Welcome to the first MyDCStyle for Mommy-To-Be post!
As you already know, I'm 5 months preggos, so I've recently experienced what it's like to buy for the bump I've developed. I've learned in these early months, it's important to shop for clothing that you can grown in to. First and foremost though, utilize everything you have in your existing wardrobe as long as you can - look for tunics, over-sized sweaters (Vince sweaters are great for pregnancy wear because they're so roomy), wrap dresses, etc. Then once your pants, skirts and blouses start looking noticeably too tight, you'll know it's time to head out and do some serious shopping!
Above is Yours Truly (with my amazing cousin Noah) wearing my fav booties that I wear with almost everything by Elie Tahari, a stretchy pencil skirt from Isabella Oliver and charcoal gray sweater from Anthropologie.
It's time to be picky though - don't splurge on pieces you're only going to wear for a few months. Also, don't think solely maternity clothing! Just think of going up a larger size or two and you'll see you have SO many more options in terms of style because you won't be limited to the maternity clothing stores. Oh, and visit the outlets, TJ MAxx and the sale section of every store you love - you'll find great deals and you'll get more bang for your buck! As for essential maternity pieces for - maternity jeans and skirts because they have a band that will stretch as your belly grows and grows!
Sweater dresses are great for the growing belly! The one below from The Limited is fabulous for mommies-to-be because of the empire waist and it's also stylish with a cowl neck collar and a fun bell sleeves. A piece like this is worth scooping up in more than one color and fortunately this one is available in black and tan as well.
Don't be afraid to visit the men's section once in a while! Seriously - most button downs for women even in a size large still won't leave you much room to grown in to, but try a small or a medium in a men's size and you'll find it's the perfect find! The other day, I was looking for a cute plaid shirt and found that even a women's size large wasn't fitting right - it was too tight in the rear and bust line. So I headed to the men's section of JCrew and scored this great plaid button down which I intend to pair with a pair of black skinny jeans and a chunky necklace.
Roomy sweaters are imperative for your mommy-to-be wardrobe. This olive green chunky knit sweater from Anthropologie looks great with a fitted white tank paired with a pair of leggings or jeans. It's a great sweater because it leaves room for your belly to grow and comes in ivory too - I got both! :o) You'll be cozy and look cute as a button!
For all my 9-5 gals, dressing for the office can be daunting with a growing belly. But have no fear - wrap dresses and sweater dresses will go a long way especially if you have a couple of good blazers! You'll want a neutral - a black blazer should be your first purchase - and then you can throw in a colored blazer. From there you can pair a classic black wrap dress like the one below from Banana Republic and throw on a crisp white or tan blazer, a pair of black opaque tights and heels and viola! You'll be the most stylish lady in the office! The next week, wear the same black wrap dress and accessorize it with a chunky necklace and you've got an entirely new outfit.
It's going to be cold outside this winter, but don't splurge on a coat that you won't be able to wear next winter since you'll be back to your pre-baby bump figure! Instead find a fabulous shawl or cape. The one below from Lord & Taylor is wonderful because it's reversible and comes in a brown/tan combo, too. I wear this thing everywhere over a fitted black turtleneck or a chunky sweater paired with black skinny jeans, riding boots and gloves - rock star mama-to-be! :o) It'll work worn over a dress too and keeps you really warm! Best part - I'll wear it post pregnancy.
Oh and don't forget - ACCESSORIES ARE EVERYTHING! Scarves, statement necklaces, bold earrings, bracelets, belts, etc., you can truly create new looks with your old frocks simply by accessorizing. Stella & Dot is a great source for fabulous pieces of jewelry at a reasonable price and I love this new necklace from their holiday collection. It would look great over a red empire waist dress or wear it with a crisp white button down with a pair of maternity skinny jeans.
If you're looking for a timeless piece to splurge on start stalking stores like Tari in Georgetown where they sell designer, vintage and couture clothing and accessories. A friend of mine recently scored an amazing gold vintage Chanel necklace for a great price and something like that can be worn dressed up or down and will last you for years to come.
Stay tuned for more Mommy-To-Be posts!
XOXO
~MyDCStyle
You look amazing!
Posted by: Angie | 11/28/2011 at 05:08 AM
Congratulations, April! You look great. I love this post!
Posted by: Melissa | 11/28/2011 at 06:10 AM
You look gorgeous, April!
Posted by: Linda Lam | 11/28/2011 at 06:12 AM
Awww...LOVE! And great advice for mommies-to-be!
Posted by: Laurie Bracewell | 11/28/2011 at 08:52 AM
Couldn't Be happier for you. Thank you for styling me when I was pregnant. You made me an absolutely fabulous mommy to be!
Posted by: Leah Kiarash | 12/03/2011 at 08:57 AM