How to Dress Casually When Pregnant

Take advantage of the times during your pregnancy when you don't have to dress for work or an evening out. Indulge in the comfort of leggings, and relax in the freedom of an oversized tee.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Maternity Dresses
• Maternity Leggings
• Maternity Pants
• Maternity Shorts
• Maternity Tops

1. Stock up on a few oversized T-shirts and blouses. Look for silhouettes that taper out from the armpit and chest, giving your belly room to move.

2. Build multiple outfits around a unitard. This great basic piece allows your belly to rest unencumbered and is versatile enough to pair with a blouse, T-shirt, sweater or even a babydoll dress.

3. Buy a pair of casual maternity pants. Look for khakis, jeans and leggings engineered with generous front panels and wide elastic bands.

4. Opt for simple T-shirt dresses cut in an A-line for spring and summer. Remember that as your belly grows, dresses and skirts will hike up in front.

5. Go for knit leggings and tunic sweaters in the winter. Ribbed knits in particular will stretch as you stretch, keeping you warm and comfortable.

6. Invest in a pair of overalls. You can wear them with just about any top, and their generously cut leg and midsection provide a roomy and comfortable casual option.

Tips & Warnings

• Let your clothes stretch as you stretch. Buy styles that have elastic and spandex, or rayon/polyester combinations often referred to as jersey.
• Look in the plus-size department of your local department store, in addition to maternity stores, to maximize your selection.
• Borrow instead of buy. Your husband, older brother or male cousins may have a stash of T-shirts or button-down shirts that would fit perfectly into your new wardrobe.
• Avoid any styles that cut into your belly. They'll eventually become uncomfortable and may cut off your circulation.

on 11/22/2005 My dear, sweet husband has a beer belly that makes him look like he is about six or seven months along, so his clothes are perfect for my pregnancy! Maternity clothes are SO expensive, so you should splurge if you are going to a nice function but otherwise live in sweatshirts and sweatpants. The plus-size section is built for women with larger busts and stomachs, so that is also an option. The last thing in the world you need to worry about is "looking good" since the most important thing is to be comfortable and happy, and the "glow" of pregnancy will make you look beautiful even in your husband's over-sized clothing. :)

on 11/22/2005 When I was pregnant with my twins, I LIVED in men's sweatpants. The men's style is cut differently and is much more comfy than women's(have you ever noticed how a guy's beer belly closely resembles a pregnant belly?). I was on bedrest for almost the entire pregnancy, so the sweats were a good option in the winter months, when I would get too warm and then chilly...I was always cozy.