Right now, I am not quite willing to admit that I need maternity clothes – even though all of my in-between clothing doesn’t fit. It is not a fun place to be. I usually wonder, “How to dress your pregnant body?”
The pants are pinching, buttons are popping, and this morning I walked into my daughter’s school to drop her off, not realizing that my (non-maternity) shirt was riding up, ultimately revealing a lovely strip of my baby bump.
Although this is my fourth baby, it would seem that I still have a lot to learn about the best way to wear my pregnant body. I have always been one of those women who have eschewed buying maternity clothes, out of modern. I don’t know, cheapness? Because in the back of my mind, I have thought it was a waste to buy an all-new wardrobe for a period that lasts only a few months.
But for the sake of comfort, self-esteem, and most likely, the benefit of everyone in the schoolyard. It is time for me to admit defeat and start buying some pregnant-friendly clothes — so I turned to the experts for a few tips on maternity fashion.
Love the leggings
“You can never go wrong with a nice pair of leggings you can dress up or dress down, depending on the event,” advises Lourdes Leon-Vega. She is a maternity fashion consultant with Tutti Bambini Maternity Concierge in Miami. Leggings can help regular transition dresses or longer tops into pregnancy wear.
Consider a consultant
Although I could use some professional help, I have to admit that I have never really considered hiring help for my wardrobe. But if your budget allows, a maternity consultant could help you design your closet. “A maternity wardrobe expert offers personal styling and personal purchasing for pregnant women,” Leon-Vega explains. “Some women have a hard time dressing their changing body, and a maternity clothes consultant is there to help take the guesswork out of maternity clothes.”
Know that every woman is different
Part of my hesitation in buying maternity clothes is that I am — confession — only at 16 weeks. And for some reason, I thought there was some rule that I should not have to buy maternity clothes for 20 weeks. Leon-Vega admits that most women do buy their first pair of maternity jeans around the 5th or 6th month. It is important to remember that every woman and every pregnancy is different. “There isn’t a ‘best time’ during pregnancy to buy maternity clothes,” Leon-Vega says. There are many women who can keep wearing their prepregnancy clothing during the first trimester. But, some are very sensitive in the belly area, and they find low-waisted maternity pants more comfortable. Many women have no belly one day, and the next day they wake up and find that their belly has popped and nothing fits.” Once you pop, the fun doesn’t stop.
Stock the essentials
What are the essentials of the maternity wardrobe? “Leggings or pants with a flexible or drawstring waist, a basic dress that can be accessorized depending on the event, and relaxed and ‘safe’ shoes,” Leon-Vega suggests. And for “safe” shoes, she recommends forgoing the heels and relying on flats for the duration of your pregnancy and possibly even postpartum, as foot swelling can take some time to dissipate.
Ask around
If you do have some reservations about spending a lot of your hard-earned money on a new maternity wardrobe, there’s no harm in asking your fellow mommy friends if they’d be willing to share. My friends and family often exchange mothership jeans and sundresses. It makes sense, and if you’re eager to share your purchases, chances are they will be, too. “Hand-me-downs are great!” says Dr. Sheryl Ross, an OB/GYN at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. Online consignment stores and mom-to-mom sales are also great ways to score some discounted maternity wear.
Shop for transitional pieces
In the early stages of pregnancy, before the bump takes over, invest in a few pieces that will give you more room and come in handy in the postpartum months as well. Think loose, roomy shirts, or clothes a few sizes more significant than you usually wear. You should avoid anything tight around your waist, especially in the pants department.
Stay true to yourself
There are never hard and fast rules when it comes to dressing during pregnancy. One expert, I spoke to advised avoiding stripes, but in my online maternity shopping, I came across the cutest striped maternity dress — and I bought it. You’re still you when you are pregnant, and your style doesn’t have to change drastically. Embrace your new curves — and your sense of style.
Pregnancy is no longer a time when women have to wear baggy clothes. Many famous stars have started the fashion trend to show off their belly, and many have followed. The number of stores selling gourd clothing is also increasing as many famous fashion houses have launched fashion lines for pregnant women. Therefore, when you go to your favorite fashion store, you will easily choose and coordinate the beautiful and trendy items.
Some advices to dress your pregnant body
You need to know that you will probably still have to wear your vote for a few weeks after birth. Most mothers will not be able to regain their original shape quickly.
If you are worried about the cost of gourmet costumes, consider auctioning or depositing them at the store to recover some money.
Warning
Don’t buy too many gourd clothes when your belly has just risen. No matter how excited you are about buying things, try to wear casual clothes for as long as possible to save money and avoid getting dressed at the end of pregnancy.
Hopefully, with the secret to pregnant women that we introduced in this article will help mothers to dress in their dresses, dresses, dresses confidently!
Being pregnant is the best time. You should know how to dress your pregnant body.Don’t miss the opportunity to beautify yourself this time!
Good luck to you!