Fashion has always been about illusion (i.e. black makes you “look” thinner; a shorter hemline makes you “seem” taller). The same thing goes for maternity fashion — you’ll get that hot mama look by maximizing your assets and disguising those shortcomings.

For decades, maternity fashions suffered as they tried to disguise the pregnant belly. This is utter foolishness. Afterall, isn’t the whole reason you’re having to buy a new wardrobe due to the fact that your pregnant belly is HUGE? There is NO hiding it. So we think the biggest step forward for maternity fashion is the freedom to make your beloved bump an asset to be flaunted rather than camouflaged. Other assets: noticed your chest lately? No, we don’t mean that they’re sore, we’re talking about the fact that they’re perkier (and probably bigger) than ever.

Since every mom (or mommy-to-be) knows how frustrating maternity shopping can be, we’ve got a list of the best maternity tops to jump-start your search. On our shopping trips, we combed through racks of shirts looking for the most flattering styles. Here are our four favorite styles with options for bellies in every price range>

1. Scoop Neck, Banded Bottom

This style of top could quickly become your wardrobe staple. While this cut looks drab on the hanger, a trip to the dressing room will wow you. The scoop neckline makes your neck look long and slender; it also hints at a how nicely things have been filling out on top. These shirts are cut generously through the belly with a tightly-banded bottom, allowing the stretchy fabric to boast your belly’s shape while cinching in to show off that you still have nice legs under there. Especially gals with bigger hips will benefit from this illusion of a cute round bump atop itty-bitty legs.

< top: Gap Gathered Scoop Neck Top with adorable elbow sleeves. $28 at gap.com.

Isabella Oliver Scoop Top with figure-flattering ruching. $70 at isabellaoliver.com.

Liz Lange For Target Banded Bottom Scoopneck in four colors at a price you can’t beat. $17 at target.com.

2. Wrap Tops

The classic wrap style is a sure way to emphasize those upper assets. Some of these tops may be too low-cut for comfort, but slip them on over a cami and you’re set. Look for ones with a more snug-fitting body rather then with a flowy skirt-like hem, which can make you seem wider. Another benefit of these tops is that many come with belts or ties that cinch up between your bust and belly — defining these separate curves will make you look more slender and shapely. But when shopping, take care that the bust line sewn into the top falls correctly at your own bra line or else it will dash the illusion altogether.

< top: Isabella Oliver Crossover Top with adorable flared three-quarter sleeves. $75 at isabelloliver.com.

Gap Elbow Sleeve Wrap Sweater with ribbed knit body to hug your belly. $40 at gap.com.

Liz Lange Lee Herringbone Wrap Top with a dainty flutter sleeve. $125 at lizlange.com.

Old Navy Ruffled Tie-Front Babydoll in springy colors. $23 at oldnavy.com.

3. Henleys

This casual style has been redone for maternity wear with great success. The button detailing draws attention upwards, and you can leave a few undone for a more alluring look. Choose henleys in lighterweight fabrics that will hug your curves without adding extra bulk (also great if you’re suffering with hot flashes). We especially loved those shirts we found with little extra details like contrast stitching or three-quarter sleeves.

< top: Liz Lange for Target Varigated Ribbed Henley with contrast stitching. $17 at target.com.

Pointelle Henley gives an extremely feminine feel to the traditionally rugged henley. $60 at destinationmaternity.com.

Babystyle Scoop-neck Henley Top with three-quarter sleeves. $48 at babystyle.com.

4. Tunics

Now before you read “tunics” as synonymous with “tents” let us point out the benefits of these extra long shirts. They are perfect for the later months of pregnancy when other tops are getting too short. Also, as things get a little “interesting” in your caboose, you’ll welcome the extra cover these tops provide. The secret for tunics is cut and fabric — the best tunics will be made from a knit fabric that will skim your curves NOT gape out in all directions. We were partial to those that had an empire waist or came with a belt to separate the chest and belly.

< top: Liz Lange Victoria Belted V-Neck with perfectly puffed sleeves. $150 at lizlange.com.

Long Sleeve Tunic with crossover styling. $20 at destinationmaternity.com.

Mesh Tunic with three-quarter sleeves. $155 at apeainthepod.com.

Sleeveless Tiered Tunic makes a good layering piece until summertime arrives. $20 at motherhood.com.

– Bettijo B. Hirschi