I am venturing out today to find some maternity clothes and I am kind of overwhelmed. I am not exactly great at building a cute wardrobe normally so I am kind of dreading this. I am 12 weeks- due in October. I know I need one pair of dress pants and leggings with 2-3 dressy tunic type tops but otherwise I will stick with pretty casual clothes.
So what would be on your shopping list and what should I wait to buy until I am actually showing as opposed to this weird stage I am in?
nectarine / 2019 posts
I get the most wear out of maxi dresses. They are good through the entire pregnancy, through multiple seasons, by adding a sweater for instance. In most cases I was able to purchase non-maternity maxi dresses, with empire waist, so I was also able to wear them after the baby too, while my body adjusted back.
pomegranate / 3045 posts
Sorry, I have no advice, but I would love to hear peoples' responses!
Since I'll be starting to show in early summer, I am hoping that I can continue to wear all of the normal dresses that I already have, maybe with leggings. We'll see, though 
pomelo / 5720 posts
I had 3 pairs of dress pants, and a couple of dressy skirts that I rotated at work. I also bought 2 pairs of jeans. I mainly wore stretchy tank tops and cardigans until I no longer could, then I wore larger regular tops or maternity tops. I would say that happened around 7 mos pregnant? I wore a lot of dresses that were non maternity in the summer and found that worked out really well. The stuff I bought early on did last me throughout my pregnancy though, so I'm, not sure you have to wait to buy things if you find something you really like.
grapefruit / 4649 posts
@junebugmama: Thanks, I am definitely going to be on the look out for a few of those. I am short though so finding ones that don't drag is tricky!
Which reminds me- does anyone make pants that come in a shorter length? All I have found is Gap pants so far.
pomegranate / 3601 posts
I second the maxi dresses if you'll be pregnant through summer. Also I got myself a pair of underbelly maternatiy jeans since the full panel ones just were to much (too loose) at the beginning of pregnancy and my normal jeans didn't fit/hurt because of my low and anterior placenta.
cantaloupe / 6017 posts
I got by with stretchy, non maternity clothes (mostly leggings and jersey skirts or dresses) until I was closer to 20 weeks.
I was pregnant in the winter, and don't really remember everything I had....but the things that got the most wear:
under the belly cords from gap (I preferred this style to the over the belly- I just folded down the panel on over the belly, but everyone is different- so I think this is one thats best to wait as long as you can, particularly if you are going to buy nicer jeans/pants)
over the belly jeans from old navy (I hated these, but was too cheap to buy another pair. I also had purchased a pair of designer jeans but found them to be uncomfortable. next time I'm planning to try j.crew's maternity ponte pant- I think its called the pixie? and get more of the low-panel gap ones).
a few t-shirts (gap, I think)
a couple maternity tanks (gap and old navy)
a maternity tunic from boden (loved this)
maternity denim skirt from boden (also loved this, although it was full panel- I just folded it down)
a couple sweaters (mostly I used cardigans from pre pregnancy)
I really stretched my non-maternity wardrobe. If I was pregnant in the summer I'd get a couple pairs of shorts, a couple pants, and then stick to jersey skirts and dresses. Old navy makes a great jersey skirt. If you can splurge on one or two items, check out boden's selection- their stuff was very comfortable and obviously high quality.
Next time I will probably try to get more higher quality stuff- the cheap stuff just fell apart and stretched out throughout the day and made me feel crappier than I already felt (I was a bit of a bummer during pregnancy- sorry!)
I hated motherhood- but I know a lot of people like their stuff. maybe if I had to do the business casual thing I would have been more into them.
pomegranate / 3411 posts
i loved my maternity jeans! i got one pair from walmart and one from old navy. i also got leggings, dress pants, a jean skirt, and a bunch of tops that were nice enough for work and comfy enough to wear on the weekend
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
Do you work full time? This is my list for working full time:
2 good pairs of maternity pants (Black and Gray)
1 good maternity skirt or capris (work appropriate)
3-5 dresses that are work appropriate with cardigans or casual to wear on weekends
1 good pair of jeans
2-3 pairs of shorts/capri
Yoga pants or running shorts (maybe just a size up)
1-2 maxi dresses
Then a few tops to wear with the pants etc!
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
I bought very little, I basically wore everything to death and then donated it all. I did a mix of maternity and non maternity clothing and I was working in a casual, jeans ok environment.
Bottoms/dresses:
1 pair Gap Long and Lean full panel mat jeans, in dark wash
1 pair Gap Long and Lean demin panel mar jeans, in white
1 pair H&M linen drawstring pants, tied under the belly
1 Gap denim skirt
1 pair Motherhood cargos, with the legs that you can button up, in brown, also weekend wear
2 JCrew jersey maxi dresses, one in chocolate brown, the other in charcoal (these worked well because they are normally very long on me, so they didn't need to be shortened once I had a nice bump
1 H&M chambray shirt dress, good for weekends
1 pair Motherhood shorts, I hardly wore these
1 Gap navy ponte knit dress, my husband called this my police officer dress, because of the detailing, but it was nice and thick, good for work
Tops:
2 Motherhood ruched long sleeved tees, one in black/cream stripe, the other I can not remember
1 H&M cowl neck sweater in brown, I wore this a ton, non maternity
1 Rachel Pally ponco top, in a green/brown print, this was non mat
1 tunic from Kohls, I think it was Dana Buchman, also non maternity, in a larger than normal size
a few short sleeved tees, I picked these up where ever I saw them for less than $10, I probably had 4
My normal cardigan sweaters, with a long tank underneath, this was pretty much standard issue for me, I bought one more
Shoes: I wasn't prepared for foot/ankle swelling and my boots didn't fit towards the end, so save a bit of your budget for a pair of new shoes, even if you think you won't need it. I bought a pair of super soft driving mocs in a tan leather, and I still wear them!
Coat/Jacket: a lot of people will say they bought a maternity coat, but I didn't. I was due in Decemeber and I just went to TJ Maxx and bought a shorter jacket in a larger size. I wore it through the winter, I found I could do a front carry in the Ergo then put the coat on and zip it around my son and I, easy peasy. It was among the first things I donated when the weather warmed up, I spent $25!
grapefruit / 4649 posts
I love this site! You guys are awesome! I appreciate all of the help. I think I am going to hope I can get away with just one pair of pants, one pair of jeans and some leggings and the rest dresses and skirts which is what I wear most of the summer normally. I think I have a few that will last at least most of the summer anyway. I am hoping to find some pants and tanks today!
clementine / 838 posts
I was at hap yesterday for my first real adventure into buying maternity clothes. I got 2 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of work dress pants ( black and gray) a pair of cropped black pants, a black jersey skirt, 3 tank tops that I can wear under sweaters at work or alone in the summer, 3 t shirts, a gray cardagin, and a hoodie. I wear business casual to work so need dress pants etc. I already have 3 maxi dresses that will work for most of the pregnancy and many of my tops are empire waisted so will work for part as well. I have also bought a fancier dress on clearance at motherhood as I have 2 weddings this summer.
I still need shorts and for sure more tank tops as I am due early November. I am a teacher so I can wear casual clothes all summer! Old navy is my next place to hit for basics.
I bought ally stuff in neutral colours so that I can mix them together. I have an addiction to scarves so I plan to add colour that way !!
GOLD / wonderful pea / 17697 posts
I had two pairs of jeans and a pair of capris, two pairs of yoga pants, a few knee-length jersey skirts, a few nicer tops/tees, and several long tanks. The tanks were my favorite, I wore them all of the time (and I still wear them now).
pomelo / 5220 posts
Thanks for the post @cole - I am due in September and struggling with maternity clothes. Love all the advice on here!
I'm only a few weeks ahead of you and can tell you that so far, I've just been wearing one size larger or flowy shirts because the actual maternity ones look weird on my non-bump or are super duper long on me. I got 2 pairs of work pants from gap and I love them (and regret not wearing them sooner! ahh so comfy) I'm waiting for it to warm up before I start getting capris, shorts, etc. and hoping that once my bump is a real bump I can get a few t-shirts, etc.
clementine / 811 posts
I just had my baby last week, so obviously I had more winter clothes, but I agree w stretchy or 'not tight in the middle' empire dresses. I actually have a lot of normal dresses that I wore w leggings from motherhood until the last few weeks. I had a few pairs of jeans, two underbelly that I rotated until they were uncomfortable, then a pair of dark wash and black full panels for late preg. Although I found that most of their stff was expensive and ran small, I got three pairs of pea in the pod cords that I loved on sale. Obvi you won't be wearing cords, but maybe you can find something lightweight from them in their place.
Most of my tops were from gap. I found them to be the best quality and didn't feel schlumpy in them. Oh and I liked a maxi and regular skirt from there that I'll be wearing again now pp. I got a few cardis and tank tops from target, and ended up getting more bc you can layer or sleep in them when you get all hot at night. I didn't love motherhood stuff, as I said but had one or two tunics and then workout pants and leggings from there. And if you're casual, I got two of the hoodies from old navy that I loved.
It sounds like a lot. It when you are wearing the same clothes for months it's nice to have a few options and not feel like you just wore that two days ago. I figured the early stuff I'll be wearing again pp and the bigger/full belly I only got a few since I didn't care if I rewore then and didn't want to spend more money for a month or two. I doubt you'll have the same though w a summer wardrobe since you won't need as many clothes.
Good luck @Cole: !!
GOLD / wonderful olive / 19030 posts
I'm an Oct 12 mom so seasons will match great
I wore sundresses/maxi skirts not stop in the summer, I liked the flowiness and breathability of the fabrics. I hated wearing pants/shorts because I felt too constricted.
I lived in ribbed tank tops/plain colored shirts beacuse they were easy to get away with wearing a lot with different accessories.
I got away with only one pair of jeans, I caved in the last few weeks because our temps dropped so it's definetley doable! I lived in leggings/tunic tops in the early fall months!
papaya / 10343 posts
I work at home (i.e. mostly in yoga pants) so I think I got away with less than the usual. My maternity wardrobe is as follows:
2 maternity jeans
1 maternity leggings
1 maternity yoga pants
1 maternity maxi dress
1 maternity dressy dress (never wore...)
1 shorter dress (not maternity but flowy enough it actually works fine)
2 maternity tank tops
2 maternity tunics
8 maternity long sleeve Ts
2 maternity short sleeve Ts
Also, some of my normal wardrobe still fit, like a lot of my yoga pants (not quite as flattering as the maternity ones, but who cares), all of my cardigans/sweaters worn open, and a couple of my longer cotton shirts.
pomegranate / 3779 posts
I lived (and still do since I'm nursing) in Target maternity tank tops and ON skirts and shorts during the summer. I traded the shorts for pants and threw on a cardigan for work. I ordered and returned a ton of stuff from Gap/ON. They have a good selection online and returns are free.
GOLD / pomegranate / 3688 posts
My entire mat wardrobe is from Gap and Old Navy. All of it, save the white t-shirts, held up really well and I will be able to use it again. For an October EDD, I would recommend getting stuff that you can layer so you can wear it alone during the summer and then dress it up/warm up with sweaters and scarves in the fall. I also recommend getting demi panel pants and shorts - they are more comfortable and stay up better than full panel. (P.S. Both ON and Gap are running sales today.) I wore a lot of dresses or pants + a t-shirt with non-maternity cardigans.
Depending on your body type, I do think it's worth investing in true maternity clothes and having things that fit. A friend of mine who is thin and has a super cute figure hated maternity clothes, so she just bought bigger sizes of stretchier, normal clothes. It wasn't cute. She spent 7 months looking like she invaded someone else's closet. Know your body and what works best for it.
A few basics I loved:
- Gap doesn't seem to have my favorite pants right now, but they are called the "Perfect Pants" and come in demi panel in plain black. I wore those at least 1-2x/week to work.
- I also recommend getting a pair of jeans and/or cute black ankle pants that you can wear with flats or boots, and tunics or t-shirts with cardigans. I had a pair of black ON rockstair skinny jeans that I loved.
- I splurged on a pair of Citizens because I *love* jeans, but I was due at the end of January and knew I'd use them for multiple pregnancies. Depending on how warm the summer and fall are where you are, I'm not sure it's worth the money to buy high-end mat jeans for an October EDD.
- I highly recommend this dress - http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1000107&vid=1&pid=907305012. It's flattering and super comfortable. You can dress it up or down really easily. I wore this at least once a week.
- I also had 2-3 dresses similar to this that I could wear to work or on weekends - http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=93295&vid=1&pid=944706002. I mostly lived in dresses because they were much more comfortable than pants.
- As others have mentioned, maxi dresses like these really go the distance, especially for keeping you cool during the summer:
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=93287&vid=1&pid=939193002
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=93287&vid=1&pid=939565022
- I had a sweatshirt tunic like this one that I LOVED - http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5816&vid=1&pid=961202002. I wore it to death on nights and weekends towards the end.
- Old Navy has some cute tunics right now that would look good with jeans, shorts, or leggings (the ON leggings are actually really good!):
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5807&vid=1&pid=920216002
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5807&vid=1&pid=959029002
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5810&vid=1&pid=961200002
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5810&vid=1&pid=961211012
http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5810&vid=1&pid=968946002
- I had this t-shirt in pretty much every color they make and wore them all the time - very good for layering under cardigans or just wearing with jeans or shorts: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5804&vid=1&pid=255406002
(Sorry for the novel, but I hope the links are helpful!)
grapefruit / 4649 posts
@septca: and any one else who might know- I am in the Gap right now and I am in between sizes. Should I buy the larger size or sick with the smaller? They are a bit baggy in the crotch but otherwise good...
pomelo / 5720 posts
I bought my normal size which is a size smaller than I am in some stores. Are the smaller sizes feeling tight already? If so, I would go bigger.
grapefruit / 4649 posts
@bushelandapeck: @littlek: Thanks! I found a pair in the smaller size in clearance so I am going to grab one of each.
You guys are so helpful!
pomegranate / 3053 posts
I lived in leggings from Gap and Old Navy and long tops that were both maternity and non-maternity. I just shopped for the longest tops I can find. I was all about comfort with both of my pregnancies. I also wore work out pants that have a roll down waist on those really casual days. I found that Gap Maternity had the most comfortable maternity pants when I did wear pants/jeans.
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