You're thrilled about having a baby. But you're less than excited about the prospect of giving up your hip clothes in favour of tent dresses and sweats. Fear not — with a few simple wardrobe tweaks, you can be a hip mama.
One of the keys is to stick with the same kinds of things you wear when you're not pregnant.
If you wear a lot of black and that makes you feel confident and comfortable, then by all means, don't start wearing pink just because you're pregnant.
If you prefer solid colours to prints, choose a favourite neutral and build your wardrobe around that.
Borrow before you buy - Maternity clothes can be expensive, especially when you consider that you'll wear them for only a few months. So, if you can borrow from friends who been there and done that, do it.
Check out our local charity shops or second hand shops. Often women who spend a lot on maternity clothes try to recoup some costs.
Scour your closet — and your partner's - Do you have clothes still hanging in the wardrobe that you wore before that diet (or is it the other way around!) Check out as there might well be loose tops and elastic or drawstring waistbands which can be great pieces to get you through the first few months.
Even your favourite jeans can last a couple of extra months with a little imagination - loop a rubber band through the buttonhole and around the button, gives you that extra inch or two of breathing room.
There are also some maternity alternatives available. Certain silhouettes are especially becoming on your changing form: A-line shifts, empirewaist dresses and tops, and pencil skirts paired with swingy shirts. For a sporty, hip look that showcases your "bump," pair low-rise pants with a fitted tee. Stretchy gauchos create a trim, neat silhouette, topped by a loose peasant-style top. And just about any style made out of slinky, stretchy fabrics can go the distance right up to delivery day.
Don't forget your partner's side of the closet, either. One of his shirts worn unbuttoned over a form-fitting tee or tank — or buttoned over leggings — is a classic look. Make it more feminine by rolling up the sleeves and pairing it with an eye-catching choker or bangles.
Ready to shop? First, buy several transitional pieces - When your usual clothes are just too tight but you're not ready for full-fledged maternity wear, buy a couple of pairs of inexpensive non-maternity pants and tops a size or two larger than you normally wear. Some women have great success finding both transitional clothes and maternity clothing alternatives in specialty "plus sizes" stores. Plus they tend to be less expensive than maternity retailers, too.
Do remember one of the bonuses of maternity wear isn‘t all pre-baby as you'll be able to wear these transitional clothes during the awkward months after you deliver, too.
You're thrilled about having a baby. But you're less than excited about the prospect of giving up your hip clothes in favour of tent dresses and sweats. Fear not — with a few simple wardrobe tweaks, you can be a hip mama. 