During those first few months of pregnancy clothes are not an initial concern. All those pre-pregnancy clothes fit fine one day and then, overnight, almost nothing fits right anymore. When that happens don’t panic, just start planning for a maternity wardrobe.
The moment you outgrow your old wardrobe is exciting for some and upsetting for others. No matter what the reason it is always slightly depressing when you suddenly can’t fit into your favorite pair of jeans. The important thing is to not get upset and to remember that maternity clothes don’t have to be ugly.
A lot of us remember what our mothers and aunts wore when they were pregnant. Large, shapeless outfits that usually had a front panel to contain that expanding belly. Usually those outfits didn’t have a lot of variety or style but, luckily, you don’t have to dress that way.
It is easy to shop for maternity wear when you go into the store thinking like a ‘big’ person and not a pregnant person. The plus size outfits in some cases are less expensive than maternity wear and are sometimes a lot nicer. You can purchase attractive, comfortable outfits that will grow with you and not scream out ‘I’m pregnant’ to the world at large.
The thing to remember when you are shopping is not to go overboard. Your mission is to find a few tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched to make both casual, everyday outfits and stylish work/social clothes. These outfits will have an expiration date. Everything you buy will, in most cases, be useless to you a few months after your baby is born. Don’t buy enough clothes to stuff your closet; just purchase enough to get you through your pregnancy.
For me the first stop was always bottoms because those were always the hardest. I would look for nice pants or skirts with an elastic waistband that would grow with me. If you are working one pair of khaki material pants and one pair of dark pants and a skirt is enough. Also consider a nice pair of jeans with an elastic waist to wear around the house. If you don’t work it might be in your best interest to purchase more than one pair of jeans and only one pair of pants that are either dark or khaki like material.
Once you have picked out a few pair of pants and at least one skirt (for going out) then it is safe to move on to the tops. These are easier because you just need to focus on large comfortable shirts that won’t make you feel restrained. Even a few large sweaters or shirts from the men’s department (or your husband’s closet) can be useable.
If you don’t feel comfortable in male shirts then look into nice plus size blouses and shirts. Choose multiple colors that will compliment your pants and skirt. You can also stop into the maternity department and look for tunic like tops that are made of quality material (so that they will survive multiple washings). Once again look for colors and patterns that you will enjoy wearing and that will work in both casual and professional settings.
When you are shopping don’t forget the clothes you already have. Any large shirts or stretchy pants that you have and can still be worn should be taken into consideration. While you are making purchases keep an eye out for pants and shirts that will create outfits with what you all ready have in addition to the new clothing you are purchasing.
Once you have made your purchases take them home and go through them. Take all the new clothes and all the clothes you can still wear into your bedroom and lay them on your bed. Try and create as many outfits as you can out of the items in front of you. Use shoes and jewelry to dress up otherwise plain outfits. If you have a nice shirt that you only think will go with nice pants try and match with a pair of jeans to create a casual outfit.
Count the outfits you make as you go and write down the final number as well as any outfit combinations you might later forget. If you feel like you still don’t have enough clothes consider raiding your husbands outfit for large shirts to go with jeans and pants for a few more outfits. Or, if that isn’t an option, consider gently used clothes at a local thrift shop.
If you have the opposite problem and find yourself with more outfits than you need don’t be afraid to take some purchase back. This happens to a lot of us when we shop forgetting how many large items are tucked away in our closet. Never be afraid to return a few clothing items and wear what you have.
Getting maternity clothing doesn’t have to be a stressful experience either emotionally or financially. A few good shirts and bottoms can create several nice outfits for work and for home. Be creative, talk to friends, and remember being pregnant doesn’t mean you don’t have to be stylish!
