Finding out you are pregnant for the first time is both exciting and scary. There are so many unknowns and most first time moms-to-be quickly become discouraged as they see their bodies change in ways they have never known before. The excitement can quickly turn to frustration as expectant moms try to find clothes that fit their expanding figures without breaking the bank. In this article, we offer 7 expert tips on how to build the perfect maternity wardrobe on a budget and help new moms feel beautiful during this special time.
The first sign of change during pregnancy isn’t the baby bump, it’s bloating. At about 14-16 weeks most women are not quite ready for maternity clothes since they aren’t showing yet, but their clothes are starting to feel uncomfortable and tight around the mid-section. The perfect solution for this awkward in-between stage is the Bella Band. This simple piece of stretchy fabric can be worn over any pants and it allows you to unbutton and even unzip your bottoms without losing comfort or dignity. The Bella Band comes in a slew of colors and three easy sizes (S/M/L) to fit all shapes and make the first few months of pregnancy a breeze.
Choosing the right size during pregnancy can be very confusing since pregnant bodies are constantly changing. Chests grow, midriffs widen, and hips expand, so knowing where to start can be a challenge. Good maternity designers account for the changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy and suggest starting with pre-pregnancy sizing when choosing maternity garments. Most maternity clothes come in XS-XL, are cut longer, and are made in fabrics that will stretch as your belly grows. Well made maternity clothes, although more expensive, will last throughout majority of your pregnancy. Cheaper items won’t last as long so invest in good quality, well-made key pieces, they will wash well time and time again and last longer. You can always supplement your basics with cheaper seasonal items.
When the Bella Band is no longer solving the fit issue, it’s time to start building your maternity wardrobe, but where do you start when you need everything? We say start with the basics that will be the core of your maternity wardrobe. A great pair of jeans, the tailored black pants, a wrap dress in a basic color like brown or black, a nice pencil skirt, a cardigan sweater in a light fabric, and a couple of classic tops is enough to get you started. Mix these basic pieces with trends of the moment and your own pre-pregnancy pieces to keep your maternity wardrobe fun and fresh. Bringing in prints is also a great way to spice up the basics. Prints and maternity are a perfect pairing since they often help to minimize the appearance of the ever-expanding waistline.
Realizing what works for your body is the key to picking the best items for your maternity wardrobe. For instance, women who are heavier on top will most likely grow quickly in the chest area during pregnancy, so picking v-neck or wrap tops will not only flatter and minimize the chest area, but also last throughout the pregnancy. On the other hand, crew neck and turtleneck tops work better on smaller chests and narrow shoulders. Similarly, fuller leg pants work great on curvier figures, while straight leg is most flattering on straight body types. No matter the figure, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and beautiful in what you are wearing during pregnancy and there are plenty of great maternity designs to help you feel and look your best.
Accessories are a no-brainer solution to wearing the same items over and over again during pregnancy. Adding a great chunky necklace can dress up a plain top for an evening out, while a thick belt worn either over or under the belly will create a completely different look for the same dress. Shoes are also a valuable accessory in changing up an outfit and creating an entirely new look. Any above-the-knee dress can double as a trendy tunic top with a great pair of leggings and your favorite knee-high boots. Even a couple of bangle bracelets and some chandelier earrings can vamp up a plain maternity top to create a number of different looks. And the best part is that you don’t have to be pregnant to wear accessories so it’s a long-term investment.
Most women aren’t pregnant during just one season, but over two, or even three. This creates a major anxiety in picking the perfect maternity pieces. The key to making the right choices is seeing versatility in each item. Lightweight, ¾ length shirts and dresses are great for the Spring, Summer, and even Fall. They can be layered with cardigans and jackets for the winter months and will transition easily through the seasons. Capri pants are another great transitional item. They are perfect for the hot summer months and can be worn well into the fall with knee-high boots. To transition seamlessly from day to night and from work to casual, you just need a little creativity. Pair a suit jacket with a pair of jeans and your basic white button down, add a gold chain, and you are ready for an evening out. Throw on thick tights and high boots with your everyday work skirt and comfy sweater and you’ve got a cute look for the weekend. So, a little imagination goes a long way during pregnancy.
Last, but not least, don’t forget about the “fourth” trimester. After the baby finally arrives every woman’s body needs a few months to get back to its pre-pregnancy form and there is plenty of transitional wear out there to help. Buying a few nursing tops and tanks that can be worn during and after is a smart way to stretch your maternity wardrobe. Many tops are designed with nursing access and enough stretch and length to accommodate the baby bump. Most maternity pants and jeans will also work during and after the baby because they have built-in adjustments that can be loosened or tightened. And don’t forget the trusted Bella Band. Use it after you’ve had the baby in transitioning back to your pre-pregnancy wardrobe.