Friday, August 24, 2012

Maternity Style

I love to shop, so you would think I would be thrilled about the chance to buy a whole new wardrobe. Right?

...Wrong.

I just can't justify buying clothing that I can really only wear for the next 6 months or so.

Over the past 4 weeks I've gone from wearing a bikini at the beach to not being able to button my pants. So I've had to bite the bullet and invest in a few key pieces.

Here's my top ten list of maternity essentials:

1. Leggings. I am in LOVE with my Ingrid & Isabel Capri Belly Leggings. They are perfect for around the house or paired with a flowy top for running errands. I also have a fair amount of travel planned this fall, some for work and some for play, including a trip to Dublin in September. These leggings will definitely keep me and Baby comfortable for the overseas travel.

2. Date Night Dress. Just because you're preggers doesn't mean you have to forego date night fashion. The key is to buy a dress that you can wear throughout the rapid growth that takes place in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. I snagged the Ingrid & Isabel Waterfall Dress at a great sale price and I'm really happy with it. I can dress it up or dress it down and it will take me through many date nights, events, holiday parties, etc. over the next few months.

3. Work Pants. For me the work wardrobe is going to be a challenge. The first to go were my favorite pair of wide leg trousers. Thankfully after some searching around I found a great pair of wide leg maternity pants at A Pea in the Pod that are perfect. They are a little pricey, but for me they are essential part of my work wardrobe, so I had to splurge.

4. Jeans. Since I'm going to be very pregnant in the Fall and Winter, jeans are a staple I won't be able to do without. Maternity jeans can definitely break the budget if you go designer, but I found a great pair of Liz Lange Maternity jeans from Target for just $35. Awesome, right? The fit is good and the wash is dark.

5. The Wrap Dress. Okay, so this one isn't exclusively maternity and is a staple I already had in my wardrobe. Don't be scared to look through your existing wardrobe to see what will work and what won't, you'll be surprised, I promise. My essential wrap dress is the Banana Republic Gemma Wrap Dress. They always have it, and depending on the season the colors will vary. Since it is a stretchy jersey material I'll be able to wear it at least through my second trimester which makes it a winner in my book.

6. The Basic Cami. Undergarments are crucial to looking smooth and confident throughout your pregnancy. With a rapidly growing belly combined with belly supporting maternity clothing things can just get bumpy and bulky. Invest in at least 2 maternity camis (one black and one white) to help smooth things out. They are a little longer than regular camis and will keep your belly fully covered. I found and love the Be Maternity Seamless Cami from Target.

7. The Basic Tee. Invest in a few maternity t-shirts. Target, which will become your best friend if you are on a maternity clothing budget, and has a great selection of tees that you can wear now and throughout your pregnancy. I bought this Liz Lange tee in a number of colors and I'm very happy with the purchase.

8. The Cardigan. Again, not exclusively maternity. I have a bazillion cardigans that are already a part of my closet. My work wardrobe fall back is to wear cardigans over one of my maternity tees and tank tops to help stretch my options. When I get to my 3rd trimester I might have to invest in some maternity cardigans with a little extra room, but until I get to that point I'm going to hold off, save some money, and work with what I've got.

9. The Ballet Flat. Who doesn't love a great ballet flat? And, most likely, you already have a pair or two or three (if you're like me). My favorite flat is the Emmie Flat by Lucky Brand. It comes in lots of colors and patterns, plus they are super affordable. My belly hasn't grown big enough to throw off my center of balance, but when it does I know I'll be glad to toss the 4-inch heels and pull these babies out to run around town and the office in comfort and style.

10. Accessories. By keeping your wardrobe simple and working with existing accessories like scarves, statement necklaces, etc. you can completely transform outfits into something really unique. And, best of all, you don't have to worry about outgrowing your favorite scarf or piece of jewelry.

I wanted to keep my maternity clothing expenses between $300-400 at most. By shopping around, looking through my existing wardrobe, and getting creative I've been able to do that. I have enough options to keep me and Baby comfortable, stylish, and looking professional for the next 6 months. Hopefully these tips can help you or your significant other do the same. 

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