Some readers may or may not know, I am expecting my second child in just over a week! So unfortunately this will be my last post for the time being. However, it seemed like as good a time as any to write about my styling and shopping tips for your pregnancy style! Since this is my second pregnancy I have pretty much become the expert, so let’s get started!
First thing is first: do not sacrifice your style just because you’re pregnant. Throughout my first pregnancy I did very little research to see what my options were, it was all Motherhood Maternity or a Pea in the Pod. They are great, don’t get me wrong, but a lot of these maternity-only stores don’t offer much of a variety. Most maternity clothes are geared towards older women, I think. Plus, who shops in only two stores all the time? Maternity clothes shopping should be no different! There are so many options available but a few of my favorites are ASOS (their maternity line is unreal!), Pink Blush Maternity, H&M maternity, GAP maternity, and even J.Crew! Explore your options if you are a true fashionista, do not settle!
Invest in staples pieces. This should be no different from your regular wardrobe. My first pregnancy all I bought were ill fitting jeans and pants because, like I said, I didn’t explore my options. This time around I decided I was going to splurge on a few things I could wear throughout my entire pregnancy that would fit and flatter. Spend the extra money on a good pair of maternity jeans, if not two pairs. You’ll be surprised how often you will want to wear them if they’re comfortable and flattering. After a while, leggings get super old and repetitive. I purchased a pair of ‘skinny’ J Brand maternity jeans that are stretchy and sit below my bump. They’re comfortable but still stylish.
Don’t wear something just because you’re pregnant. My rule of thumb for this pregnancy, if I wouldn’t wear it if I weren’t pregnant, I won’t wear it just because I am. When I was pregnant with my first daughter I was going on vacation in February and needed a few summer pieces, I purchased all of these things that were just not me because I was desperate and thought I needed them. This kind of goes hand in hand with my first point, but be realistic when picking things out. If it doesn’t look like something you would normally wear, don’t buy it. There are tons of other options.
If you are pregnant during warmer months maxi dresses are your friend! These are my favorite things to wear because you are not limited to just maternity clothes. Buy a maxi dress in stretchy fabric and it’ll last you throughout your whole pregnancy and then some. I have several non-maternity dresses from H&M that I wore before I was pregnant, and during, and after, and now I’m wearing them again for my second pregnancy. Stretchy fabrics are forgiving and they will rebound, so don’t spend the extra money adding a ton of maternity maxi dresses to your wardrobe unless you really fall in love with one. Accentuate your newest accessory by adding a thin belt just above it and you’ll fool everyone into thinking your dress was custom made for your bump!
Mix and match maternity wear with pieces from your regular wardrobe. Don’t feel pressured to buy things like blazers, cardigans, coats, and so on. Unless you’re 8 months pregnant in the dead of winter and need a maternity winter coat, you can get away with playing around with pieces from your usual wardrobe.
Invest in a belly band if your body type allows for it. My first pregnancy I gained weight everywhere! After only a matter of months none of my regular clothes fit me anymore. This time around I’m much more active chasing baby #1 all over the place, and I’m eating much healthier, so I’ve managed to stay in better shape. Fortunately, a lot of my jeans and pants still fit everywhere except for around the waist (obviously). I purchased a belly band, which is basically a large tube of stretchy fabric that you wear around your waist over your pants to hide the fact that your pants are unbuttoned. It kind of looks like you’re just wearing a long tank top, layering if you will. I have a pair of AG jeans that I’ve literally worn all 9 months thanks to this magical strip of spandex!
And there you have it! Those are some of my best tips for surviving your pregnancy in style! Some of these things may seem like common sense, especially if you’ve been pregnant before. However, my first pregnancy I was completely in the dark, I bought things because I thought I had to and didn’t know how to stay true to my own style. It wasn’t until after I had the baby did I look back and think, I wish I had someone to give me style advice, so I’m passing it along to you! Here are a few of my favorite looks from this pregnancy.
You can find more and get some style inspiration on my blog at TheRachelRoss.com! Be sure to tweet me with any questions or comments you may have at @The_RachelRoss!
Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram