According to research, in 2005 women in the UK spent £2.3 billion on plus size clothes, which made up a staggering 17% of the total spend on women’s fashion that year. Also, according to figures released by MINTEL, almost a fifth of all women in the UK require size 18 or larger in their clothes, that’s around 4.9 million. MINTEL also predicts that that figure could rise to 6.4 million by 2011, which would be 40% more than in 2006.

The figures are clear; plus size clothes are more popular now than they have ever been and their popularity is set to continue. With plus size clothing becoming a core area of the women’s fashion market, designers are being forced to turn their attentions away from the stick thin catwalk models and onto the real women who actually buy the clothes on the high street.According to research, in 2005 women in the UK spent £2.3 billion on plus size clothes, which made up a staggering 17% of the total spend on women’s fashion that year. Also, according to figures released by MINTEL, almost a fifth of all women in the UK require size 18 or larger in their clothes, that’s around 4.9 million. MINTEL also predicts that that figure could rise to 6.4 million by 2011, which would be 40% more than in 2006.

Shopping for maternity clothes can be so overwhelming that many pregnant moms just throw in the towel and throw on hubby’s shirts. It doesn’t have to be so black or white. The key is to find fashionable maternity clothes that are comfortable, versatile and stylish.

I know exactly how you feel. I’m on my third pregnancy, so I know a thing or two about what to wear when a growing belly is your most prominent accessory.

Top 7 Maternity Clothes Shopping Tips You Need to Know When You Want to Feel Sexy & Save Money

Maternity Clothes Shopping Tip #1: Select a few great maternity basics that are made to g-r-o-w with your baby bump, and then shrink back down with you to your fabulous pre-pregnancy self. Trust me, it’s expensive to have a baby, so try to save money where you can and invest in items that you can wear during and after pregnancy. Maternity clothes that fit this bill will help you rock your pregnancy in style without breaking your little babe’s piggy bank.

Maternity Clothes Shopping Tip #2: For a casual look, try wearing simple, cotton maternity t shirts or tanks paired with jeans. Uber-stylish maternity jeans can be found from Paige Premium Denim, Chip & Pepper and Citizens for Humanity, but great styles can also be found for less at national maternity chains. Maternity t-shirts are so easy to throw on and oh-so comfy. It’s a necessity that you must provide for your pregnant self!

Maternity Clothes Shopping Tip #3: Dress up your pregnant look. Try sporting jeans with cropped swing jackets or sweaters over silky babydoll tops. Don’t forget to accessorize with a cool clutch and some funky earrings for instant preggo-chic!

Maternity Clothes Shopping Tip #4: Get yourself some leggings or support hose made with Lycra, to “hold everything in” and make your legs feel great all day. Look for the maternity line by Spanx featuring the “Mama Footless,” or just cut off the feet of maternity tights. These can look super-cute under a cotton or denim maternity skirt.

Maternity Clothes Shopping Tip #5: Skirts are another comfortable, yet fashionable must-have in maternity clothes. Look for styles that can be dressed up or down, and which you can wear the whole way through. For example, at www.2chix.com, we have a great maternity skirt line called “The 40-Week Skirt” that literally fits throughout your entire pregnancy. It even fits you after your pregnancy. I designed it after being burned from my first pregnancy by maternity bottoms that only fit through the seventh month.

Maternity Clothes Shopping Tip #6: Remember, what you wear under your maternity clothes can almost be as important as what you wear on top! For lingerie, avoid unattractive maternity and nursing bras and check out mainstream lines. Look for their wire-free styles, as they are safer and more comfortable on your expanding body. The Ipex line bras by Victoria’s Secret are smooth and supportive without under-wire, and look great to boot!

Maternity Clothes Shopping Tip #7: When it comes to maternity shoe shopping, buy up to one size larger to accommodate for your expanding feet. Shoes by Seychelles are a favorite because they are extra comfortable, stylish and inexpensive. Cole Hahn also has a chic line made by Nike that is also very comfortable. For women who don’t want to be stuck in flats for months, podiatrist Dr. Carolyn Siegal advises pregnant women to wear wedge heels because they evenly distribute the weight and are more stable than thinner heels, such as stilettos. Just be careful to always be aware of your ever-evolving center of gravity!

Now that we demystified shopping for maternity clothes from top to toe, isn’t it easier than you thought? Just a few basics, some fun accessories and you’re ready to roll.