My Maternity Style: How I Stayed in My Normal Clothes

Hubs and I welcomed our baby boy earlier this year. In an effort to respect his privacy, we have chosen not to share his image on social media outlets. Although you won't see him, we are learning a lot as first time parents, and we want to share the bits of knowledge we are gaining as we continue along this journey. 

First things first, maternity wear. 

Maternity wear was not my friend. It wasn't even a distant acquaintance. It didn't come in my shape, style or height. At 5'1" (without heels), and my prega-belly was disrespectfully massive. My bump was so big that people thought I was having twins. I tried my best not to wear sweatpants and leggings all day, every day. I REALLY TRIED, YA'LL. So, I went on a shopping spree at my favorite stores to find stretchy, yet cute clothing.

You're only going to be pregnant for 9 months and in maternity clothing for an even shorter amount of time. With that in mind, stay in your normal sized clothes as long as possible. It's cheaper... and it helps with the morning sickness... just kidding, it has nothing to do with morning sickness, but it's a nice thought. Then, get creative with the clothes you already have and can still fit. It's important to take into consideration where you are in your pregnancy, because your baby (and belly) will probably grow the most towards the end. The larger sizes I had just purchased started to get really tight around 36 weeks for me, but we made it... barely.

I purchased a few neutral basic t-shirts, maxi skirts and dresses. Instead of buying a winter coat - that I wouldn't have been able to fit again - I picked up a one size fits most wrap in a classic black and white plaid pattern for post pregnancy use. I also tried on a lot of clothes I wouldn't have normally worn - like empire waist and shift dresses - and LOVED the way it looked over my baby bump.

Here are a few of my tips on how I stayed fairly fashionable throughout my pregnancy.

Since my body was trying to build a human, I was unbelievably hot most of the time. Not to mention, I was pregnant during a Texas summer (they usually last until the end of October). I wore dresses most of my pregnancy, because they allowed the most airflow. It was that, or walk around in my underwear... so, you're welcome America. Wrap dresses and stretchy maxi skirts and maxi dresses are the best when you're trying to cover your bump. Once my dresses got too small, I used them as tops. 

I wore my favorite pair of skinny jeans throughout most of the pregnancy with the help of a hair tie looped through the button hole and secured on the button. I also picked up 2 stretchy maxi skirts that were one size bigger. They almost didn't make it through the whole pregnancy, but God...

I already had a few cardigans that I used as shirts with the help of a well placed belt. When I got to the point of my button down shirts not being able to, well, button down, I tied them above my stomach and used the maxi skirts and dresses as the bottoms.

Remember to mix and match all of your clothes, and enjoy your pregnancy. This will be the only time you'll be pregnant with this specific kid, so have fun!