\nHere’s how I tackled shopping for maternity clothes.<\/p>\n
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- I didn’t shy away from over ordering so I could try on everything. You never know what you’re going to like and dislike. I think I ordered seven pairs of jeans before finding a pair I liked.<\/li>\n
- Not looking to spend a lot I shopped the sale items. Remember you’re only going to wear these items for a few months<\/li>\n
- I bought a few items early, but kept shopping. Since I was growing I didn’t want to buy everything too ealry. I had a lot of success by purchasing my pre pregnancy size, but it might not be the case for you.<\/li>\n
- By re-imagining my closet I was able to create various combinations with items I already owned because I didn’t just focus on “maternity” wear. See oversized sweaters below. <\/li>\n
- I choose to stick to neutrals and play it up with a scarf, necklace, etc. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Here’s what worked for me.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Maternity](\"http:\/\/cfc.polyvoreimg.com\/cgi\/img-set\/.sig\/hvkLp8tiyPR7iw5iZgSFQ\/cid\/146960256\/id\/Zl35NOWh5BGj3zd2Jx98cQ\/size\/c600x527.jpg\" "\\"Maternity")
<\/a><\/div>\nPants\/Leggings<\/b><\/u>
\nI only purchased two pairs of maternity pants (jeans<\/a> \/\/ black twill pants<\/a>) and two pairs of leggings (full length<\/a> \/\/ cropped<\/a>). In the beginning of my pregnancy I used a belly be band<\/a> to help continue wearing non-maternity pants. I tried on a number of jeans before finally deciding on these<\/a> demi panel skinny jeans from the Gap. I wasn’t completely sold until I was further along in my pregnancy. I’m talking about 32\/33ish<\/i> weeks. I purchased my “pre pregnancy” size and felt as though they were a bit on the big size at first, but as my bump grew they fit better.<\/p>\nAfter trying on a number of pants I preferred the demi panel and didn’t purchase any full panel pants. However, I’ve heard they are very comfortable and probably would purchase if I were bigger. The key is to try on all styles and find what fits your bump and body.<\/p>\n
Regarding leggings these are a must for every pregnant woman. They are great for wearing with dresses, tunics and sweaters.<\/p>\n
Tops<\/u><\/b>
\nSimple Basics: I can’t live without these. Basics can be in the form of tanks <\/b>or t-shirts and are great for layering. <\/b>I personally purchased four maternity short sleeve shirts, one long sleeve shirt <\/b>and one tank. <\/b>If you’re pregnant in the middle of summer you might want to invest in more tanks. As I mentioned last week my favorite tee was Gap’s pure body v-neck<\/a>. Overall I loved the tees and tanks from Gap and Old Navy — plus you can’t beat the price.<\/p>\nCute Tops: I was able to rock a number of non- maternity tops and tunics I already owned. However I did purchase a few “boyfriend” style tops (like this<\/a> one) that are perfect for the bump and postpartum. <\/p>\n
Oversized Sweaters<\/b><\/u>
\nI already had a number of <\/b>oversized cardigans before becoming pregnant and they we prefect in the fall and winter months. <\/b>I loved layering these for work and play. I did pick up a non-maternity boyfriend sweater<\/a> from the Gap and it will be perfect relaxing postpartum as well.<\/p>\nDresses<\/b><\/u>
\nI’ve loved wearing cotton dresses throughout my pregnancy. I only purchased three maternity dresses (including this<\/a> one), but again I was able to wear a number of non-maternity options like the dress I wore to my So Cal baby shower<\/a>. I love that maxi dress and purchased it after becoming pregnant at TJ Maxx. The Old Navy cotton dresses are amazing — not only are they budget friendly, but very flattering whether you’re 20 or 40 weeks. I was able to wear them with a blazer to work meetings or running errands with flip flops. I suggest buying a few. Oh, I wore a lot of maxi skirts early on too.<\/p>\nAll in all I loved everything I purchased and feel I could wear them a second time around. Although I mainly shopped at Gap and Old Navy other maternity websites to consider include Target<\/a>, Destination Maternity<\/a>, Loft<\/a>, H&M<\/a> and ASOS<\/a>. I know I’m just scratching the surface, but I feel the additional stores are more my style.<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Since I’m 40 weeks this week (eek!) I think it’s high time and safe for me to share what I’ve been wearing these last few months. I was very fortunate to fit into a majority of my non-maternity clothes throughout my…<\/p>\n