Maternity clothes have come a long way since tent dresses. In fact, there are so many hot styles in maternity that it's easy to get carried away. Just remember, you'll only be pregnant for nine months (and you probably won’t need maternity clothes for the first several weeks or even months of your pregnancy), so don't go overboard. Here we offer a few styles and some great tips on how to make the most of your maternity wardrobe.
Transition with your regular clothes
Thanks to the styles today, you can get away with wearing items that are not even maternity, and that way you can wear them long after you say goodbye to your belly bump. A-line dresses, empire waistline styles, long sweaters or tunics with leggings and even ultra low-rise jeans (if you still have some stashed in your closet) can be great picks during the first few months of your pregnancy before you really need maternity clothes.
Invest in a Bella Band
Try a maternity waistband, such as Ingrid & Isabel's Bella Band (which makes a less expensive version called Be by BellaBand), for that in-between time when you can't quite button your jeans, but you can't quite fill out maternity clothes, either. The band goes around your waist, allowing you to leave pants unbuttoned or unzipped, and it provides coverage and a smooth seam. The band is also great postpartum, before you get back into your pre-pregnancy clothes.
You may not need maternity shirts
While maternity pants/shorts may become a must, you might be able to skip the maternity tops for the majority of your pregnancy. Instead, purchase a regular top (empire waist styles are great for this!) in a size larger than you would normally wear pre-pregnancy. However, keep in mind that maternity clothing is cut specifically for a pregnant woman's body so as you begin to round out, maternity tops may be best for fit, coverage and, most importantly, comfort.
Just buy a little at a time
Keep in mind that your body is constantly changing, so give yourself a little wiggle room (literally). Your belly will thank you. Don't buy too many items for any one stage of your pregnancy, or they'll likely go to waste. You'll be surprised at how quickly your body changes, particularly in the latter stages of pregnancy.
Mix and match
When you do get the point where you need to purchase some maternity clothes, try to buy items that you can wear for several occasions — work, weekend, out to dinner, etc. Maternity shifts can be dressed up with a suit jacket and heels (keep 'em low, though – remember, your balance may be a bit off!) for the office and dressed down with a cute jean jacket and mules for running weekend errands.
