Photo Credit: CS Hoover Photography
It’s not often women build a wardrobe from scratch. But when you’re pregnant, you need a new set of clothing for probably six months at least. Build your wardrobe carefully, otherwise you might end up with mis-matchy items or overspend (this happened my first pregnancy!). Here’s some tips for building a great-looking, comfortable maternity wardrobe:
Consider the season of the last half of your pregnancy. This is when you’ll probably be unable to make your regular clothing work, even with belly belts/bands. Purchase items with this season in mind.
Layering is key. Because many expectant moms are pregnant through two seasons, buy a few maternity tanks and a cardigan-type outer layer to wear under and over your tops during transitional weather. Layering is especially helpful if your next pregnancy runs through different seasons (as I can attest!).
Maternity lingerie is a huge plus for comfort and feeling good about yourself as you grow! Regular undergarments, bras, and sleepwear can get uncomfortable because they aren’t always cut in the right shape for your growing shape! It’s nice to find pretty undergarments for expectant mamas at stores like Figleaves. You’ll most likely go up a bra size or two as well, so it’s a good idea to get remeasured as well!
Neutrals are essential for making sure all your pieces go well together. I especially recommend neutrals in your bottom pieces, so you can have more fun with colorful, patterned tops!
Try everything on! If it doesn’t feel good in the store, it will NOT feel good when you’re carrying around thirty or forty more pounds! Also, use those fake tummy belts while trying on clothing if it’s early in your pregnancy. What looks floppy now will fit perfectly in three months. Or what seems flattering now, maybe be way too tight later!
Save money with Craigslist, Freecycle, and consignment stores. It’s not easy (I once picked up a bag of maternity clothing that looked like clown outfits and were much larger than described!), but you can probably score a few good deals!
Look for transitional tops. I’m a huge fan of maternity clothing that transitions into post-partum and nursing wear. You get the most use out of the clothes you bought, and don’t have to spend more money on nursing tops!
What are your tips for building maternity wardrobe?
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T Rex Mom
Sunday 22nd of April 2012
Great photo of you at the top - was it for a special occasion?
For my first I purchased a bunch of stuff and also borrowed from many ladies - I needed professional clothes. Second time around, I also borrowed and I did not get nearly as big so most of my clothes was actually non-maternity.
Consignment and thrift stores were also my friend, too.
T Rex Mom
Sunday 22nd of April 2012
Great photo of you at the top - was it for a special occasion?
For my first I purchased a bunch of stuff and also borrowed from many ladies - I needed professional clothes. Second time around, I also borrowed and I did not get nearly as big so most of my clothes was actually non-maternity.
Consignment and thrift stores were also my friend, too.