Expanding Your Wardrobe When You Begin to "Show"

by Stephanie Keel

Early in the second trimester you might be showing! Now you have outwardly proof that there really is a human being growing inside you. But don't rush out quite yet to your nearest maternity boutique for those maternity jeans. When you reach the point where your regular clothes are too small and maternity clothes are still too big -- gather a small wardrobe to fit you in this stage. (Warning: The following may be a sad statement but we are here to share the truth!) This will most likely be the size you will be post-partum for quite a while after baby's birth and you will get a lot of wear from them.

Clothing Your Beautiful, Expanding Body

Take inventory of your closet. Some of your clothes that will adapt with you as you grow. Separate the following from your regular clothes:

• Pants and Skirts with stretchy waistbands or waistbands that fit below your tummy (see you knew those low rise jeans were a good buy)
• Identify shirts that are not snug in the tummy and breast area
• Keep out jackets or sweaters that you would not button closed anyway -- these will make great accessory items to some basic maternity clothes
• Purchase basic “in-between” maternity clothes

This in-between phase can be purchased from a regular store or from a maternity store. Just look for stretchy materials; including the wardrobe from your current closet, consider purchasing the following:

• One pair of work out pants (or shorts depending on season) and comfortable t-shirts and workout jackets.
• One pair of jeans -- choose a style that can be dressed up or dressed down, such as dark denim. You could also pick up a "belly band" extender that will allow your too tight pants to still be worn.
• Work clothes: If you work full time, have at least two or three skirts and pants you can wear to work -- basics must haves: black skirt, shirt, slacks.
• Purchase new underwear that is comfortable and allows some growing room if you are noticing your bum expanding some.
• Buy a bigger bra if your bra cup size appears to be growing. If your bra is just feeling snug, pick up bra extenders -- very inexpensive hook extenders found at fabric stores and online.
• Have a basic white collared shirt that you can easily dress up with a necklace or sweater.
• A great dress –- again something that can be casual or formal -– such as a cotton or lycra-mix material in a basic black or chocolate brown.

More Ways to Save

Take friends up on any offers to give or loan you their maternity clothes. If their clothes are too large still accept and pick out some favorites and see if a local alternations can make adjustments. Often this will cost only a few dollars.

Look for consignment sales. Often local churches or mommy groups will hold consignment sales. These often have an abundance of maternity clothes and are an especially good spot to look for specialty items such as a big coat or a holiday outfit.

Whenever you are out and about, keep an eye on sale and clearance racks. You may be able to find some more unique pieces at great prices before you are at the point where you HAVE to have it and end up paying retail price.

Pregnancy is an exciting time and hopefully by using the tips above you will have clothes that make you feel gorgeous -- as you truly are -- without breaking the bank.

Stephanie Keel, a North Carolina native and mother of two, is a Sweet Pea baby planner. She spent over a decade in the corporate world before she decided to combine her two passions -- project management and babies. During her first pregnancy, she recalls wishing for a support system similar to a baby planner. In the process of expecting her second child, Stephanie was humbled to realize that all of the research with her eldest was out of date and irrelevant. Taking this experience to heart, Stephanie strives to personalize her services, focusing on her clients' lifestyle, family routines, and ensures all the best items and programs are selected to fit each family's needs.