Must Haves (Maternity Wear)

Though a lot of emotions go along with a growing body when pregnant, I was pretty excited to get into maternity wear, because, um...the chance to wear stretchy-topped pants and have it be socially acceptable?! Don't mind if I do!

Luckily, I made it until about 4 1/2 months before I really had a tough time wearing my pre-preg clothing. I did the BeBand for a while (which I loved), but it finally got to the point where it just wasn't working for me. And so maternity shopping I went! I will preface by saying that it may seem like I picked up quite a bit, but that is because a) I work full-time and can't wear jeans to work and b) can't seem to stay within a budget.

I am determined to still have some semblance of fashion while being pregnant and not hiding my pregnancy under baggy clothing. I made some strategic purchases that I hope will keep me feeling great and comfortable.

Skinny pants, jeans & skirts

I hit up some good deals at Motherhood and scored two pairs of dark skinny jeans, two pairs of black leggings and three pairs of colored skinny pants (in burgundy, dark teal and gray). I also scored a long black skirt from Gap Maternity that is so soft and wonderful. I love all of these pieces because they can be mixed and matched hundreds of ways and most importantly, I feel great wearing them!

from left to right: Motherhood skinny pants in Ocean Blue & Orchid, Motherhood skinny jeans in Indigo Blue, Gap Maternity long foldover waist skirt

Tops, tanks & cardigans

Since many of my tops still fit (I usually wear them long and baggy anyway), I have yet to purchase much. My aunt graciously loaned me some things (like the purple top in the image below). I also fell in love with the long, fitted Forever 21 tanks. And to top them off? I'm (as always) loving the long cardigan. And bonus on that one? No need to buy maternity versions, so many of my existing cardigans will work nicely (I hope!)!

from left to right: Motherhood ruched tee (similar), Forever 21 tank, Chaus Ribbed Open Cardigan via Nordstrom.com

Shoes

I'm still rocking my high heels for as long as I can, but I'm also loving cute loafers (any recommendations for comfy ones? These actually give me a bit of a blister...)...

Liz Claiborne Dapper Loafer via DSW

and cannot wait to break out my fall/winter boots! I heart boot weather!

Steve Madden Fraankie Boot via Nordstrom.com

A Word on Undergarments

I'm going to avoid photos on this one, but let's just say that if you are pregnant, I highly recommend upgrading your undergarments to maternity wear. Seriously gals. I bought a few new bras (which will also then work for nursing) and about 6 3-packs of underwear. And I'm not lying when I say that they are all really cute (if slightly larger than what I'd normally buy). My life was changed. 'Nuff said.

So that's what I'm loving right now. I hope that my purchases will get me through most of my pregnancy! Only time will tell but I'll be sure to keep you updated!

What are your staples for this Fall?

If you are or have been pregnant, any words of advice when it comes to clothing and footwear?

Comments

[hailey @ nakedcupcakes]

Hey Rachel! You are looking AWESOME! :)

and aren't maternity clothes the best? the fact that we can still rock the skinny jeans WHILE feeling like we are wearing yoga pants is insanely exciting :)
As for comfy shoes, I rock my Toms whenever I can, they are amazing after wearing heels or fancy flats at work all day.

PS: I'm pretty sure I have the same shirt as your purple one, but in white!

Congratulations again! I am so happy to hear you are loving it :)

[alex]

I loved maternity clothes also! find some comfy things you like because you'll be wearing them even for a while after baby comes. I got some undies I love at Target! they were maternity underwear, nice and soft and comfy! Gap had some great things...love their Gap Body line, nice long sleeve t-shirts, all super comfy. I loved side ruched long sleeve t-shirts from Pen in the Pod, watch for them to go on sale. throw that on with some leggings and boots.you are set!

[Ollie@eshakti]

Thank you for sharing this. I hate the way that most of the maternity jeans I see look. They are not flattering at all.

I recently learned how to adjust regular jeans for an expectant mother. I haven't tried it before but with a tutorial like that available I will have more confidence doing so.With a tutorial like that, someone could even buy a regular pair of jeans that they really like. They don't have to bypass a pair because the jeans won't be comfortable- they can make them fit properly.

Accessories such as those you have mentioned are a lifesaver for fashionable moms-to-be.