In this economy, we are all looking for ways to save money. Between the baby crib, stroller and mounds of diapers you will buy, you may be wondering about the best way to save on maternity clothes. Is buying early and getting your money’s worth for a full nine months right? Wrong! Items bought in the first trimester most likely won’t fit by the third. And buying oversized clothes early on to last the entire pregnancy will most likely save you money, but it will also make you feel like a big, baggy-mess for the majority of those nine months. But take heart! The key to staying stylish and chic during every pregnancy can be found deep within the array of clothes already in your closet.
Step One: Explore!
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We all have our go-to clothing staples that we love to wear with each season. But look deeper, you may find some hidden gems in the back of your closet that are perfect for every trimester. Just take inventory of some key pieces that you already have and get creative! Those long, empire-waist maxi dresses are both ultra-trendy and naturally flatter the shape of a growing bump during the long summer months. You can also match a simple oversized knit sweater with a pair of your favorite leggings and boots for a cozy yet chic winter look.
Even your favorite shoes can help add a bit of pop to everyday maternity style. Adding colorful wedges to your favorite t-shirt and jeans combo will help bring the eyes downward, thus elongating you silhouette and slimming your overall figure. Animal-print flats coupled with a knit dress will not only add a sense of fun to your outfit, but also keep extra attention away from the mid-range bulge.
Remember, everything that doesn’t have a defined waistline can be tweaked to fit your growing belly. It just takes a little bravery to think outside the box and mix-n-match. So whip open that closet door, clear out those cobwebs and start exploring!
Step Two: Create!
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tretchy shirts and dresses tend to pose less of an obstacle during the first and second trimester, but with pants it’s a different story. You can try with all your might to fit into that favorite pair of barely fitting jeans (WARNING: Engaging in this behavior may results in the dreaded “muffin-top” and/or “back-fat” that your loved ones are too afraid to call you out on.), but doing this will ultimately make both you and baby very uncomfortable. Instead, slip an elastic hairband or rubber band through the button hole you want to leave undone, loop both ends back over and around the button, and voila! An easy way to extend your beltline a few inches without splurging on pricey maternity jeans.
Investing in a belly band is another great way to bridge the gap between non-pregnancy staples and maternity must-haves. They not only help smooth out unsightly bulges underneath clothes, but can also help bolster lumbar stability, and stop the extra baby weight from taking its toll on your achy back. Kourtney Kardashian has been a longtime proponent of products like the Bella Band, and swears by its ability to add both comfortable support and smoothness to even the most expensive of outfits. An ultra-stretchy tube top is great budget-savvy way to achieve the same effect without splurging. While it does not offer as much low back support as the more expensive belly bands, it does create the same smooth, seamless effect under everyday t-shirts, dresses, and pants
Step Three: Share!
Yup, that’s right. Share. Instead of spending a small fortune building a temporary wardrobe, how about sharing maternity clothes with your friends, family, and fellow bumpanistas?? New online boutiques like Minefornine.com cater to women who need to dress professionally for work and play, but don’t want to bust the budget on high end maternity clothes. It’s as simple as renting a movie. Just pick out as many fabulous items as you like, keep them for as long as you wish, then return when your belly out-grows them –absolutely no late fees!
If you’re a little uncomfortable with sharing clothes with perfect strangers, how about throwing a “Preggie Party” for you and your friends? Invitees should bring their latest maternity jeans, tops, and dresses, and swap inventory with other party guests. You can even arrange a bartering system to borrow clothes for an upcoming event, then return them to the original owner when done. Just add some tasty finger foods, swoon-worthy sweets, and a few non-alcoholic mocktails, and you have yourself a shopping expedition and girls’ night out all rolled up into one!
The bottom line is that there are many ways to stay fashionably pregnant without breaking the bank. Of course the cheapest way to dress your expanding belly is to just throw on your hubby’s old sweats, but where is the fun in that? Pregnancy is a beautiful thing, and succumbing to months of frumpiness will only make you feel more self-conscious about your changing body. Instead, embrace your new found curves and take the time to look and feel good about yourself by being a budget-savvy mama.
