.

7. Dark, boot cut pants

Choose pants made from a material that contains a bit of Lycra like these from Mom's the Word, so they'll hug your curves and move with you. Make sure that the cuff falls just an inch or two from the floor to create a long, lean line from waist to toe. Any shorter can make your legs look stumpy; any longer can look sloppy and widening.

8. Jersey knit skirt

Choose one in a dark color (navy, gray, or black) with a soft, fold-over waistband. You'll look polished and pretty, but won't feel constricted and you'll have plenty of ventilation for your fluctuating body temperatures. Opt for an A-line cut – this style flatters almost any mom-to-be and helps to balance a top-heavy physique.

9. Yoga pants

Whether or not you do downward dog during your pregnancy, a pair of good yoga pants  preferably in black or gray, for versatility – do more for your shape than baggy "I've given up" sweatpants, and they're just as comfortable. Find a pair that are stretchy enough to hold their shape and yours. Look for a wide, fold-over waistband so you can adjust it as your body changes.

 10. Maternity jeans

Invest in a pair of maternity jeans in a dark, slimming wash and a universally flattering boot cut. The pregnancy version of this wardrobe basic has extra room in the rear and hips and a supportive stretchy panel around the waist. You can choose styles that fit over or under your belly. Try on several to see which works best.