I have never been a designer wearer or high end shopper. I honestly never gave "maternity" clothing much thought. I figured that I would wear looser clothes for a couple of months and call it a day. Boy, was I mistaken! Once I hit about 23 weeks, EVERYTHING became uncomfortable! Even the thought of putting on clothes was tiring and aggravating. Nothing fits right and with the summer heat, nothing is cool enough. Sadly, we must wear appropriate clothing in public (contrary to some beliefs...but that's a whole other soap-box).
I have been able to, luckily, stick to my guns and not buy much, but some things are just necessary (for my comfort and sanity). I also try to buy non-maternity specific items, or things that I can wear after baby. Obviously, pants and shorts are special, but tops, dresses, and skirts shouldn't have to be. Of course, this whole idea depends on your personal body type and style. I've worked hard to stay healthy and not gain extra extra weight. The recommended healthy gain is 25 pounds. I'm shooting for a total of 35 to be safe. This really helps in the shopping department. The smaller I stay, the easier to wear "regular" clothes.
***Disclaimer*** Some people have commented that I'm "starving the baby because I don't want to gain weight." That is not true! According to my OB, I'm growing and Bryce is growing exactly we should be. I know myself and what healthy is for me. Listen to your doctor for guidance here. Every women is completely different and every baby is completely different. You don't need to gain a literal extra person to have a healthy pregnancy.
(Now back to the happy stuff!) Here are the things that I couldn't live without as Bryce grows and I stretch!
1. Cotton skirts: I have this knee-length and one maxi, both in solid black. They are perfect are "dressing up" comfortably. Neither of these are from the maternity aisle. They stretch with me!
2. Sandals: Depending on how much time you spend standing, shoes are going to become very important. My feet have started swelling just a little but not too much. Most of my sandals are still easy to wear and many can be loosen up if need be.
3. Cotton shirts: Target has a great collection of multi-colored crew and v-neck tees. They are also pretty cheap! I went and bought 5-6 in different colors at a size or two bigger than my regular medium. Very loose and stretchy but also thin and comfy!
4. Dark maternity jeans: I purchased two pairs of maternity jeans; one straight-legged and one skinny (seen here) from Zulily. I bought both in a dark wash. This particular pair has the full panel belly wrap. The straight-legged is just the partial lower section. I don't really have a preference. Sometimes the full-panel is too restricting or hot. I simply fold it in half. I have noticed that the panel does provide some back pain relief. Maybe it's the compression and support, or maybe it's all in my head :)
5. Flats: If I'm on my feet for more than an hour or two (shopping, walking around, working, etc.), sandals sometimes don't work. Simple ballerina flats are my next best option. They are comfy and stretch a little with my giant feet. Of course, this only works with the thin pliable variety. Thicker, more formed flats are not be the same. When it comes to pregnant feet, you'll learn quickly what works and what doesn't...trust me!
6. Tank tops: With the summer sun high in the sky, I have turned to cute and simple ribbed tanks. The ribbing actually allows for some stretch without that stretched-out, screaming look. The top above is actually from the $5 table at Walmart...and yes, I went back and bought a total of five; in patterns and solids. I think I may be obsessed. The patterns are cute and the actual shirt is comfortable. I now have a habit of walking by during a "grocery trip" to see if they've added any new colors! Again, these shirts are not maternity specific, I just buy a size up...as I grow I will buy two sizes up...etc.
*Maternity jeans from #4...yes, I wear them more than once in a wash cycle sometimes. I only have two, remember :)
7. Sports bras: Another item that will become very important in maternity life is the bra. With a growing baby and belly, comes the ever growing boobs. They are, remember storing up all of the milk and nutritious little T will need in the early months. Everybody is different and I have been super sore and uncomfortable. I found that simple loose sports bras are my new best friends. Yes, I have two "regular" bras (in enormous sizes), but I'm most comfortable in the thin cotton variety. You'll find what works best for you!
8. Leggings: We already know that yoga pants and leggings are way more comfortable than real pants. This is extra true when pregnant. Take advantage of it! I wear them all the time with longer shirts. My husband told me recently that when you are pregnant, you can wear whatever you want. No one will question your fashion sense. Well, thanks honey!
9. Tennis shoes: As I said in #5, shoes are really important, especially for mommas who spend a lot of time on their feet. Some people disagree with me, but I find my Nike tennis shoes to be a great option for shorter times of standing and/or walking. I do notice that I have to sit with my feet up or take the shoes off when my feet start to swell. Tennis shoes are not the most forgiving and provide great support (which, in turn, helps with knee and back pain).
10. Shorts: Along with my two maternity jeans, I purchased one pair of shorts. These are from Zulily and have the full panel. They are very comfortable and are perfect for a hot summer day.
*Same as #3 just a different color :)
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