Maternity Clothing Essentials to Get You Through All Three Trimesters
There’s a terrible myth out there that says you have to spend a fortune on maternity clothes in order to not look frump-tastic throughout your pregnancy.
But that’s the thing… is that that is a myth. That was a huge goal of mine when I found out I was pregnant. The goal being: don’t spend a fortune on maternity clothes, invest in good, key pieces that will last throughout all nine months, and consider pieces that would work during AND after pregnancy (or even for future pregnancies down the road).
I did make a few mistakes along the way when it came to buying maternity stuff… so let me get those out of the way first:
Maternity Clothing Mistakes
- Buying crappy, consigned maternity jeans: there are a TON of fabulous consignment stores out there that sell cheap, previously worn maternity clothing. Well, I made the mistake of going and buying a couple of pairs of cheap maternity jeans when my regular jeans no longer fit. I spent $5 on each pair. And that $10 total that I spent was not worth it at all. They were HORRIBLY uncomfortable (they were demi-panel jeans) and I hated every minute I wore them.
- Buying a piece of maternity clothing because it was on sale: So when I first started actually wearing maternity clothing, I saw a couple rando pieces of maternity clothes on sale at places like Target or Gap… and I bought them… without really thinking. And I got them home and realized I really didn’t actually like them. That was silly of me.
- Not trying it on before I left the store: NOTE: Maternity clothing sizes often fit VERY differently than your normal clothing size. Just because you’re usually a size Medium or a size 8 in normal clothes DOES NOT mean you will be in maternity clothing. TRY IT ON before you leave the store. If you order ANY maternity clothing off the interwebs, make sure they have a good and/or easy return policy.
Okay, on to the essentials. And by essentials, I really do mean pieces that will last you throughout the WHOLE pregnancy… not just part of it.
Maternity Clothing Essentials
1. Get a GOOD pair of maternity jeans (or two). Remember how I just said how I bought crappy maternity jeans? Yeah, that was awful. Go to a maternity clothing store and get fitted. You DON’T have to spend $100+, but you shouldn’t short change yourself. My favorite pairs were these FULL PANEL jeans from Indigo Blue at Motherhood Maternity. TRUST ME, the full panel jeans (the super sexy ones that go all the way up your belly) are SO MUCH MORE comfortable than the demi-panel ones. The demi-panel ones eventually cut into the bottom part of your tummy RIGHT where baby is and baby will let you know that he or she does not like being poked there by your maternity jeans. Go get fitted. You will thank me later.
2. Get a few STRETCHY maxi skirts. I did buy a few “maternity” maxi skirts, but they are definitely maxi skirts that I can wear post-pregnancy. A basic maxi skirt will go with anything and carry you through all nine months.
3. Invest in a few really comfortable bras and comfortable underwear. Your body changes SO much throughout pregnancy… my ribs expanded like CRAZY and none of my bras ended up fitting. I went to Target and got two bras a size up and I was in heaven. The same with underwear. You’d be surprised how uncomfortable some of your underwear can get as your hips expand to make way for that kid. I went to Destination Maternity and actually got some maternity underwear and they are the most comfortable things EVER. It REALLY makes a difference.
4. Instead of getting a ton of “maternity tops” – get a few stretchy tops a size or two up. I printed off a few coupons to Target and bought like 4 or 5 stretch v-neck t-shirts a size up and I have worn those like 50 different ways throughout all nine months. And I will totally be able to wear these tops post-pregnancy as well!
5. Get creative with what you have already in your closet. Don’t feel like you can’t wear ANYTHING you already own. Cardigans are your friend. Skinny belts are your friend. Don’t button an oxford shirt all the way, belt it over a tank instead. Just figure out what works for you!
Incorporating Trends into Maternity Fashion and Style
Yes, you can still have FUN with fashion and style during your pregnancy! I know I have had SO much fun putting together looks and trying to incorporate trends. If you’re able to, give yourself a little wiggle room to get one or two “trendy” maternity pieces. I was blessed enough to be given a few by friends and my mother-in-law (because they all know me so well and knew it would make my year!)
But even then, I got trendy pieces that will still last a while, last through multiple pregnancies, AND weren’t that pricey. Maybe do something like give yourself a budget of $50 or something one month and hit a trendy maternity clothing store and get a splurge item. Now is the time to have a little fun and indulge (if it is financially feasible for you!) Don’t overdo ANYTHING.
Maternity Workout Clothing
This is something that I am no good at… I basically wear the same workout running capris and one of my husband’s XL t-shirts. I can tell you though FLAT waistbands, NOT cinched waistbands are your friend.
If you’re wondering what I’m talking about… this is what I’m talking about:
My Favorite Places to Buy Maternity Clothes
- Old Navy Maternity – (They have AWESOME sales and remember to always wait for the coupon codes!) I have scored some GREAT deals from here.
- Destination Maternity / Motherhood Maternity – Another GREAT place to score some great deals. They often run coupons, specials, etc. and you can always find great pieces on the sale racks!
- Target Maternity – Another GREAT place to get sweet deals. ALWAYS check for coupons online… they almost ALWAYS have a 20% off coupon. Plus, if you do your baby registry there, you get extra maternity clothing coupons. Score!
Anywho. That’s all I can think of for now. I may think of more later.
Have you had a baby? Are you pregnant? Do you agree / disagree with any of the essentials I mentioned? Other maternity clothing / fashion questions? Sound off in the comments!
Linked up with Shanna and The Pleated Poppy.
Thank you for giving this mamma to be some inspiration for cute maternity wear! I appreciate that you have a relate-able figure, very similar to my own. I really love these outfits!
Pinkblushmaternity.com is also a good resource for maternity clothes. I bought mine over the end of year sale for 25% off, but even without that their prices are doable and they have really cute clothes that don’t make me feel huge, instead I feel very cute!!!
I love that you are a normal sized woman! I hate the maternity fashion blogs that women were size 0 to start. FOr full figured women pregnancy has challenges! Love!!!
so glad you found this helpful!!!!
I bought maternity underwear from Gap online and wouldn’t have minded a few more pairs. They come in thong, bikini, and boy short styles (my favorite) and they’re worth every penny. They stay up without binding. Go. Go now.:)
THANK YOU! I am 12 weeks pregnant and starting to not fit into my clothes. I found this post on Pinterest and so happy I found your blog- can’t wait to read more. I love your style in the pics above – you rock that baby bump! Thanks for sharing!
I’m so glad you found it helpful!
So cute! Love the orange dress. This is my 4th baby but it’s been so long since my last one (9 yrs) that all my maternity jeans were so dorky now. I totally agree with the spend a little more and get a good pair theory! Wish more stores didn’t only sell maternity online. Its really hard to guess what size!
Thanks!
I agree with all of these! But when it come to a bra – My Fit Custom Bras @ http://www.myfitcustombras.com are way better than the ones you posted & they are nursing bras!! So you can wear them even after!!
Oh my goodness! I was so happy when I recognized that you are a local to the Raleigh Durham area. I hope that you and your family are well and healthy.
I look forward to one day following your advice in terms of what to purchase or not to purchase when I am to become a mother. 🙂
yay!! are you local too??? you could come to one of our local meetups if you are!!!
You have looked so cute during your pregnancy! A
woman is beautiful because she is cute. I know, every woman want to be a beautiful woman in her life .
You have looked fabulous the entire time! I am pinning these tips for all my soon-to-be mom friends… and maybe myself some day far far in the future!
xx
xx
Here&Now
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Good tips lady, I especially love your outfit with the orange dress towards the end – so cute! I wear a lot of normal clothes with maternity tanks under or belly bands to hold my pants up. But maxi dresses and skirts are by far my fav!
Megan from Chasing Davies
Not that I am preggers but I will keep these tips in mind for the future!
Adorable blog! Following you now. Hope you can share the love back and visit/follow my blog too.
Much love from Canada~
KD
Even though I have yet to be a momma, this seems SUPER helpful!
You’re absolutely glowing and I can’t wait to see pics of the new addition!
xx,
tiana of l’esthetique
Great post Molly. I totally agree. I actually can’t wait until next year when we are planning on having baby #2 and finding some great/cute maternity clothes. They have so many options out there. Love this post and you sure made pregnancy look chic and stylish.
Dont’ forget to enter my Henri Lou bracelet giveaways and to link up tomorrow for my weekly Tres-Chic Fashion Thursday Link Up.
Agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.com
LOVE the blue striped dress – you have got some great baby bump style happening!
I couldn’t agree more about buying nice (stretchy) non maternity tops. I found that buying maternity specific bottoms (shorts, jeans, denim skirt) and then regular tops in a couple of sizes bigger worked really well for my first pregnancy. And dresses… Lots of dresses! Ones with buttons were awesome because it meant I could still wear them while BF.
Congrats on being full term! 🙂
That last photo in the blue stripes is my favorite photo of you, it’s just the cutest.
xoxo
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Girl, you are the best for posting this! So many ladies are going to benefit mucho from this! It has been so much fun following along on all your baby bump fashion! You are too cute for words!
Great tips Molly…I’ve loved seeing your maternity outfits…they’re so stylish!
Annie
The Other Side of Gray
yah i need this post for sure. i have no idea of how to even begin dressing when pregnant so thank you for this!
Totally saving this for future reference! 😉
I just read and re-read this post like a bible. Thank you! I had no idea what a demi panel was; I’m really glad you pointed that out. And I bought the v-neck tees from Target as well. You have rocked pregnancy and fashion throughout these 9 months. I can’t wait to get my DSLR so I can share all my looks as well!
Love this, man I need this advice right now!!!! Jeans are on my list for fall! I need to find some good ones!
Carly
http://www.lipglossandcrayons.com
I loved seeing all of your maternity outfits these last few months. These are really great tips Molly!
xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
Is it weird that I’m super excited about buying maternity clothes? I swear, they are getting cuter and cuter! I always see cute maternity tops at thrift stores and can’t wait until I can buy them!
You hit the nail on the head with these tips! I had a baby in may and I completely agree with everything you said. I also purchased the full panel indigo blue maternity jeans and you will wear them post partum when your belly is mushy to hold everything in!
You’ve been looking so stylish while pregnant!
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
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I completely agree with all your suggestions! I should’ve purchased better underoos when I was pregnant. If we have another baby, that’s definitely something I will do.
You have looked so cute during your pregnancy!
Great post! I always look to your blog from some great outfit inspiration for my pregnancy. I have a hard time finding things but it is getting better.