What and When To Buy
Before buying new pieces, first check with your friends to see if there are clothes hanging in their closets you could borrow or buy. Throughout your pregnancy, you can rely on accessories such as jewelry, scarves and shoes to create different looks with the same maternity pieces. And fight the urge to run out too early and buy a bunch of stuff to dress your bump. Your body will change, and you’ll want to ensure your clothes are comfortable throughout your pregnancy. Here are seven versatile pieces that you can purchase to create the base for any great maternity wardrobe:
- Belly Band – A belly band can be your best friend when your pre-pregnancy jeans start to get too tight but you aren’t ready to purchase maternity pants. This stretchy band will allow you to wear your pants un-buttoned with coverage and a smooth finish. They will also allow you to ease back into your pre-pregnancy pants after baby. Many stores offer these but look for one with spandex and a general quality feel as this is something you may find yourself wearing daily. (www.destinationmaternity.com, $26)
- Supportive Bra – It is likely that your breasts are going to change and grow throughout your pregnancy. Having a supportive and comfortable bra can make a big difference in how you feel in your maternity clothes. For the first two trimesters, you may be able to use a bra extender on your current bra, but as you head into the third trimester, you will likely need to invest in a few new bras. Be cautious before buying a nursing bra during pregnancy, as many women will again grow and change after baby arrives. (www.motherhood.com, $1.98 Bra Back Extender)
- Basics (and plenty of them) – Fitted cotton tees and tanks that you can layer and wear underneath your pre-pregnancy jackets and cardigan sweaters are essential to your maternity wardrobe. You can purchase several inexpensive pieces and wear them alone or layered as the seasons change. (www.target.com, $12.99)
- One Splurge – Whether it is an event out with your partner, a work dinner, or a birthday celebration, you are going to want to have at least one nice dress or outfit that you can feel great in. Check out brands like Hatch (www.hatchcollection.com) and Isabella Oliver (www.isabellaoliver.com) for quality and on-trend pieces to make you feel special.
- Work-Out Gear – Although many of your pre-pregnancy workout pieces may have a lot of stretch, they will start to constrict as your belly grows. Look for pieces you can wear to the gym or while running errands on the weekends. Just like your pre-pregnancy workout gear, you want to feel good as well as look good, so look for pieces that fit well and are made for an active pregnancy. (www.oldnavy.com, $32.99)
- Maternity Jeans – You likely have that one pair of pre-pregnancy jeans that you love to wear because they fit well, and you look great in them. You are also going to want one great pair of maternity jeans to last through your pregnancy. Thankfully, today many of the most popular designer jeans also offer options in maternity. (www.apeainthepod.com, $198)
- Transitional Nursing Pieces – If you plan on breastfeeding, you are definitely going to want pieces that make it easy and quick to get baby to your breast. However, after buying new maternity clothes and everything that you need for the baby, you likely won’t want to spend a lot more on nursing tops and dresses. Thankfully brands like Japanese Weekend are making clothes that can be worn for your maternity needs but will also work great for nursing. (www.japaneseweekend.com, $102)
