By Teresa Gallagher and Maria Mueller
Congratulations! Youve just found out that you will be expecting a new baby!
...Sooner or later, you realize that you are going to need a maternity wardrobe.
Where do you start?
Here are some basic dos and donts to take the anxiety out of shopping for maternity clothing that will help you look and feel your best during your pregnancy.
DONT...DELAY!
Why frustrate yourself by trying to expand waistlines with elastic bands
and open buttons? With the exception of a few people, buying maternity clothes
will be inevitable. The more wear you are able to get out of them, the better
your investment will be. So, as soon as you cant zip up your favorite pair
of jeans, treat yourself to the comfort of maternity jeans - topped with your
everyday button down white oxford, no one will know the difference, but you
will certainly feel it!
DO...MAXIMIZE YOUR INVESTMENT!
Avoid impulsive shopping sprees! Start slowly and work your way up, selecting
clothes that will work well together. For your first pieces, try to stick with
basics that will go with everything. As you "grow" along, add fashionable
prints and colors that will mix and match, giving you fresh new looks, as well
an occasional, much needed, psychological boost. Black leggings, denim jeans,
twill pants, and a short cotton interlock skirt are a few ideas for basic bottoms
that allow creative combinations with any color or print top.Or, if you prefer
to wear your tops as your basics, try a white or classic French blue button down
oxford, a denim shirt, or a solid color cotton/spandex tunic top.
After establishing your basics, then feel free to splurge on that one complete
fashion piece you just cant live without - a boot leg jumpsuit, a fabulous
print dress, or a coordinating pant suit. This will add a big splash of fashion
to your maternity wardrobe in a financially minimal way.
For the workplace, if you need a 2 piece suit, start with one great style that
makes you feel every bit as professional as you did before. If you need black
or dark blue, look for some texture in the material, such as a ribbing, to
add some interest. If color is acceptable in your work environment, venture
from black to contemporary eggplants and burgundies. But take a wait- and- see
approach. Resist the temptation to go out and buy five work outfits. You might
be able to use your basic bottoms here, and coordinate them with a fashionable
cardigan sweater set, or a solid color separates jacket layered over a smart
career blouse.
DONT....PANIC!
Maternity manufacturers have finally realized that women would like to continue
dressing in the pre-pregnancy style to which they have become accustomed.
You will find a great selection of outfits styled to flatter your figure.
Top quality maternity vendors such as Japanese Weekend, Belly Basics, and
Duet Designs have brought boot leg pants, tailored career suits, and cardigan
sweater sets to the maternity marketplace. Youll also be able to find many
occasional outfits, such as a basic Little Black Dress, to take you through
all your special events and parties!
DO...WEAR WHAT YOURE USED TO!
Choose the fashions and colors that best fit your personality and make you
feel great! If you love (or have) to wear two-piece suits to work, there are
many fabulous and affordable options. If you were not comfortable wearing
hosiery pre-pregnancy, you dont have to start wearing them now. There are
many fresh, new styles in maternity pants and pants suits to select from,
ranging from basic leggings, to boot legs, to bell bottoms! And you have just
as many color and print options as your non-maternity peers. While basic
black is always a secure choice, the newest shades like soft lilac and French
blue are almost irresistible.
DONT...SKIMP!
...on quality. Most women do not purchase more pieces than they need for the
term of their pregnancy. Sooner or later, maternity clothes are stored or
given away. They wear the same pants and tops over and over. This usually
means repeated washing or cleaning. You dont want to see your favorite pair
of leggings unravel before your eyes, which is the downside to poorly
manufactured clothes. The key is to look for the best quality in what you
need as you go, and to make all the pieces work together and count.
DO...SHOP SMART!
Inquire about return policies before you purchase. Many stores will only
allow you to make an exchange or receive store credit. If so, make sure to
try the clothes on. Many mail order and internet maternity boutiques will
necessarily permit returns because of your inability to try on selections,
but be aware of time restrictions and calculate the cost of return or
exchange shipping in your decision to buy.
Select your pre-pregnancy size. Maternity clothes are designed this way.
After all, your arms and legs dont get longer, and your basic body structure
will remain the same. Well made maternity clothes give you the extra room
only where you need it - belly, bust, hips, and arm holes - while
maintaining the pre-pregnancy proportions of each size range. Front hemlines
on tops and jackets may be slightly longer earlier in your term to allow for
gradual leveling out as your belly expands. Also earlier on, expect a little
extra material in dresses and jackets to allow for expansion - jacket clips
or built in ties are used to gather it back until you need it (and you will!).
DO...BE CONFIDENT!
The variety of maternity styles and shopping options should give you great
confidence in selecting a wardrobe. Be confident that the fashion you crave
is out there for you, and be confident that you are able to expect the best
and know how to get it. Looking your best will make you feel great, and
feeling great is what its all about!
Best wishes for a healthy and happy pregnancy!
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