There’s a point in your pregnancy when other people may not know you’re expecting. However, those zippers on your pants and buttons on your jacket will no longer feel friendly! It’s time to upgrade your wardrobe and embrace your pregnancy style!
All your body parts and your feet are growing, so how in the world can you fill your closet without bursting your wallet?
Borrow, Don’t Buy
Did you love your friend’s maternity clothes when she welcomed her newborn a couple of years ago? Wonder if she still has those threads? Send a quick text as your friend likely could only wear those stretchy jeans and looser tops for a couple of months. They may even be as good as new.
Host a clothes swap party; your friends’ regular clothes could still come in handy: Cardigans and jackets worn unbuttoned, flowing summer dresses, and long classic t-shirts may be just what you need.
Get Essentials
There are some things you will have to buy, starting with a few good bras. Just don’t forget nursing pads; your breasts can leak colostrum before baby even arrives, so be prepared. You may also need to buy a larger size of underwear to prevent your current size from rolling under your belly.
Your feet may swell to be a whole size larger, so you may need some new shoes, too, particularly for the third trimester. When buying, remember you won’t want to struggle with straps or laces; go for slip-ons, mules, or flip flops!
Check out nearby consignment shops and sales with an aisle for cute tops that cover your bump and leggings that go the mile as well as other staples, so you can choose the key essentials for the three seasons your pregnancy will cross. Splash some color in your selection along with the neutral black, beige, and white for mix and match fun.
Special Events
If you have any special events to go to in pregnancy, you don’t have to buy an expensive dress you’ll only fit into once. Shop online with a growing number of retailers and plenty of affordable options. Browse the sites of stores you already have an account with to see if they sell maternity clothes. Ask your friends in your pregnancy circle where they love to shop and view their app so you’ll know if it’s right for you.
Need a revolving set of fashionable pregnancy pieces or planning a special photoshoot? Try renting something absolutely fabulous from companies such as Nuuly, Motherhood Rental, or Mama Bump Rentals.
Take your time and get a feel for what materials feel best on your skin, don’t spend one minute irritated with your clothes while pregnant! Have your partner or friend give you the green light if you feel nervous about an option that may be sheer; purchase maternity lingerie that makes you feel confident.
Add Extras
As your maternity wardrobe will naturally have fewer options than your regular clothes, now is the time to make the most of accessories.
Embrace colorful scarves, chunky necklaces and pretty handbags to bring vibrancy and diversity to your outfits. In pregnancy, one minute you’re hot, the next you’re cold, so dress in layers to add and subtract as the hormones mess with your thermostat; e.g., wrap dress over leggings, with a chunky cardigan and bright scarf.
Embrace your Bump
You don’t need to hide in a smock or muumuu. In fact, it’s only for the first few weeks that you may want to wear looser clothing, when your tummy is not yet a definite bump and you may not be sharing your happy news yet. These looser clothes will double as great post-birth outfits.
Pregnancy is a beautiful time, so once you are obviously showing, don’t be afraid to wear bump-hugging dresses and show everyone you’re one hot mamma-to-be!
Pick a Color and Shine
In summer, reflect the season and keep cool in light and bright colors. If you’re feeling a bit frumpy, go monochromatic: Sticking to 1 color is stylish and slimming.
