If you’re expecting, you are probably over the moon about the pending arrival of your little bundle of joy. However, you may not be so excited about the maternity fashions out there and how much they cost. There are ways to dress stylishly as a proud pregnant mama — all while on a budget. Check out these six tips for a stylish budget-friendly pregnancy.
1. Invest in leggings. These will save you more than once when your legs and ankles are swollen and you just don’t feel stylish. Pair the leggings with a long maternity top in a complementary color or pattern and you’ll instantly feel more relaxed and comfortable. The tight fitting nature of the leggings can help with the swelling plus they’re an excellent basic component to any wardrobe. Leggings can be worn in the warm weather as well as the cold, so their versatility is another reason you should choose this fashion element. They’re pretty forgiving, too, so on your worst days when you just want to cover your bump and thighs, a long top over, these leggings will do the trick. Wear them with boots or a comfortable pair of tennis shoes to round out the look.
2. Don’t be afraid to don skinny jeans. Just because you’re anything from skinny around your midsection, this doesn’t mean you can’t show off your legs with a pair of super stretchy skinny jeans that complement your figure. Many makers of maternity wear now make stretchy jeans that not only fit well but also flaunt what you do have. Because they’re not your standard stiff denim, you’ll feel comfortable all day long.
3. Don’t get lost in bulky clothing. Just because your belly is growing, this doesn’t mean you have to look like an umbrella for six months. Choosing clothes that fit snugly will slim your silhouette and bring out the features you want to show off, such as your arms and legs. It’s tempting to want to hide your size but this only serves to weigh you down and make you look bigger than you are. Cut down on the bulk and go for a streamlined effect instead. A tight-sleeved top with stretchy jeans and a loose scarf draped around your neck, perhaps paired with a blazer, is a much smarter look than a mumu.
4. Wear pops of color. Don’t fade into the background of your pregnancy. Instead, stand proud and dress in eye-catching colors appropriate for the season. While neutral tones such as blacks and grays tend to be slimming, you’ll brighten your mood with “happy” colors such as yellow, pink, blue and white in the spring, for example. To cut down on the expense of buying a whole new wardrobe, simply add a colorful scarf to your all-black outfit to make a statement.
5. Accessorize. We all know how cost prohibitive maternity wear can be. It’s best to buy a few simple outfits that will grow with you and accessorize and customize those outfits to truly own the look. In addition to accessorizing with chunky necklaces, earrings, bracelets and belts, you can also add on ruffled trims, beads and embroidery as you see fit to enhance your style.
6. Dress in layers. When the weather fluctuates from day to day, keep your cool with a layered look that’s stylish, budget-friendly and easy to wear. Do a simple tank top or t-shirt underneath a see-through sweater that gives just a hint of what’s underneath. Pair it with a simple thin belt at the top of your belly and a pair of leggings and you’re good to go. Add a thin blazer on top and you can handle anything the weather throws your way.
The key to having a stylish budget-friendly pregnancy is to take advantage of the items you already own. There is no need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe. Simply stock up on the essentials and then accentuate them with clothing and accessories that look great pregnant or not.
What are your budget-friendly tips for looking stylish when pregnant?
Mary
Monday 24th of February 2014
Thanks for the info...as a person who is thinking of getting pregnant with in the next few years I will definitely use this!