Seven months' pregnant Jessica Alba shows how a huge baby bump needn't compromise style.
BY KATE FINNIGAN | 14 JULY 2011
Attempting to look chic when you're in late pregnancy is a tough call.
Yes, of course, you're beautiful, you're glowing, you are doing something even more important than squeezing into J-Brand's 811 electric blue mid-rise cropped skinny jeans. But unless she's living in a nineteenth century novel - empire line dresses and lying-in chambers? God they had it easy - a pregnant woman still has to go out about her day, possibly go to work and almost definitely get dressed.
In pictures: Stylish summer pregnancies
This week Jessica Alba, due to give birth to her second child in September, has been doing that admirably, showcasing some key mother-to-be fashion skills even in the high summer heat of Los Angeles.
With all the extra pressure of being papped to add to the worrying inability to see her feet, Alba has to work extra hard. But like all fashion triumphs the secret lies with those efforts appearing entirely effortless.
Why being 'with-child' is no obstacle to looking good
In recent days Alba has worn a black maxi skirt, tight white vest and an unbuttoned denim shirt to great effect. This would have looked lovely even if she wasn't pregnant but she wasn't trying to disguise the bump. Alba's success in the picture above, too, (photographed with her daughter Honor Marie) comes with highlighting her new silhouette, in this case by belting a floaty fitting dress under her bust.
A bit of tone-on-tone accessorising keeps the look contemporary, as does layering a loose-fitting knit (or denim shirt) over dress or skirt, (trousers being pretty much an impossible dream by seven months pregnant).
Lastly, as Alba demonstrates so well, the final touch is to up-size your handbag. The unofficial rule? You're looking for an accessory that is bigger than your biggest body part.
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