I’ve talked about this in my weekly pregnancy updates, but aside from pants, I haven’t been wearing a lot of maternity clothes. I’m fortunate to have a lot of looser tops in my existing wardrobe so a lot of the outfits I’m posting aren’t anything new if you’ve been reading my blog for awhile—they just fit differently now because of my shape and it’s fun to document that.
I think during a first pregnancy buying maternity clothes can be very exciting. I’ve definitely checked out Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in the Pod and GAP’s maternity selections, but the truth is, I didn’t really want to spend a ton of money buying new clothes that I would only wear for a short period of time.
I actually know several bloggers who also transitioned a lot of their existing wardrobe into their maternity wear, so it was fun to follow their pregnancies and see how they were styling some of the items that they wore pre-pregnancy.
Obviously I’ll eventually get to the point where I will need maternity clothes, so I realize that I’ll have to transition into the pieces my co-worker generously passed along to me, but until then, I’ve been enjoying experimenting with the pieces already in my closet.
One of those pieces is this dress I got at Banana Republic. I actually purchased it early into my pregnancy anticipating that I’d be able to wear it as my belly grows because it has this great ruching and is super stretchy—and long—which is key when your belly makes everything shorter.
It’s such a simple piece and I’ve enjoyed wearing it through all three trimesters.
Dress- Banana Republic (similar, under $40) | Necklace- Stella & Dot c/o (similar, similar) | Shoes- Zara (older)
How long were you able to extend your existing wardrobe during your pregnancy? Leave me a comment below!
I really like your outfit, so pretty!
That's the perfect dress for pregnancy! You look fabulous!
I'm impressed with how you are using your current clothes this long. Most of my clothes were more fitted and my bra size changed immediately, so I couldn't get away with wearing my regular wardrobe much past 23 weeks. I'm also tall, so I need the length in shirts when I'm not pregnant and things like camis weren't running quite as long five years ago. But I also really didn't want to ruin my non-maternity clothes (pants in particular) by stretching them beyond their true purpose for too long of a time.
You definitely look cuter than I did. When you do start to wear them, maternity clothes are pretty comfortable, though.
I love those shoes!
I was able to remain fairly maternity clothing free until about 8 months … then things just got too big!
You look so chic! Love this look…I was able to wear non-maternity dresses through my pregnancy and I know you will too! It's kind of fun reinventing your wardrobe during pregnancy!
Looks great! Would you mind sharing some of the bloggers whose pregnancy style you admire? Or maybe like a "style inspiration" post like you would do back in the day?
I love that you are still wearing heels! I wear heels to work but it's getting more uncomfortable the further along in my pregnancy I get. I started out my pregnancy buying just a couple necessary things like skirts and pants. I also don't want to spend money on things I'll only wear for a little bit. Plus, it's much more fun to shop for baby clothes 🙂
what a great dress! it's the perfect length too. that's the only thing I've had a hard time with, I'm 5'8", but my height comes from my legs (my torso is super short) so most of my dresses are too short for work/church appropriate now. You're so lucky!
You look great! If I can be this fit & fabulous while pregnant that would make it all worth it:)
You are such a cute pregnant lady! Can't stand it! What are you wearing for pants right now, you have almost always mentioned the Gap Maternity ones, but what about casual like jeans? Or capris? Shorts?
You look amazing. At least you didn't have to spend a lot in clothes, but I know some people can fit in there old clothes
kisses
Romantique Obsession
Love the dress and the shoes combo!
Haven't been pregnant quite yet, but I hope to be all belly like you! 🙂
I think using your existing wardrobe is so great! I can't imagine spending so much money on new clothes you'll only wear for a few months! I think dresses are the way to go because of the stretch factor.
I hope I look as fab as you preggers!! You are adorable! I love all the wardrobe advice!
I don't think you will necessarily need maternity. If you look at my photos, the jeans and the striped (ruched at sides) shirt were the only maternity things I wore, aside form work pants. I had a milly tshirt with silk collar that was cute and had lots of stretch. By the end you kind of get into a rut and wear what's comfy. 🙂 Or I did since I was at home.
I'm still wearing a lot of my old normal clothes along with a few tops I've purchased over the months. 🙂 Most of my outfits are oversized as well, so that really helps. However, bottoms are a whooooole different story!
I hope to look half as amazing as you when I'm pregnant! I'm always checking my dash to see if there's a new post from you (:
I just posted my very first giveaway and would love for you to check it out!
Tailored Seams
you are SUCH a cutie pie 🙂 I hope I'm as cute as you when I'm sporting a bump!
There were certain dresses I was able to fit into for a while during pregnancy. I would say by Dec-Jan though ( I was due in APril), is when it ended.
Love the look!! I like seeing you OOTDs, as well as your maternity updates. I wore a Bella Band on most of my pants so I only had to buy a few maternity items.
My attire for work is pretty casual, so I was able to get away with tank tops layered underneath cardigans for a while. Once my belly started really growing around 20 weeks I invested in some maternity shirts. Nothing special, though, I actually just bought a whole array of maternity tanks and long-sleeved cotton Vnecks or embellished short sleeved shirts from Gap and Old Navy. I purchased two or three nice maternity sweaters from Target, and that was the extent of my maternity wardrobe.
To be perfectly honest, I still wear some of my maternity shirts! I wear the tank tops if I'm feeling a little bloated because they don't cling like regular tanks do. I actually wore one of my maternity sweaters to work yesterday. It doesn't even look like a maternity sweater on which is awesome because I spent about $30 on it so it's nice to get more use out of it after pregnancy.
You look great! I was able to wear my regular clothes well into my 7th month! Then my belly popped and I had no choice but to live in maxi dresses, yoga pants and maternity tanks. If you ever get there, Old Navy has cute, inexpensive maternity wear!
Beautiful look on you.If you get a sec, check out my latest post 'Wrapped in Black and White'.
Have a great weekend.
Sofia
stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com
I found I was able to wear a lot of my non maternity clothes through the end of my pregnancy. I did invest in pregnancy jeans and bought basic tanks and tees from Gap. But I had several BR dresses that took me through the end as well! You are looking fantastic!!
Chelsea
Haute Child in the City
You look great as usual!
I've been mostly wearing my normal clothes, I've hardly brought any maternity items at all! I always wore baggier comfier clothes anyway so this has helped. I've just brought a few tops and leggings in a couple of sizes bigger throughout my pregnancy and this has worked for me.
Alex
Bump to Baby