Hollywood star Halle Berry created quite a stir last year with her statement: “I refuse to wear maternity clothes. Maybe when I’m 9 months I’ll have to.” Now, I wonder what prompted that line of thought from a such a famous fashion icon as Berry? Did she imagine that maternity dresses could not be stylish? Or comfortable?

I always had a sense for what’s fashion and what’s not (that’s just one of the reasons I love blogging on that), but with Berry’s declaration instigated me to look more at what women really thought about dressing while being pregnant. I talked to Janette, my co-worker, and she revealed that she has a range of Japanese Weekend suiting — less formal and more casual, with fabrics for bottoms, paired with knit tops with the comfort of cotton. And Janette certainly looks fashionable, comfortable–AND professional!

My cousin Sarah positively thought maternity clothes didn’t mean wearing your husband’s shirts and jeans. “Looking nice and hip when you’re carrying is a celebration of pregnancy,” she said. Sarah used to wear Juicy Couture maternity jeans with a comfortable waist and five pocket styling until late into pregnancy. She also said empire-waist styles are flattering to one’s growing body because of their high waistlines which show off one’s new curves. Pair it with some trendy yet comfortable pants and tops, and you’re set for any special occasion.

While certainly there’s no “right” or “wrong” kind of dress to wear when you’re expecting, some women feel that if they tried wearing “normal” clothes, they just feel and look fat, but with maternity dresses, they looked pregnant… which, I feel, is a very valid point. It’s important to feel good with your pregnancy, and with the stylish range of dresses, tops and pants available today, it’s a pleasure to shop around for that combination that makes you look–and feel–perfectly pregnant and à la mode!