Imagine buying a whole new wardrobe that you only wear for about six months. Sounds silly, right? And yet, that's exactly what happens when you're forced to buy maternity clothes during pregnancy. Of course, you may be able to get longer wear if you plan on being pregnant again in the future, but still, the process can still like an expensive hassle.
I'm not here to give you a magic solution for avoiding buying maternity clothes, because really, there are very few ways around it other than hand-me-downs and rubber-bands-on-pants-snaps tricks. But, like many things in life, you can simplify your pregnancy wardrobe, which will help you limit the number of clothes you need to buy.
When you stick to a handful (or two handfuls, as is the case in this post) of maternity pieces that are simple and versatile enough to mix and match, your budget and your day-to-day will benefit.
10 Pieces to Keep Your Maternity Wardrobe Simple
Dress up/dress down flats. I could argue that every person needs a reliable and comfortable pair of flat shoes, but when you're pregnant, it's a necessity! Pick out a pair of flats in a color that could go with almost anything, like black, grey, or some shade of tan/camel/off-white. Find a flat that you could easily switch between day and evening without losing style or comfort. Also consider that your feet may go in and out of swelling phases, so select a shoe with a bit of room to accommodate.
Good quality white t-shirt. This classic staple is classic for a reason. There's so much you can do with it! Whether you wear it alone, layered, or with a cardigan, you can't go wrong. Find a white shirt that isn't too sheer and that fits your pregnant shape the way you like it, whether that's loose and billowy or ruched and fitted, or somewhere in between.
Black leggings. This, my friend, will be your must-have, can't-live-without staple throughout pregnancy. The wonders of leggings in pregnancy are far-reaching -- they expand with your size, can be worn over or under belly, are good for warm or cool weather, can be dressed up or down, they go with anything, and they're soooooo comfortable.
Everyday jeans. These are your weekend jeans -- the ones you can wear out and about as well as to casual get togethers. Finding comfortable maternity jeans that don't fall down, fit your belly just right, and are the right length is more of an art than a science, so be prepared to spend some time trying on several pairs.
Cardigan. These are especially important for pregnancy in cooler climates as you can easily switch from being cold to boiling hot in a matter of minutes. Layering is essential! Pick out a cardigan in a basic, versatile color like black, grey, or white. Whether you get a lightweight or heavy, form-fitted or flowy is up to you and your style preferences.
Black pants. Depending on your daily dress code, these could be either dress pants/slacks or black denim. Choose the style that makes the most sense for your life.
Button down shirt. Several capsule wardrobes suggest a "chambray" shirt, but I'm leaving this open to your preferences. Any button down shirt that's easy to mix and match with the rest of your pieces is perfect. The great thing about a button down/blouse is that you can wear it alone or layered with a shirt/tank/camisole underneath.
Blazer. Here's the best thing about a blazer: it doesn't have to be maternity clothing! Because most blazers are meant to be worn open/unbuttoned, you can wear one you already own or purchase a new blazer that you can wear throughout pregnancy and afterward, too. Like most other things in your simplified pregnancy wardrobe, choose a blazer that will go with anything, like black or camel colored.
Black or neutral color skirt. Cute and comfy. Dress up or down. Day or night. What more could you want with a maternity wardrobe piece?
Simple black dress. A basic black dress can be paired with a jacket or scarf to add color and dimension, or worn on its own. Mix it up with dressy or casual shoes depending on the occasion/venue.
photo credit: A. Strakey 17 Months & 37 Weeks via photopin (license)
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Pregnancy Maternity Clothes Maternity Wardrobe