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Q&A: Dressing for pregnancy?

How can I get the most out of my regular-sized clothing and my much smaller maternity wardrobe?

Re: How can I get the most out of my regular-sized clothing and my much smaller maternity wardrobe?

The Bump Expert

One of the really fun things about being pregnant is that all your old clothes fit differently. It’s like you have a whole new wardrobe to experiment with! You can continue to wear all your little jackets -- they’ll just be smaller and tighter. It’s a great way to hide your caboose and show off what’s going on uptown. Simple, layered knits also look great during pregnancy.

To keep wearing your regular jeans a little longer, take a hair band, loop it through the buttonhole, and then put the other end around the button. This will give you an extra few inches.

Your limited wardrobe can get pretty boring, so experiment in different ways. Maybe you’d never in a million years wear false eyelashes…but now is the time to try. Or, if you’re wearing that same knit black dress you’ve worn a thousand times, have some fun with your makeup and hair. Belts are another great way to mix up your wardrobe. Belting higher can make your shirt flare out into a big tent, but putting it a little lower will make it clear that you’re actually pregnant.

--Cynthia Rowley

Kaitlin Stanford | May 22 , 2009 3:44 PM

re: Q: Dressing for pregnancy?

I ordered some Belly bands once the rubber band trick stopped working for me. Belly bands are bands of material that you double over and put right over your zipper/button section of your pants. I love them. I just hit my second trimester and can still use most of my pre-pregnancy clothing. Try this website out. www.babybeminematernity.com

him&me08 | May 06 , 2009 12:24 PM

Q&A: Dressing for pregnancy?

I have a belly band too, which works really well, but I did break down and buy a pair of maternity jeans. I have started to use more belts and I like how some of my looser tops now are a little tighter, but still in a good way! I've been pretty fortunate that I'm 33 weeks and still fitting into most of my pre-maternity clothes, but now it's getting to the point that some of my pants are fitting less well! I do recommend the belly band though!

Meesh1449 | October 17 , 2011 8:46 PM

Q&A: Dressing for pregnancy?

I've found that I fit most of my pre-pregnancy skirts and a few pants, so I bought a couple neutral sweaters that I can wear with anything and I spice up my look with jewellery and scarves! But yeah, the belly band is a life saver too!

kenoragirl24 | October 18 , 2011 11:15 AM

Q&A: Dressing for pregnancy?

I totally love the belly band. I only have 4 weeks left and i still love it. I also love to wear my wrap sweaters so much. But my favorite are my yoga pants. I have gone out and bought 8 different pairs bc they are so amazing every pregnant women should wear them :)

bethlynnella2010 | October 18 , 2011 10:27 PM

Q&A: Dressing for pregnancy?

This is a really strange article....did they really suggest wearing false eyelashes? What does that have to do with the questions. Thank you bumpies - for some real answers =) Looks like I need to go get a belly band!

smcgervey | October 20 , 2011 9:11 AM

Q&A: Dressing for pregnancy?

I could still fit into my pre-prego pants but by the end of the day I was so uncomfortable. I finally tried on some maternity pants and it was such a relief. I don't think I would be comfortable walking around in pants that weren't buttoned or zipped even if I had the support of the belly band. It's a great idea for those who can but not the choice for me.

poconc | October 20 , 2011 1:14 PM

Q&A: Dressing for pregnancy?

SKIRTS. Skirts are your friend, especially elastic-waist ones, and wrap skirts. Mmmm...wrap skirts. For the win. Why buy 17 different sizes of pants when you can buy two skirts??

bratnoodles | October 20 , 2011 10:30 PM