How to Plan a Maternity Wardrobe

If you are pregnant, you may be wondering about maternity clothing. Growing out of your regular clothes can create varying emotions, but there is no need to worry. Today, it can be easy to plan a maternity wardrobe that is both stylish and cost conscious.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the seasons during which you will be pregnant. The season will affect the kind of maternity wardrobe that you plan to purchase. For example, if you are going to be pregnant during the winter, you may need a winter coat. If you are going to be pregnant during the summer, you may want to look for a bathing suit.

2. Consider career clothing for your maternity wardrobe. If you will be working during your pregnancy, choosing career clothing that is stylish and professional is crucial. Try to stick with a few basic pieces in basic colors for your career wardrobe. A skirt, button down shirts, a jacket, pants, a dress and sweaters may all be part of your career wardrobe.

3. Think about your casual maternity wardrobe. Everyone will need casual maternity clothing. You may choose sweaters, pants, skirts, long-sleeved knit shirts and dresses for casual winter clothes. For a casual summer maternity wardrobe, you may want capri pants, shorts, sundresses, T-shirts, tank tops and skirts. Jeans are also an integral part of any maternity wardrobe.

4. Look for new maternity undergarments. Most pregnant women will need a new bra at some point during their pregnancy. Purchase one or two bras that can accommodate your changing size. You can wear the maternity bras post-pregnancy as well. Underwear is also something to consider. You can purchase maternity underwear or regular underwear in a larger than you normally wear.

5. Look for places to purchase your maternity wardrobe. You can buy maternity clothes at maternity stores, maternity clothing outlets, department stores, discount stores or consignment shops. You can also borrow maternity clothing from your friends or you can purchase maternity

Tips & Warnings

• Choosing some pieces of your maternity wardrobe in basic colors, such as black or brown, is a wise idea. This way, you can mix and match these pieces with the more colorful pieces in your wardrobe and get more mileage out of your clothes.
• You don't need to buy a huge maternity wardrobe. Choose a few pieces and accessorize your outfits with accessories, such as jewelry and shoes, to add interest to and change up your outfits.
• Try to choose maternity clothing that has stretch. Clothes with stretch will be more likely to fit you during your entire pregnancy and beyond.
• Some stores and online sites sell clothing starter kits, such as the Belly Basics Kit. These kits have a few basic pieces, such as a skirt and a top, in basic colors, such as black. These kits can be an easy way to start building your maternity wardrobe.
• Fitted clothing can be very attractive on a pregnant woman. Fitted clothes show off your new shape and make you look smaller. Oversized clothing can make you look larger than you are and make you feel frumpy.