One of the things I get asked the most right now is about what I’m wearing to work and to workout as my belly grows. To be honest, it’s not fun getting dressed right now but there are ways to make it bearable.
So let’s get started! First for Workouts..
Workouts
First off, I MIGHT not have found out I was pregnant until my first trimester was completely gone. So essentially for the first 20 weeks I was able to wear what I normally wear to workout. It wasn’t until I got to about week 25 or so when I realized I was going to need to find some longer tops and bigger pants.
The only true maternity workout clothes I ever bought were the capris from ForTwoFitness, which I will absolutely adore. They fit wonderfully. Oh and I also bought some tanks from Target (as seen in the last picture).
Otherwise, I did buy some larger size capris from Target which helped and I’ll be able to wear them for a little while post baby till I can get some of the weight off. I think in total, I spent about $75 on Maternity workout clothes and just made due with what I had already.
OH..what you can’t see here is that I also had to invest in some larger sports bras, also from Target at the time.
Work Looks
Work has been a little more challenging. I work in a corporate environment and need to look presentable every day. I have a hard time wearing maternity tops because I just don’t like them, so again I went bigger in regular clothes as much as I could.
Tops: I bought a size up in some of my favorite classic pieces: Banana Republic Long Sleeve White Shirt and sweaters and then layered them with scarves, denim jackets (from Target) or great accessories (Necklaces and bracelets).
Bottoms: For the first 25 weeks or so, I was able to wear my regular work pants as long as I was wearing the belly band. If you haven’t seen these things, next time you are pregnant, invest in one or 3. They are basically an elastic waistband that allows you to wear regular pants without buttoning them. I had one in white, black, navy and tan. They also work great if you’re not pregnant but want to give the illusion of wearing a tank underneath a top. (or if you ate too much at thanksgiving)
I did invest in a few pair of maternity pants that were pretty good quality from GAP..one black, brown and khaki and then whenever possible, found other pants on sale. All in all, I had about 6 pair of pants from the three I mentioned plus 2 pair of chords which I got on sale at Christmas time and a pair of jeans. I also got away with leggings and boots.
The two black dresses you see were repurposed from my first pregnancy. The one in the last picture is actually a sun dress from Target that I layered again with denim, a white tank and black maternity panty hose.
Side note…maternity panty hose sound like a good idea but they are a PAIN to get on and they itch but they are super industrial strength, they are impossible to snag and do make wearing sun dresses easier to do.
So after all that, here’s my
BEST ADVICE EVER: One of best pieces of advice I can give to my pregnant friends is the best way to spice up a wardrobe during pregnancy is through accessories. Check out Stella & Dot for some of the best statement pieces to add to your maternity wardrobe.
If you’re not pregnant right now, this might not matter much to you but it’s always good to share so what are your Maternity Wardrobe Must haves? What did you rely on when you were pregnant?
You are gorgeous! Can’t wait to see baby.
My maternity Must- Haves were nursing tanks/ bras and yoga pants. I’m not quite sure I’ve given up the yoga pants since, its a slippery slope to addictions 😉 Ditto, you look fab!
I pretty much wore leggings, tank tops, and long sweaters that were open in the front every day! It never got too small haha 🙂
You are the cutest ever!!!
Great to know! Not pregnant yet, but I will definitely remember about the bands, when the time comes.
Looking great!
ADORABLE! I have invested in a few pieces, but b/c I’m not in the corporate world, I have gotten away with stretchy gear for the most part–but these last 11 weeks that may change!! 😛 You have done a fabulous job using the pieces to create a cute wardrobe!
Pregnancy and motherhood sure does suit you perfectly well.!
Looks really awesome and fantastic in casual wears.I found these types of apparels also on
http://www.apparelnbags.com/womens-tanks-and-camis.htm