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I had mixed feelings about clothing when I was pregnant. On one hand, I didn’t want to spend a ton of cash on clothes – considering I wasn’t going to be pregnant forever – but on the other hand, I was going to be wearing the same clothes over and over again so it would be kinda nice if I liked them. There’s no right or wrong way to dress a bump but there are a few ways to make it easier and build a killer maternity wardrobe.
Here are some tips and tricks to pulling together a great maternity wardrobe
Shop your closet (and your partner’s closet)
You probably already own some great stuff that can easily make it through your pregnancy. Cardigans, loose t-shirts, maxi-dresses and sweaters will often skate through three trimesters. Pull these items out and either pack the non-fitting stuff away or put it in a separate spot. Anything you’ve outgrown will just clutter up your closet and/or be depressing – you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.
Wardrobe Extenders
Button extenders for pants, button tabs, and bands that hold up your pants and fill the gap between your shirt in your waistband do a great job of extending the life of your regular wardrobe. They even make bra extenders if you find your 34B has become a 38B (you’ll have to spring for a new bra if your cup is overflowing).
Loungewear
Yes, I have given this its own little section. I wore yoga pants throughout my entire pregnancy and after I had my baby. My husband referred to my black yoga pants, white t-shirt and stretchy hoodie as my ‘uniform’. Comfort was paramount during and after my pregnancy and nine times out of ten, yoga pants fit the bill. Anyone mocking yoga pants runs the risk of a fan kick to the face from me (I can do this because I have a full range of motion from my yoga pants).
Pick a Palette
Many sites will tell you to go neutral and while this is sage advice, I think the key is to stay within a palette. If you like black, white and gray – great. If you love pastels – wonderful. If you’re trying to stay within a budget, it’s easier to mix and match if you pick a lane and stay in it. It’s kind of like packing for a trip just with fewer piña coladas and more hemorrhoids.
Stock up on Maternity Wardrobe Basics
Tank tops, t-shirts, leggings, etc. are fairly inexpensive and go a long way to making you feel like you’re changing your outfit day after day. Even if it’s just wearing the yellow tank instead of the blue. It matters dammit! Old Navy, Target and ASOS have some great staples.
Splurge on Frequently Worn Items
If you have some cash to splurge, I would put it towards a great pair of jeans (or tailored pants) over that gorgeous dress that you’ll only wear once to your cousin’s wedding. Pregnancy doesn’t seem long to the outside world, but putting on a crappy pair of ill-fitting jeans that are falling apart day after day for months can really get to ya after a while. If you have some cash money to spend, Pea in the Pod and Nordstrom’s have some really nice duds.
Hand-Me-Downs
Take pregnant friends and relatives up on maternity clothing offers. Things like jackets, blazers, and special occasion dresses are pricey and worn with less frequency so you can find some gems.
Consignment and Thrift Stores
You can find amazing deals at thrift and consignment stores (there are some great online ones too). You can often find next to new items that were quickly outgrown or never worn – another woman’s growth curve may as well be your treasure.
Rent
If you have a wedding or office party to go to, there are amazing sites that will rent you a gorgeous outfit at a fraction of the price to buy it – Rent the Runway even has a ‘bump friendly’ tag. Nuuly and Mine for Nine also day-to-day wear as well as more ‘fancy’ stuff.
fromourhidingplace.com
Accessorize
Jewelry, scarves, bags, etc. are all great ways to switch up a basic maternity wardrobe without dropping a ton of cash on clothes. Plus, you truly will wear that stuff again – unlike your maternity jeans that you may want to burn on the front lawn because you’ve been wearing them for 20 weeks. This would also be a good time to point out that you’re fine to wear any shoes that you want. If you love heels and find it comfortable to wear them, great. If you are looking for something more comfortable, here are the most popular shoe recommendations from pregnant readers.
There really are no rules when it comes to dressing your bump. Be creative, comfortable and let your beautiful self shine.
What other tips do you have for building a maternity wardrobe?
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This is great Amy, thanks! How about an article on a back to work wardrobe for a pumping mom? I recently realized that all of my “nursing” clothes don’t really work with a hands free double pump, and stripping down several times a day in my office is…. awkward.
This is great advice! My son is already out in the world, but I definitely agree with the splurging on good jeans! I bought a pair of jeans and denim shorts from A Pea in the Pod. It was so nice to have a go-to that I knew would fit throughout all three trimesters (those secret fit belly things have a TON of stretch) and made me feel good about myself! I liked ASOS for fun tops and sun dresses, Gap for basics (leggings and the v-neck gap body tees) and renting from LeTote for nice work clothes.
Lol. Okay, I spent the morning finding all the links. I didn’t list them originally because I picked them based on look rather than availability or price (some stuff is dang expensive) but for you, I’ll add it 😉
I just want to add H&M and their Mama line. Love! I wore their long tanks under regular shirts for the first few months and they had a lot of great basics (t-shirts, pants/shorts) and a few ‘fancy’ options for when you actually need to dress up.
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing these suggestions. Are you able to reveal the sources for the items you’ve displayed in the collages appearing in the article? Specifically, the accessories and longer jackets/coats in the final collage. I’ve hovered around and can’t seem to find brands, sources, etc. Thanks!
[…] Building a Maternity Wardrobe (without blowing your budget) […]
Thank you for the ideas i have been inspired on how to dress the bump
This is great Amy, thanks! How about an article on a back to work wardrobe for a pumping mom? I recently realized that all of my “nursing” clothes don’t really work with a hands free double pump, and stripping down several times a day in my office is…. awkward.
Great idea!
This is great advice! My son is already out in the world, but I definitely agree with the splurging on good jeans! I bought a pair of jeans and denim shorts from A Pea in the Pod. It was so nice to have a go-to that I knew would fit throughout all three trimesters (those secret fit belly things have a TON of stretch) and made me feel good about myself! I liked ASOS for fun tops and sun dresses, Gap for basics (leggings and the v-neck gap body tees) and renting from LeTote for nice work clothes.
Awesome! Now where are the links for each item pictured so I can buy the wardrobe?
Lol. Okay, I spent the morning finding all the links. I didn’t list them originally because I picked them based on look rather than availability or price (some stuff is dang expensive) but for you, I’ll add it 😉
I just want to add H&M and their Mama line. Love! I wore their long tanks under regular shirts for the first few months and they had a lot of great basics (t-shirts, pants/shorts) and a few ‘fancy’ options for when you actually need to dress up.
Yes! H&M has some great stuff!
Ok, but where are the links to the clothes? I want that red sweater/jacket thing!
Added it for ya. (I love that jacket too ; )
The Pregnant AF shirt doesn’t come in maternity sizes??
I know, it seems a little counterintuitive to say the least but I thought it was too hysterical to pass up.
What brand are those short boots? Trying to find some!
The brown ones are Frye and the black ones are Nine West.
Hi! Where are th cardigans from? Live all the pieces you picked! Where could I buy the grey and red cardigans?
Added the links. I love me a good cardigan too!
Hi! Where are the cardigans from?! Love the gray and red ones!!!
LOVE this! Such good advice!!
Thanks! 🙂
Hi Amy, thanks for sharing these suggestions. Are you able to reveal the sources for the items you’ve displayed in the collages appearing in the article? Specifically, the accessories and longer jackets/coats in the final collage. I’ve hovered around and can’t seem to find brands, sources, etc. Thanks!
Done and done!