7 rules of maternity wear
Good news: Maternity clothing offers chic choices that will compliment your growing figure. Specialty shops and department stores offer items that are reshaped versions of styles you have in your closet. Here are some guidelines to help you put together an attractive wardrobe for the coming months.
Rule 1: Retain your own fashion style. Women who live in jeans and T-shirts should stick with jeans and T-shirts. Those who love crisp business clothing should strive for that look. In other words, dress as you always have.
Rule 2: Don’t buy a whole closetful. Good maternity clothes are expensive. Instead select just a few basics tailored to your style.
Rule 3: Wear non-maternity clothes. You can continue to wear many of the tops you already own. When it comes to pants, jeans, and underwear, however, buying maternity versions will make you more comfortable as your pregnancy progresses. These usually have special front panels to help support your growing uterus.
Rule 4: Check thrift shops or consignment shops. Maternity clothes rarely wear out in the course of a pregnancy, so there’s a lot of life left in these donated items. If you need something formal, you’re almost sure to find it at a thrift shop or consignment shop.
Rule 5: Buy as you grow. You don’t know how big you’ll be in three or four months or how you’ll be carrying the baby. So keep your purchases to a bare minimum. You always can add an item or two later.
Rule 6: Accept all clothing offers. Family and friends usually are happy to pass their favorite maternity items along to a loved one. Enjoy both their clothing and their thoughtfulness. Borrow from your partner too. Wouldn’t one of his crisp, white shirts look great with your navy skirt?
Rule 7: Accessorize. When you’re pulling out the same black dress for the third time in a week, don’t be discouraged. Spark it up with a bright silk scarf or drape it with a shawl. Pull out all your colorful bangles and beads. Buy yourself some fabulous new earrings. It may be the same basic dress, but you can have a lot of fun with it.