Pregnancy is a weird and awesome thing. Your body is creating a human, a perfect combination of you and your partner. But all beauty and magic aside, there are aspects of it that are complicated and just plain uncomfortable . Take dressing, for instance; your body will get bigger. Some bodies more than others. Mine was in the latter category, but that is beside the fact…
Pregnancy seems like a long time in the moment, but the reality is that it doesn’t last long. That beautiful, round belly will be gone before you know it. Not a lot of people (myself included!) want to spend a ton of money on maternity clothes. Not that there is anything wrong with maternity clothes, and I believe that certain pieces should be invested in, but they are expensive and an investment for such a short part of your life. So what is a girl to do?
My friend Shelly (isn’t she adorable!) was talking to me about her frustrations with dressing her bump. She is pregnant with her third little girl in three years and is now 25 weeks along. Not only did she not have a lot that fit/lasted from the other pregnancies, but she didn’t want to spend a ton of money on items that would only be worn for a few more months. So we set out to get shopping! I mean, pull my arm 😉
At first I was super excited at the challenge. And then I admitted defeat. Was it really possible to find these unicorn items? And then Shelly tried on a few things and hope was restored! Check out what we tried on and worked for both pregnancy and after. (All sizing recommendations/shopping links can be found at the bottom of the post).
The Choices
First up was this funnel neck tunic. This had a split side hem, which allows for a little more breathing room for the bump. But when worn when not pregnant, it just has the perfect drape! The material is the softest waffle knit, making it a great option for a winter pregnancy. As the bump grows, you can get away with the front getting slightly shorter just by pairing it with a black camisole underneath.
I really want this for myself! It’s so soft and so comfortable. Super cute with jeans like shown here, but also would be perfect for lounging around the house with leggings #SAHM.
Next up was this adorable ruffle sleeve dress. Shelly picked this up and I wasn’t sure it would work, but I was pleasantly surprised! The material is more of a sweatshirt, making it super cozy. It also has the same split-side hem the tunic had, perfect for a little more body grace.
I need more church options, so this is sitting in my shopping cart! Super cute, but also functional. The material would allow me to chase children but look cute and appropriate while doing it!
This tunic is one I have had for a few years and was the first thing to come to my mind when Shelly talked to me about this subject. It drapes so nicely over the bump! I wore this through almost my entire pregnancy with Eloise. You can see it is longer in the back, but is roomy in all the right places.
So my brain can’t do too many things at the same time and I spaced trying this on in the store. But as you can see, of course I own this top! I wear it with leather leggings for a date, with jeans and a front tuck, and I’ve even worn it all the way tucked in with a high waisted skirt. This top is such a great investment!
This dress I know you’ve seen before so I’m sorry (but really, I’m not sorry because you need to buy it!). The ruching on the side of this dress is so beautiful, and it works so perfectly with the bump! It gives just enough room for a growing bump in the most flattering way.
Don’t be surprised seeing me in this dress. Would you just buy it already? I’ll wait for my thank you card in the mail… ???? It is just such a versatile dress and so flattering.
Shop & Sizing Info
Click on the picture or on the text link to shop!
<<<
zing for pregnancy]
funnel neck tunic (size up) / leggings (size down) / ruffle dress (size up) / roll tab tunic (size down)/ ruched dress (size up two)/ cardigan<<
ick on the picture or the text link to shop!
[pre/post pregnancy sizing]
funnel neck tunic (size up) / destroyed denim (TTS) / booties (TTS) similar booties, in stock / ruffle dress (TTS) / roll tab tunic (size down) / leggings (size down) / ruched dress (size up)
So you see, it is possible! They may not last the entire pregnancy (I’m looking at you, month nine), but they can pull double duty for quite a bit. The key is to finding the right silhouette and the right size, and consider layering simple pieces like tees and leggings with open front cardigans (I LIVED in this through pregnancy!).
Did you have any items that you could wear through pregnancy and after the fact? Which item above was your favorite? Share below!
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