So a few folks have asked for a little post over here about my “maternity style” which makes me laugh because I’m not a stylish prego gal: I just want my maternity clothes cheap, durable, and comfortable. I’m one of those moms with dog hair on my shirt and half of a sandwich inexplicably stuck to the back of my leg whether I’m pregnant or not (as a sidenote, I’m very popular with both Burger and Clara for exactly this reason).
But I thought I’d humor you guys and just share more of a quick recap about how I get through being pregnant without spending an arm and a leg in the hopes that perhaps someone else out there will benefit from my love of Old Navy maternity jeans and big earrings to distract from my puffy pregnant face. So here’s my must-have pregnancy clothing list:
1. Old Navy maternity jeans. I like the full belly panel ones, because they just make my bump feel more supported (it’s a comfort thing). For my pregnancy with Clara I bought one pair that took me all the way through my pregnancy (from about 14 weeks to delivery day). Those babies stretch. So far with this pregnancy I’ve had one pair as well (I sprung for a new pair so they wouldn’t be stretched out) and they’re doing me right again. So I think it’s safe to say that they’re my favorite budget-friendly maternity solution.
2. A bra extender. This is a weird one, but later on in my pregnancy with Clara I learned that Target sold these little extender tabs that can be hooked right onto your bra hooks (they sell them with 2 eye-hooks or 3 of them, near the gel shoe inserts and stockings) and they make your bra a little wider around the ribs. I’m not sure about you guys, but my ribs expand like crazy when I’m pregnant, so it’s a super easy fix to allow my bras to work throughout pregnancy, and then I can pop the extenders off and wear them normally again when my ribs go back to where they belong (assuming they do this time… it took about 6 months after having Clara but they did last time).
3. Various stretchy shirts. This is an obvious one, but I love cotton because it’s comfortable and I’m generally a fan of v-necks (short girls with short necks hear my cry, v-necks are elongation devices!). So I have a bunch in a few colors (although the black ones are clearly my favorite). Some of them are made in the maternity department at Target or Old Navy, but many of them are just larger sizes from the regular departments at those two stores (or occasionally from the Gap or Banana clearance rack).
4. Big ol’ earrings. These are a favorite when I’m pregnant or not, but they seem especially comforting when I’m in the last trimester and my face puffs up and I want something (anything) to hide behind. A nice big and colorful pair of earrings might not be a full-on masquerade ball mask (which would probably hide more of the puff) but they make me feel a little less like people are staring at my puffiness or my tired eyes and a little more like they’re doing me a solid by whispering “don’t look there, LOOK HERE! Ooh yes, SHINNNNY! Keep your eyes on the EARRINGS!”
5. A simple pair of slip on flats. This pregnancy my staples have been some cute little leopard flats by Sam Edelman that I found at DSW for $39 a few months before I even got pregnant. And with Clara they were some cute little black patent leather flats by Steve Madden. Otherwise I’m tempted to flip and flap my way around town in flip-flops all the time, which feels a little bit weird (especially when it’s winter). So having some cute little go-to flats make me feel like I’m a little more pulled together, even if I do unknowingly have a hunk of granola bar stuck to the back of my arm. Oh but when I’m on my feet all day it’s nice to have some added arch support, so I might go for Puma sneakers if we’re running around all day or if we’re on-site at the showhouse (which is kind of a mud pit) for example.
Here are some old bump photos from when I was carrying Clara, and all the jeans were that very same Old Navy pair I mentioned. All of the shirts were from Old Navy or Target from the not-maternity section (they were just larger and stretchy) except for the last one with the dots (which was from the Banana Outlet, but also from their non-maternity section). Oh and that pink dress was from Target, but was a maternity dress. It’s nice to have one or two of those just for events where jeans wouldn’t be the best call. They can actually be crazy comfy like a big ol’ muumuu.
I’m probably forgetting ten million things, but I thought those were some basic things that help me get through being pregnant without dumping tons of money into clothes that I’ll only get to wear for a few more months while bowing to the porcelain throne (yes, that’s still happening, but this little bun of ours is so darn cute and wiggly that I can’t even be mad). What about you guys. What do you love when you’re prego? Do you have any favorite low-budget “cheater” finds (like bra extenders instead of buying all new bras)?
Sarah H. says
With my first pregnancy, I had the worst time finding maternity jeans that would stay up. This time around, I bought one pair of Jessica Simpson’s brand maternity jeans, and they are awesome! They definitely stay put. They were regularly $60, but I got them for $40, and they are worth every penny.
Abby K says
Ok so you just saved me from going out any buying ALL new bras!!! I had no idea bra extenders existed!!! I’m only 13 weeks along right now but my bras have turned into torture devices. Going to Target tomorrow. Thank you!!!!
Kelli says
I know this is about maternity clothes; however, I have a great product breastfeeding. Instead of buying “nursing shirts” w/ their awkward openings (that were almost never big enough to get enough out that my girls had access!) and bulky layers in weird places. UNDERCOVER MAMA! It is a strapless tank that hooks to your nursing bras to turn every single shirt into a nursing shirt. I had them in 3 colors and wore one every.single.day of nursing!
Tracey Bradshaw says
I was pregnant through summer (both times) and had 2 favorite cotton dresses that were both just target and kmart empire line and 2 sizes larger than my usual size. They were both bought on sale for under $20 each. I also wore a belly belt with some of my normal pants and longer tops which got me through to about the 8 month mark when my belly just got HUGE!
I was sick 24/7 with both bubs – until 26 weeks with the first and delivery day with the second – I spent so much time in hospital while pregnant with bub number 2 (over 100 days all up) that my maternity wardrobe mainly consisted of blue and white hospital gowns!
Tracey Bradshaw says
I was pregnant through summer (both times) and had 2 favorite cotton dresses that were both just target and kmart empire line and 2 sizes larger than my usual size. They were both bought on sale for under $20 each. I also wore a belly belt with some of my normal pants and longer tops which got me through to about the 8 month mark when my belly just got HUGE!
I was sick 24/7 with both bubs – until 26 weeks with the first and delivery day with the second – I spent so much time in hospital while pregnant with bub number 2 (over 100 days all up) that my maternity wardrobe mainly consisted of blue and white hospital gowns!
JenB says
I injured my back as a kid and was worried about the strain on my back when I got pregnant. I took yoga specifically for expectant moms and it was awesome! I highly recommend it whether you have back issues or not.
Young House Life says
Love all the tips everyone! Thanks for sharing!
xo
s
Lindsey says
I found most of my maternity clothes on sale at kohls, ross or tj maxx. I also bought regular clothes in bigger sizes off the clearance racks at my usual stores. Even 3 years ago the choices seemed so much more limited than today! Also, i used a hair tie to fasten my jeand until my hips got too wide.
Marie K says
Sherry, your bump is so cute. I wish I could make non-maternity clothes work. At 25 weeks my twin bump has outgrown almost every piece of maternity clothing I own. Bigger sizes cover the bump, but leave my neck, arms, and chest swimming in a drapery of fabric. For others carrying multiples I would recommend maternity dresses. Mine are more like shirts now, but at least everything is covered.
Kelly says
On a semi-related topic… In your post about nursing Clara, it made me SO SAD when you said you missed out on hours and hours of hanging out with family on a vacation because you would go upstairs to nurse alone, and sometimes John would come visit and keep you company. Do you think this time around you would feel more comfortable nursing in front of your extended family at least? If it’s purely your own choice, then you should do whatever feels right to you, though it sounds kind of lonely. If it’s because you felt pressure from others to hide away, times are a-changing (and nursing mothers and their supportive husbands/partners and friends are making them change)! There are a lot of people who support nursing as a completely normal thing for a mother to do anywhere she and her baby happen to be, and certainly with family should be a safe space. The more mothers do it, the more people will come to see it as normal. That transition is happening right now. You live in a different area of the country than I do, so there may be more conservative folks who don’t get it, but I would bet that everywhere it’s a little better than it was a few years ago. I hope it is easier for you this time around!
Young House Life says
I definitely hope I’m less shy this time since after 14 months I feel like more of an expert when it comes to not lifting up my entire shirt and stuff. Haha!
xo
s
JenB says
The BEST cover for nursing is not really an item made specifically for nursing..They’re the Aden & Anais swaddling blankets. You can buy a 3 pack at Target for about $30. They’re made of muslin and BIG so you really feel like you’re covered and baby is not sweating buckets by being covered by a heavy blanket. The ones at Target are a little bit smaller than the ones they sell on their website and in pricey baby boutiques (which are also a bit more expensive), but they work just as well. They wash GREAT and are so, so soft. LOVE, LOVE them.
http://www.target.com/p/aden-anais-for-target-vroomaroo-swaddle-wraps-4pk/-/A-11219326#guest-reviews
Young House Life says
Oh yes, I LOVE THOSE BLANKETS! I think I might buy 10 more (and probably have around 10 already! Haha!).
xo
s
JenB says
If only they made them for grown-ups, right?
Kate says
Yes, the Aden & Anais blankets are the best! My little girl is about to turn 12 months and still nurses, and I much prefer those blankets to the actual nursing cover I have (especially now that she’s older).
Kim says
I have a office job where professional attire is required so a decent size wardrobe was necessary. I started out by getting a couple bags of clothes from Craigslist which helped to create a great base from which to work then I selectively added pieces that I needed such as nicer quality black pants and some work appropriate dresses. Loft, maternity motherhood, target and pea in a pod (for my needed suit) were my stores of choice. I did not gain a ton of weight but needed a couple pairs of maternity underwear (I found nonmaternity gave me massive wedgies) maternity tights were so worth the purchase and longer maternity shirts at the end because once I dropped 90 percent of my shirts were not long enough. The one thing I will say about nursing bras is you have to spend some money on them. I found the target and other cheaper brands unsnapped and cut into me causing plugged ducts. Once my mom forced me to get a high quality one, it was like a whole new world. Going out in public was once again an option because I was not worried about flapping around, plus I just looked better and not frumpy once I had proper support.
Brandy says
Hi Sherry, if you haven’t already tried them, i strongly recommend Sea Bands for anti-nausea. They are for anyone dealing with motion sickness, morning sickness, nausea due to medications, etc. They are seriously saving my first trimester! I got the medication and it kind of worked but i didn’t like the idea of taking meds. These bands are amazing for me and i hope they’d work for you! http://www.amazon.com/Sea-Band-Adult-Wristband-Color-1-Pair/dp/B001F731N0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389795034&sr=8-1&keywords=sea+bands
Young House Life says
Thanks Brandy! I tried those right away (and go back to them sometimes to see if they’ll kick in) but they just don’t seem to work at all for me :(
xo
s
KathyG says
Did you try the patches? Transderm Scop? It’s for motion sickness, so not sure if it would work, or even if ok for pregnant ladies, but they are miracle worker for me. So I thought I would mention and you might ask the doc.
Young House Life says
I don’t think my doctor brought those up, but I can ask her about them!
xo
s
Amelia Woodford says
hi there! im the red-haired pregnant deaf gal that stopped you in ikea the other day. (sorry if that was a bad move?!) but anyhooooo- you looked great! i’m with you on old navy jeans, and i always tell others i swear by leggings (they don’t need to be maternity)… but the good ones (full panel kind) are found at h&m (THEY DO ONLINE ORDERS NOW!! FINALLY!) … and I usually get their jersey long tops and they’re long/stretchy enough even in my regular size to cover the belly as well as my butt (which is very much needed when i’m wearing leggings ha!) then I’m actually able to wear it after giving birth!! … again, im glad i was able to catch you (i spied john and clara waiting in line as well)! and please do keep blogging!
Young House Life says
You’re so sweet Amelia! It was so nice to meet you! And thanks for the maternity tips!
xo
s
Annie Dee says
It has been a lawwwwng time since I had to wear or think about maternity clothes (my “baby” turned 19 last week). However I do remember that they were some of the happiest clothes I wore. I still remember the jeans and a few of the work dresses I had. Fond, warm memories of a bunch of wonderful moments in my life.
Callie says
It’s funny, I have that stripe top from ON and used it when I was pregnant too! Don’t underestimate the variety at Sears! I live in a small town and they my go to for a couple tops and dresses, not to mention the bra extenders. I also found my favorite pants at Goodwill! ON maternity jeans just never fit right, though I own several pair of non maternity. I am pretty short so I needed to get all my pants hemmed, so I spent more in alterations than on the pants themselves! But it was totally worth it!
Jane says
Sherry,
Have you tried gilligan O’malley nursing tanks from Target ? I swear I lived in them post partum. They have shelf bra and I found it quite supportive if you tightened the straps. The best part is it make nursing in public places so much more easier since you torso is completely covered. So you can be slick and nurse in a corner and nobody would notice. My postpartum uniform was thos taks + button downs or a cardigan on top. I am telling you those tanks are life changing. A lil expensive at around 15$ a piece , but you can catch them at a sale online from target.com. So many of friends thank me day in and day out for recommending that stuff. I beg you try atleast one for nursing:)
Jane says
Here is what I am talking about http://www.target.com/p/gilligan-o-malley-reg-women-s-cotton-nursing-cami-assorted-colors-patterns/-/A-12250754#prodSlot=medium_1_1&term=nursing+tank
Young House Life says
Those look awesome! Thanks for the tips everyone!
xo
s
Kelly says
I have one of those and it’s great. The clasps do not randomly unclasp! It’s also kind of thick material so it skims over your body which is great for postpartum when I didn’t want attention drawn to my midsection.
Joanna says
I am definitely a fan of the Old Navy Maternity Jeans- I started out with the low band but it got too tight and have switched to the full panel. I am 31 weeks with twins (making me the size of someone ready to go any minute!) and pretty much nothing is comfortable anymore, including leggings. However, I just ordered Old Navy’s maternity yoga pants for $15. Where have they been all my pregnancy?? They are seriously the most comfortable thing I have worn the whole time and I highly recommend them!
Kendra says
I have absolutely loved that black striped shirt on you ever since I first saw it, and wondered where it was from! I was pregnant last fall and would have loved to have that shirt! So flattering on a pregnant belly :)
Young House Life says
Thanks Kendra! Gotta love Old Navy!
xo
s
Mia says
I benefited hugely from maternity hand me downs! My sister and her friends (and friends of friends) all compiled their maternity clothes and then whenever someone gets pregnant they hand everything over and that person can hold on to whatever works for her, then return it to the maternity tubs post-pregnancy. My sister is storing the tubs for now, but there’s about 6 in total and includes a variety or sizes and seasons. I ended up boring stuff from the pile and bought about 4 other staples. I don’t have the type of friend network where I live now, but if anyone does I highly recommend it! There’s clothes from about a dozen women in those piles right now and I’m sure it’s saved them all hundreds of dollars! Plus it’s very YaYa Sisterhood. :)
Young House Life says
Haha, I love the YaYa Sisterhood reference!
xo
s
Serena says
Thanks for posting this! I am also pregnant with my second and am always looking for some advice. The bra extender sounds great.
For me…my body LOVES to gain weight in my hips/ butt/ and thighs [oh my!]. So, when it is warm enough, I LIVE in long maxi skirts and maxi dresses…most from Old Navy and Target. I wear them postpartum and well, pretty much whenever they aren’t in the laundry pile.
I also only have two pairs of maternity jeans which work just fine. I mainly dress pretty boring most of my 2nd and 3rd trimester with a skirt/ jean bottom… t-shirt/ tank top…and a cardigan/ jacket of some sort.
You are spot on with the jewelry.. I also try to distract from my plump face with jewelry or a bright lip stick. Being pregnant is so much fun…just hard to dress an ever changing body some days. ;)
Joanna says
Too funny! My three favorite things while pregnant were my bra extenders, comfy maternity jeans (I alternated 2 pairs) and maternity dresses. Actually I’ll add one more thing that gave me so much support – the belly band. It’s supposed to lay across the bottom part of your belly and it was like a dream when I had it on. It relieved all the, ahem, pressure down there. :) Good luck!
Chris says
Great little tips thanks Sherry. My goal was to always try to stay true to my usual style choices when I was dressing for two. Thanks to built in stretch I was happy to visit my usual shops and buy a size up. Girlfriends also saved the day, I was lucky enough to receive a couple maternity pieces for work and I was happy to pass them on to our next preggo in the group! Cheers! And enjoy this special time, I think you’re looking lovely.
Courtney says
I bought a pack of mens stretchy-ish sleeveless undershirts and layered them under every shirt I wore so there were no accidental belly viewings! They were so so comfy! sometimes I look at them in the closet and wish they still fit like they did when I was prego :)
Jackie says
Sherry, thinking of you and the nausea! My daughter was born three days before Clara, and like you, I was sick the whole time.
I have warned several friends with DIY dreams to avoid skimping on bathroom tile installation. Even if the room is a small space, if you’re bowing to the porcelain throne for an entire pregnancy, you’ll notice every uneven grout line! Luckily my husband did a great job, minus a cut behind the toilet we thought nobody would ever see. Oops.
Maternity clothes tip – I bought a nude/beige maternity camisole cut like an athletic tank top (wide straps) that felt like comfy Spanx. A lot of maternity tops are so thin/cheaply made that I preferred an extra layer to smooth lines from a Belly Band, bra extenders and full-panel pants.
On a whim I bought a great black dress from Gap Maternity and paired it with colorful scarves, shoes, cardigans, a denim jacket, chunky necklaces and other accessories throughout my pregnancy. The dress was machine washable, wrinkle resistant, short-sleeved with a round neckline.
Confession – I have a Liz Lange maternity tshirt from Target still in rotation since 2010. Can’t stop.
Young House Life says
Haha, I love the confession! And the tile tip for anyone bowing so much!
xo
s
Kate says
Haha, I actually had THREE Target maternity shirts (from off the clearance racks) for several years before I was pregnant. They weren’t really cut any differently than a regular shirt, just stretchy and longer. I loved them, but they’ve since shrunken too much and I got rid of them.
Judith says
Bra extenders! I used those too for both of my pregnancies. Also, I puffed up with so much water each time (last time I gained 30 pounds in water overnight) so the only footwear I could barely get my feet into were crocks. Thank God for crocks or I would have been barefoot. My last pregnancy ended at the end of August, so I lived in a maternity skirt and maternity tank tops from Old Navy. Old Navy has the best maternity clothing for very good prices.
Valentina says
I’m on my 5th month and I just love showing my belly bump!!!
I’ve discovered these amazing tops that do so in a very creative and fun way, and you can wear them after pregnancy as well..
http://www.microcosmosdesign.com/en/colecciones/embarazo
I hope you like them! xo
Young House Life says
Love all the tips guys! Thanks again so much for sharing!
xo
s
Andie says
Sherry, just wanted to give you a shout-out from a fellow puker – I was sick multiple times per day with my first baby, all the way up to her delivery at 39w. I was just as sick with #2, including throwing up all over myself during my c-section delivery – they couldn’t stitch me up afterward because I was heaving!
Anyhow, hang in there. It’s rough!
Clothes-wise, I also liked Old Navy because they seem to be the only affordable company who thinks girls size 14/16+ get pregnant! I needed bigger pants but wore all my regular tops through both pregnancies.
Young House Life says
Oh man, I’m so sorry you had to go through that twice Andie! My fingers are crossed for a puke free c-section!
xo
s
Allison IBCLC says
Just had to weigh in here (pun intended). As a lactation consultant, I can tell you that it’s nature’s plan that we don’t lose that last bit of weight until finished nursing. It’s like an insurance policy to protect the baby’s milk supply. If a mother were to suddenly not have enough to eat, her body would use the fat reserves to make milk. You wonderful mamas are perfectly normal! Enjoy all of your bellies, babies and of course boobies! Hang in there Sherry, great things are to come.
Young House Life says
Aw thanks Allison!
xo
s
Jill says
I think I’ve got those Old Navy jeans… those are a winner! Love the update!
Megan says
Quick word of caution with the flip flops and bare feet…I did that all summer while pregnant with my 2nd and ended up with a stress fracture because my feet were not well supported. I’m all about a well fitting pair of tennies now!
Young House Life says
Oh no! Thanks for the tip!
xo
s
Rachel says
I’ve had luck at Kohls– was able to pick up a top or two for $12 each. And my sister in law gave me the idea to buy XL tank tops in the junior’s section. They are long and stretchy, come in many colors, and cheap!
Motherhood maternity is not a bad place to shop. I work in an office so it’s important I feel put together with clothes that actually fit. Buying a pair of pants from Motherhood at $30 beats buying a pair at the Limited for $70. But, I was able to hold off on buying pants until probably the 5-6 month by using the Belly Bands with my pre-prego jeans.
I’m sorry to hear you’re still feeling morning sickness. That stinks. I had it from probably week 6 to week 16 and the only thing I could eat (that would give me some protein and calories) was plain rice cakes with peanut butter.
Good luck!
Katie says
I am sure someone has already said this (sorry, I can’t seem to read all 215 comments!), but the BELLA BAND was a huge lifesaver for me! My cousin let me borrow hers and it was amazing! I was able to wear my non-maternity dress pants, in particular, for almost my entire pregnancy with the help of the Bella Band. I tried to buy a cheaper knock-off version, but it didn’t work so well. Also, the BB was perfect for post-pregnancy too – when you’re not quite humungus enough to still wear maternity clothes but not quite back to non-maternity, either.
ALSO, I will say that I have had a gray pair of Old Navy yoga pants since 2007. I wore them throughout my ENTIRE pregnancy (in 2012/2013!). When my belly got really big, I just unrolled the folded-down top part of the pants and it covered my belly just like maternity pants. I never would’ve though those babies would see me through pregnancy (and I still wear them at least once or twice a week now!).
Thankfully, I also have great friends who let me borrow clothes. The maternity I have purchased are now on their 4th pregnant person – I love to share what I have because maternity clothes are just not all that fun to buy!
Krista says
I love the elastic wraps so you could keeping wearing the pants even if they would not button. Yoga pants too and Ditto to Sheri on the comfortable cotton semi fitted shifts with v necks!
Nicole says
Loved reading everyone’s tips!
I have a non-clothing related question. What are some foods that are nutritious enough, but easier to keep down? I am only a couple of weeks in and haven’t actually thrown up, but I’m nauseous all the time. All I have been able to make myself eat is crackers, fruit, and sometimes peanut butter. I’d love to eat a sandwich, but don’t want to go near the cold-cuts for bacteria reasons.
Young House Life says
What worked for me with Clara were baked potatoes and toast with cream cheese. They seemed heavy enough (but still somewhat not terrible, since you can do wheat toast and baked potatoes with broccoli or something) to settle my stomach. With this one nothing works though (whatever goes down comes back up if I’m in that bad sickie-zone of the day).
xo
s
Andrea says
I loved OLD Navy and Target for clothes when I was pregnant, I purchased several of their amazing tees with stretch and went up a size to avoid the expensive maternity ones. But the very best tip I have is to wear a soft (either cotton or spandex) sports bra at night, it made all the difference and kept my girls in shape!
Jenna says
Hi Sherry!
Congrats on your pregnancy!
Would you be interested in reviewing some of our Preggers maternity compression hosiery? If so, shoot me an email and we’ll go over the details.
Thanks!
Young House Life says
Thanks Jenna! We don’t review products, but we appreciate the thought!
xo
s
Kirsten Oliphant says
This was a fun post! I hadn’t heard about bra extenders but totally thought about that the other day when I was trying to exhale and squeeze my bra on. Only issue for me: my cup size changes and I can’t even figure out what size I am, so…anyway. That’s MY challenge.
Oh! I meant to start this comment saying that I am pregnant! (Clearly.) It’s always fun to be pregnant at the same time as other people, whether you know them or “know” them, so I love following your prego stuff. This one was a surprise…my Cooper is only 8 months right now. It’s going to be insane–and awesome. :)
If you have to buy another pair of jeans and like the full panel (me too for same reasons), I really like the Motherhood ones with the Secret Fit Belly. It stays up well, stretches out without being all like worn out, and they run between $25 and $40, usually in current styles. I’m also into T-shirt extenders or belly bands so when my stinking cotton shirts shrink, I can still hide my (ginormous) belly.
Young House Life says
Love the tips! Thanks Kirsten! And congrats on the bun on the way!
xo
s
Jessica says
Sherry, are your ON jeans the bootcut version – http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=12941&vid=1&pid=545322002
or these – http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=12941&vid=1&pid=551767002
I’m so picky about my leg opening and I like the ways yours look.
Thanks!
Young House Life says
The second link looks more like them. My belly panel is blue, although I buy them in the store so I don’t know the style name (I don’t even look at tags in the fitting room, haha). Hope it helps!
xo
s
Kate says
I’ll admit, I purchased a lot of maternity shirts (on good clearance, about $5-$7.50 each) from Target, but I’m taller and really needed the extra length.
I always love underwire bras, but they felt so uncomfortable to me while pregnant. I got one clearance wire-free bra in a larger size when I first *ahem* needed more room. Then when that one started getting a bit tighter and less comfortable (I wore it exclustively for about 5 months), I bought a cheap pack of cotton sports bras. Oh my, I loved those! So comfy, and they peaked out of any too-low shirts so I didn’t need a cami (they were black, white, and a dark red). So worth the $10.
Also, thrift stores can be great for maternity clothes (especially jeans) since they’re so often worn for a short time and then discarded. My local store had it all grouped in one area, and almost all of it was very current styles.
Kelsey says
At 24 weeks, I am a fan of ASOS maternity. It’s a UK online brand, but they extended to the states recently. They have a ton of cheap staples and some fun dresses and slacks, which are great for the office. Definitely size up as the sizes run a bit small. I am practically living in one of their dresses everyday…which means I should probably wash it or order another.
Bonnie says
So sorry you are still sick, Sherry! I was very ill all day long with my son too. The only way I finally made it to work was by wearing SeaBands. You’ve probably tried them already, but they are acu-pressure wristbands that look like a Richard Simmons video, and are a natural option for relief of nausea. I just picked mine up at Target (on the bottom shelf, beside motion sickness meds). I still use them when my thyroid flairs and i feel yucky. Either way, good luck and congratulations!!!
Young House Life says
Aw thanks Bonnie! I ran out and bought those right away but they don’t seem to work for me. So lucky they worked for you!
xo
s
Stephanie says
You look fabulous!
My favorite maternity jeans were by Chip & Pepper. Pricey, but so worth the self-confidence. ;)
I also loved the Blanqi Belly Support Tank.
LJB Maternity says
What a fantastic article. I really love the picture of your husband showing his belly off too. Damn men not having to deal with the ever expanding stomach.