Maternity clothes can be expensive. In actuality, there are many regular styles of dresses, tops, sweaters, coats and other clothes that women can wear during pregnancy and after.
Regular Tops and Dresses That Work as Maternity
When it comes to tops, the following styles are all loose fitting and would work for the second and even third trimester. Styles that work: empire waist tops, gauze tops, peasant tops, tunics, georgette tops, tie front tops, slub tops (tight at top and bottom but bulky in the middle) drapey tops, blouson tops, swing tops and kimono tops.
The same situation holds true with dresses. There are many designs that work perfectly for a pregnant belly. Styles that work: baby doll dresses, empire waist dresses, drop waist dresses, t-shirt dresses, smock dresses, handkerchief dresses and caftan dresses. All tend to hang from the chest and can be also be worn postpartum when loose fitting clothing is still needed.
Normal Coats and Sweaters Ideal for Maternity Wear
If pregnant during the colder months, sweaters are a necessity. Styles that work: shrugs (just wear a top underneath), draped cardigans, long or cropped cardigans, shawl collar sweaters, capelet sweaters, trapeze sweaters, and tunic sweaters. The sweater should fit long, well below the belly so it doesn’t ride up, or cropped short so it fits above the belly and can be worn over a shirt or top.
It is always difficult to justify buying a maternity coat that will be worn once for a couple of months. The good news is that there are many styles of coats and jackets that will work. Styles that work: ponchos, sweater coats, wraps, shawls, capes, swing coats, capelet jackets, georgette jackets, bolero jackets, trapeze coats and Balmacaan coats. All of these styles tend to be loose or wide fitting by nature, making it suitable for a pregnant belly. Plus, a coat will not get stretched out so it can be worn again when no longer pregnant.
Everyday Pants and Sleepwear during Pregnancy
For pants, maternity pants are likely the only comfortable option, however, cotton yoga pants that have a roll down waistband are a good choice for casual wear or relaxing. However, they will stretch out and, as such, may not be wearable after the pregnancy is over.
For sleepwear, regular nightgowns in a larger size and a stretch material are a good bet or even a husband’s T-shirt and pyjama bottoms.
Plus Size Stores for Maternity Clothes
Pregnant women can try stores that sell plus sizes, searching their clearance sections for real savings. Keep in mind that wearing plus sizes instead of maternity clothes really only works for tops, sweaters, dresses and sleepwear, not so much for pants and skirts as the belly panel is really needed for these to fit and drape properly.
Maternity shoes are also important. Again, the great thing about a lot of these clothes is that they can be worn both during pregnancy and postpartum when still carrying the baby weight as well as when back to regular size. Getting any of these styles on sale makes it even more cost effective.
Gail Oliver - Gail is an author, writer and researcher. She has been quoted in magazines as diverse as Cosmopolitan and Maclean's. Gail writes on a ...
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