With the exception of a few pieces, I have found that most maternity clothing are too plain, boxy, and non-stylish (unless you're willing to fork over the top dough for Isabella Oliver or Pea in the Pod). I know that some of us have been able to still stay cute by finding non-maternity styles to wear....but it's always so hard to figure out which items work without trying them on. I thought this thread might be a good way to help other moms narrow down their search by posting items that YOU have found that are cheap, non-maternity, but still work with your growing belly.
I figure I would post this in 2nd Tri since many of us have a bump but not large enough that it absolutely demands maternity wear.
A few of my finds:
https://www.target.com/Xhilaration-Juniors-Front-Ruffle-Blouse/dp/B003YUEQCQ/ref=sc_pd_gwv_1_title
This is long enough to go over my bump and still look normal (many non-maternity shirts are too short once a bump's in place), and comes in many different colors.
This fabric and empire waist has a lot of give and expands to go over your belly.
Another empire waist top with a lot of forgiveness that is super cute on.
Without the belt, this opens up and gives a lot of room for the belly and looks good with leggings or skinny jeans....the belt is adjustable so I still like to use it and cinch it to define my (growing) waist.
What are your suggestions?? :-)
Re: Non-maternity clothes that look good with a belly. :-)
love that purple top, however since it says "juniors" in the link that = no boob room. I found a few tops that I love at ON that are maternity tops and I also plan on getting some plan color long sleeve tops to wear underneath all my short sleeve maternity tops from when I was PG with DS so I can reuse them.
The pink top is cute as well.
I don't have specifics but I agree that empire waist stuff is the way to go - I wore lots of "regular" tops well into 3rd tri last time.
I really like leggings and tunics - but I'm having a really hard time finding ones that are long enough for me (I'm 5'10") - I don't mind short but I'd rather not have my bum hanging out ;-) Any suggestions??
As a bonus, these clothes will also be great pp - when you want to hide your still shrinking tummy and don't quite fit back in your old stuff yet.
Breastfeeding Counselor with Breastfeeding USA
Babywearing Guide ** Newborn Carriers
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Breastfeeding Counselor with Breastfeeding USA
Babywearing Guide ** Newborn Carriers
Cloth Diaper Guide
Safe Bed Sharing Info
www.becomingmamas.com
I have been getting by with 2 actual maternity jeans and the rest of my clothes are all non maternity.
The sweater in my siggy is long enough for now (though I don't know how much longer that will last).
I have also purchased a few of these lace camis. They are really long and help extend shirts that might otherwise be too small.
I actually find quite a bit at Wet Seal. I am 4'11, 131 lbs, and a size D bra pre pregnancy and they still fit well even though they are juniors.
For example I have the following styles and they are fitting the bump nicely.
Shirt 1
Shirt 2
Shirt 3
I also have some others that I found in the store but they are not online.
I completely agree with finding cute tops at Forever 21! I went the other day and found a great little flannel empire waist collared shirt with 3/4 length sleeves! I bought a large to fit the big pregnant boobs, but I think it will last a while. I just think I will have to keep shopping throughout the whole pregnancy.
The sales girl at my Forever 21 (Albuquerque, NM) said that they are going to get some of the maternity basics in too! I would be psyched to get tanks and tee shirts for $5 in the future!
I have nothing to add. I went into this thinking I wuld avoid maternity clothes at all costs because they are so not my style. I have found, however, that by being really picky and basically stalking the store, that I have found some decent stuff.
I feel like I look better inmaternity than any non-maternity that I thought would "work". I don't have a big bump yet, but am in almost all maternity all the time. It just looks better.