Whether business or vacation travel, this chocolate donegal cable sweater turleneck sweater ($78) and multicolored tiered chiffon and Lurex gypsy skirt ($19.99) at Mimi Maternity are fashionably appropriate. Click photo for larger image.

Deciding what clothes to pack for a business trip, a weekend vacation or some other out-of-town excursion can be stressful.

So imagine the added challenges if you're pregnant.

"You gain weight, you start feeling uncomfortable," said Jessica Reyes, a Florida mother of three who launched online maternity fashion site Babiesnbellies.com two years ago.

"And then with the way maternity clothes used to be, you feel like you look even bigger."

But maternity fashions today allow pregnant women to be sexy and stylish if they want, even when they're traveling.

Experts say the best style tip for moms-to-be when packing for travel is: Think low-maintenance.

For business trips, keep it simple with one-button jackets, underbelly pants and other seasonless pieces in dark colors and wrinkle-resistant, transitional fabrics.

"The simplest thing to do is to take a core outfit that works," said Sharon Haver of New York, a fashion expert and founder of focusonstyle.com.

Ms. Haver, who traveled extensively until she was eight months pregnant, relied on black stretch pants and a tunic top that she bought in Lisbon, Portugal -- "a great place for maternity clothes," she said.

Layered separates are a smart, versatile traveling option in winter. This ensemble by Motherhood Maternity includes a magenta machine-washable acrylic sweater shrug ($19.99) over a teal top with a ruched neckline ($14.99) and vintage-washed jean gauchos ($19.99). Click photo for larger image.

With a primary outfit, you need add just a couple of tops, she said, adding that everything should be easy to hand-wash in your hotel room.

"Minimal is key, and you want to be neat, clean and wrinkle-free."

For a banquet or other gala on the agenda, the classic little black dress will work just fine. Silk-stretch fabric tend to resist wrinkles and offer a glamorous shine.

Finally, if you're flying from coast to coast or to a different climate, be sure to take layering pieces.

Those same pieces would suit you well for a tropical getaway. Toss in a dress that you can jazz up or play down, an ethnic piece such as a tunic top and a bathing suit -- a bikini if you want to feel sexy.

Ms. Haver suggests a pareo, or sarong, as the wisest bathing suit cover-up. It can be used for years, she said, "and it doesn't give you that aching feeling of everything always being tight on you."

For a weekend getaway, casual is the byword. And that should make packing a lot easier.

Start with the daytime basics in lightweight fabrics. Make sure there's room for a comfortable pair of jeans, several T-shirts and a soft, lightweight sweater or jacket to wear over the top.

"For these quick trips, you want a casual, effortless style," said maternity designer Liz Lange. "You only want to bring enough to fit into a small carry-on bag."

Knits are good for air travel, since they provide warmth yet still breathe.

"I did a lot of things with big shawls and scarves," said Ms. Haver, adding that they're stylish and can be worn after the pregnancy.

One dressy piece is all you need to paint the town red on an evening out. It can be a hot little strapless dress or something as simple as a sequined shrug or lurex-threaded bolero that can be tossed over a black ballerina top.

"Look for something that has a little sparkle or makes you feel good about yourself," said Mrs. Reyes.

When it comes to accessories, Ms. Haver recommends high heels.

Is she serious?

"When you're taller, you look slimmer," she said. "I found that a fabulous pair of shoes also picks you right up and adds a lot of style."

Ms. Haver has a final tip.

"A really nice nightgown that when you're tired, you can come home and wear," she said. "Like one of those pretty caftans that are around now. It's a comfy little piece and can go with you through your whole pregnancy."