Friday, July 13, 2018

How to Wear Non-Maternity Clothes While Pregnant









     Once I found out I was having a girl, I knew I'd have to give up a lot of closet space.  The room we have set aside for baby girl's nursery is currently a spare bedroom with a closet full of MY clothes.  So the thought of buying two season's worth of maternity clothes gave me anxiety because I have to MAKE space not USE more space.

     So I did what any expecting Mom would do in need, called all my friends and begged for maternity clothes I could borrow.  This helped a TON knowing I can give them back after I deliver the baby.  Of course, I also had some pieces from being pregnant with Gavin, however it was different seasons and summer has left me with a challenge.

     I decided to make it my little mission to give in and buy SOME maternity clothes but mostly invest in pieces that I could wear after I have the baby as well without looking too "maternity."  Shopping pregnant in the "regular departments" had it's challenges but here are some tips for you if the thought of buying a whole new wardobe for 40 weeks makes you cringe:

1.  Create a Waist.  

By adding a belt right above your baby bump, it instantly takes a regular dress to accentuate your baby bump a little more.  Plus, it adds a fun way to accessorize while pregnant.

2.  Wrap dresses are your best friend.

There is something so forgiving about wrap dresses.  The ability to tie the fabric a little tighter for those "lighter" days and let out for some of the bumpin' days, is a great way to transition a dress from maternity, to post-partum to post-baby bod!  plus, wrap dresses are super-in right now.. I just bought this one from Nordstrom that actually looks adorable with a baby bum (or not).

3. Invest in elastic-waist shorts/pants.

Luckily, I already had a few pairs since I love the comfort of these slouchy pants/shorts.  The elastic waists makes it easy to pull up over your belly or even mid-belly and is super comfortable.  I have also been LOVING jogger pants while pregnant with fun prints since they are breezy, loose and so chic.  I have had a lot of luck at Target finding some cute patterns like these. 

4.  Do not shy from form fitting or Bodycon.

One of the best feeling of being pregnant is not having to worry about your pooch or sucking in.  Let it go, baby!  The bigger the better :)  Those dresses I shy away from when I don't want my belly having too much attention,  actually look adorable while pregnant.   Embrace the belly and rock it!

5.  Midi and Maxi Dresses are forgiving.

Some of your knee-length and above dresses, even if they are looser, will not work during pregnant because your belly will be taking up a lot more fabric, making the dress a lot shorter than it's original form.  Maxis are generally flowy and long and work perfectly with a baby bump as well as some of the midi-dresses.

Hope this helps you if you are expecting or plan to be!  Any other tips from moms who felt the same way as me and avoided a lot of maternity attire?

| The dress I am wearing pictures is also from Nordstrom's and is so comfortable and versatile for pre and post maternity.  It's part of the B.P. section and under $60!  |



Ever After,
Jamie