Thoughts of getting dressed while pregnant can feel daunting. A changing shape, a changing comfort level, and a changing budget can definitely impact the experience. But it doesn’t have to feel stressful, and there are tools to pregnancy style that will not only save you a headache but save you a buck too. While many maternity brands are designed to carry you through the three trimesters and beyond, strategic shopping in the non-maternity brand aisle may even give you that much more return. Here are some tips to keep in mind while making it all happen. In the first four months, it is feasible (depending on the size of your growing bump) for most pregnant women to adjust their clothing so that it is still wearable. Here are some more tips on how to Dress the Bump without shopping the maternity section
- For my African inspired expectant mothers: There are a lot of Ankara style ‘Kabas’ that will keep you looking stylish, sexy, confident and most of all comfortable before, during and after your pregnancy. Get inspired by pulling up some fashion tips from pinterest.com
- Don’t forget some extra length:As your belly grows, your tops will inevitably creep up. So if you want to buy non-maternity tops during pregnancy, be sure to buy pieces with extra length. Longer-fitting shirts and blouses work well, as do tunics, stretchy tanks, and tees.
- Opt for elastic waistbands and drawstring bottoms: Drawstring or elastic waistbands allow you to let your pants in or out as you’d like. If you don’t already own some, look for these stretchable waistbands in pants the next time you go shopping. Many linen pants have a drawstring or elastic waistband, and they’re super breathable as well. Soft knit pants are also a great option, and you can pair them with a long shirt. Elastic waistbands and drawstring bottomsmay make you cringe (they’re historically unhip, we know), but they will treat your baby bump kindly by not constricting your slowly stretching skin. Many clothing stores, even more high-end boutiques, sell pants and skirts with elastic in them, so you can experiment with colors and patterns. And with elastic, you can choose to wear your clothing over the bump or below it to suit your comfort and style level.
- Opt for flexible fabrics:Shop for pieces with give in the fabric so these items can expand and retract as your belly grows and shrinks post baby. Soft knits have a similar appeal because they are forgiving. Many are also made with stretch, which ups the comfort level. Pair a soft knit skirt with a similar colored top worn untucked. Opt for clothes with Lycra and spandex. Pick out materials that are stretchy and soft: Spandex is the most popular fabric option, but soft knits and stretch denim are also great choices. Natural fabrics such as cotton and silk will be soft while also keeping you cooler.
- Up your layering game:It’s true that you may gain weight outside the belly zone (hi boobs, butt and thighs!), but second layers like blazers + cardigans should fit you throughout the journey and beyond. For working moms who need to be dressed formally, you can utilize your blazers and cardigans by wearing them unbuttoned. Pair them with a cute shell or blouse underneath!
- Make sure there’s room for your belly: A key thing to remember while buying non-maternity clothes during pregnancy is that you will need space for your belly to grow. So seek items without defined seams in the mid-section that remain flexible throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Wear low-rise pants below your growing belly. The Bella Band is a knit elastic band for pregnant women to be worn over unbuttoned pants or unbuttoned skirts. It will hide all zippers and buttons, while keeping your pants or skirts where they belong. It can be worn peeking through to create a layered look, or can be hidden under your top. Different versions of this belly band are available on the Internet. Added bonus: These bands are super helpful after baby is born.
- Select longer shirts to cover your growing belly: As your stomach gets larger, your shirts are going to pull up more, revealing more of your belly. To avoid shirts with a short length and to cover up any alterations you made to your pants, go through your closet and look for shirts that are longer; shirts that go to your bottom are an ideal length. Wear your partner’s clothes! Long-sleeved oxford shirts worn tied and rolled up over a camisole can be a sexy maternity clothing alternative. Also wear your favorite old T-shirts and sport a long tank top in one size larger than normal to layer underneath as your belly grows and the T-shirt rises up.
- For those crafty moms-to-be: Make holes by the zipper on your pants and use ribbon to lace it up, instead of zippering. This will allow the pants to grow with you as your belly does. This trick works well after baby is born as well. Go ahead and unbutton that top button of your pants, using a large safety pin to secure them, and conceal the evidence with a longer top or wide belt. Sport one of your favorite skirts and wear it a little higher on your stomach, making sure not to constrict your precious cargo, of course. (This would just be uncomfortable for you, but wouldn’t hurt your baby). Your favorite pair of jeans can be worn comfortably for a while with the help of a rubber band or elastic hair tie looped through the buttonhole and wrapped around the button.
- Put on leggings for a comfortable pants option: While you may not get away with wearing your old leggings through your third trimester, they’re great for when your belly is slowly growing. The stretchy waist allows lots of fluctuation in width, and they’re super comfortable. Buy a pair of black leggings or yoga pants to go with almost any shirt.
- Put on a robe for nightwear:If your pajamas are feeling a little tight, opt for a simple robe that ties around your belly. This will be super comfortable and very easily adjustable. It’s best to choose a robe in a light fabric, such as a knit or silk.
- Embrace body-con clothing to show off your curves:If you already own body-con clothing, such as a tight dress, consider wearing it to show off your pregnant belly. Most body-con clothing has a lot of stretch, making it a great outfit option when you’re pregnant. Body-con dresses are a popular option, just make sure they’re long enough to not be too revealing.
- Choose dark clothing for a flattering look:Darker colors, such as black, make you appear slimmer. If you’re feeling body-conscious, or you just want a stylish look, put on a black dress or dark-colored jeans and a shirt. The darker color also hides any problem areas you might have.
- Create a waistline using a belt:This is especially useful if you’re wearing clothing items that aren’t skin-tight. Wear a thin belt above your stomach to create a waistline, accentuating both your stomach and your chest. You could also use a scarf as a belt. This looks especially great when you’re wearing a dress—situate the belt right above your baby bump so that you’re able to define your curves.
- Get ’em, dresses:Nothing says easy pregnancy style like a go-to capsule of dresses. Fortunately, modern silhouettes include oversize shapes and more billowy fits that will stand the test of time as your body changes through every seasons of life. Wear maxi dresses for a quick and easy outfit: Maxi dresses are the perfect outfit for when you’re pregnant—you can throw them on quickly and they cover your entire body. Make sure the maxi dress fits you nicely and isn’t too loose to avoid a baggy look. Maxi dresses with slits down the sides will allow you to walk around more easily, as well as stay cooler.
- The ultimate tip: Buy regular clothes one or two sizes larger than what you are currently, and use them throughout your pregnancy. In addition, these pieces can be great transitional items for after your pregnancy when your body has yet to get back to its pre-baby size.
- Above of all staying Healthy is Key: While pregnancy is not the time to lose weight, women should not use their expanding bellies as a reason to eat more than is necessary. The amount of food a woman needs during pregnancy depends on a number of things including her body mass index, or BMI, before pregnancy, the rate at which she gains weight, age and appetite. All pregnant women should eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods each day. It may also be necessary to take a vitamin and mineral supplement if recommended by a physician. Physical activity can help manage weight gain. The activity guidelines for pregnant women are for 150 minutes each week. An easy way to meet this goal may be to aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most, if not all, days of the week. Make sure to talk with a doctor before starting or continuing any exercise routine while pregnant.
Primary Source: The Jumpsuit Way Survey
Secondary Source: Parents