No one has ever claimed that getting dressed while pregnant is easy.  Most days, I consider throwing on something similar to a potato sack.  Why?  Because it will fit, be comfortable, and requires two brain cells.  But I’ve learned that losing your fashion identity during a time when so much is already changing is not the answer.  Getting dressed as a (mainly) stay-at-home mom has become increasingly important for me to feel like the old working me.  So, how do you find your style when you have to search through brands, fits and styles that are all new to you?  Here are some of my tips:

• DON’T CHANGE YOUR STYLE  If you didn’t wear empire tops before maternity – don’t start now (PLEASE don’t start now!!) Babydoll tops are not on trend or flattering.  And make you look, well, very pregnant.

• FIND YOUR DENIM STYLE As long as it’s still comfortable for you, find denim that fits.  I, personally, dislike styles that pull up over my belly.  I’d rather have the elastic under my belly.  See these Madewell or Citizen of Humanity styles.

• OVERSIZED BLOUSES AND BUTTON DOWNS These are on trend and will look great paired with jeans.  They will also leave you room to grow, while keeping you comfortable.  The trend was practically designed for us pregnant ladies.

• LAYER You probably won’t have to buy new maternity jackets/cardigans.  Wear them unzipped/unbuttoned and even over basic tees to add back your personal style.

• SHOW OFF THAT BUMP! I have loved wearing a few non-maternity form-fitting stretchy dresses, which I bought knowing that I may stretch them out for good.  Personally, there is just something I like about wearing “normal” clothes.  And, if you are comfortable with form-fitting, it always looks great to show off your bump.

• JUST ADD SNEAKERS  The active shoe trend is still in and will add comfort and a cool street-style to any look.  Especially love them paired back with dresses.

• ACCESSORIZE Wear some lipstick.  Add a cute hat.  Throw on some earrings.  Do what makes you feel good and completes a look. Good accessorizing can turn a basic white tee into so much more.

  Look 1: While black is always slimming, I still love white denim – throughout the whole fall season.  Pairing denim with an oversized blouse or tee and then layering with a great “it” piece helps to complete any outfit.

Look 2: One of my go-to dresses.  It’s effortless and cute just on it’s own but the sneakers help make it an even easier piece, if possible.  And the bold lip helped pop the blue and white stripes a bit.

Outfit 1: Cardigan: Ryan Roche, Shirt: Zara, Denim: Slides: Zara, Hat: St. Tropez Palm Hat

Outfit 2: Dress: ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo, Sneakers: Stan Smiths for Barneys, Sunglasses: Illesteva Leondard (similar here)

While New York’s Spring/Summer 17 Fashion Week collections were not ground-breaking shows, there were some memorable moments and beautiful clothes presented.  Delpozo’s collection was exquisite with rounded proportions and undulating lines paired back with jaw-dropping oversized dangling earrings.  Marc Jacobs presented a high-octane show from start to finish.  He supplied energy and drama that, frankly, could have been used earlier in the week.  More honorable mentions include Rosie Assoulin and Brandon Maxwell for beautiful, wearable clothing.  I love that some of the newer designers continue to impress and make strong impressions on NYFW.

Here are some of the best pieces and my favorite collections from the week.

Feature Photo: Ryan Roche

Clockwise, from top left to right: Delpozo, Proenza Schouler, Monique L’Huillier, Brock Collection, Rosie Assoulin, J.Crew, Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta via Vogue, Brandon Maxwell via Vogue, Marchesa, Monique L’Huillier via Vogue, Delpozo, Marc Jacobs

I loved New York’s Spring 16 Fashion Week.  This is a rarity for me, as I tend to gravitate towards Europe’s shows.  But this year, there was so much amazingness coming out of NYC, it was kind of shocking.  Not only was there innovation in the fabrications, but clear color trends emerged (oranges and reds), along with new and exciting design concepts.  And it was all done really beautifully.  The looks were well-styled from hair to toe.  The complete gestalt.

Not only am I inspired by the creativity the designers put forth in their collections (Marc Jacobs especially), but there was a major wearability component present in NYC, which is not always the case on the runway.  I find the balance of imaginative and wearable collections to be critical.  You want the art, but then you also want to be able to wear the clothes (or at least dream to) day to day.

My favorite show goes to Ryan Roche.  I basically want to live in this collection.  Forever.

Here are some of the highlights from the week…

Photos – Clockwise from top: Delpozo (@tmagzine), Tome (@margaret__zahng), Victoria Beckham (@ellestrauss), Zimmerman (NY Mag), Carolina Herrera (NY Mag), Proenza Schouler (NY Mag), Carolina Herrera (NY Mag), Ryan Roche (@tamumcpherson), Prabal Gurung (NY Mag), Altuzarra (NY Mag), Alexander Wang (NY Mag), Altuzarra (NY Mag), J. Crew (NY Mag), Lela Rose (@fashion_week), Jason Wu (@real_kate_foley), Cushnie Et Ochs (NY Mag),