In the past every time I found out I was pregnant I instantly started looking at maternity clothes. Even when I was only 6 weeks along! Waiting in excitement for the day to finally be able to wear them.
Well, now the day is here 28 weeks pregnant and I have found shopping for maternity clothes to not be as fun as I had originally thought, not even close. I am finding this for a number of reasons. The clothes are not as cute as non-maternity and always seem to look frumpy and old. It’s expensive and has to almost all be bought online and returned by mail only. The last reason limits my selection the most as I won’t pay for shipping and will also not pay to have an item shipped back.
So 28 weeks in and I haven’t bought a whole lot, which is okay with me because it also saves money. Not working outside of the home I have found that I am able to get by with a few staples while still incorporating some of my pre-maternity tops, cardigans and scarves to change the look up slightly.
I thought I would share a few essentials that I have found to be versatile and very comfortable for the expanding belly.
I started with these jeans in my second trimester when the bump was a lot smaller and thought by now they for sure wouldn’t fit. They have expanded wonderfully with me and are a staple that I wear at least 2-3 times a week. They should also fit nicely postpartum because although they have a little stretch they don’t feel like maternity jeans.
I live in these shirts, they are so comfortable! I liked them so much I bought a couple in different colors. Great by themselves and also perfect for layering under winter sweaters that I already have or adding a scarf. Make sure to wait for 40% off to make your dollar stretch a little further.
I realize these don’t fit the under $30 category, but they are too good not to add to the list. Wait for a sale and you can get them for $30 in no time. I am not a fan of the full panel pants, but I am approaching the season where they are becoming more of a necessity. Then I discovered these, well worth the money! The design of the panel has you forgetting you are wearing a full panel and the non-jean material almost feels like sweatpants. Plus they can be dressed up or down.
Try the maternity selection on Thredup. You’ll save a ton, they have free shipping deals, and you get free returns if you choose store credit.
For me, that works because I budget how much I want to spend, and if the first piece doesn’t fit the bill, I just return it then use store credit for something that does 🙂
Hope that helps! We are praying for you and your beautiful family!!
And I forgot! Here’s my referral code so you get $20 off if you’d like to try it out. http://www.thredup.com/r/XSLKS0
Thank you! I will definitely need to try that, especially as I start looking for something to wear and fit for Christmas.
I own 4 of those GAP shirts (now 25 weeks along). Will definitely have to check out the pants you posted though since my JCREW pants are starting to go WAY below the belly :). My favorite thing to buy for pregnancy are long dresses and throw a cardigan over them—cheap maxi dresses work and can usually be worn post-pregnancy.
After 3 babes I know my pants won’t fit, but if you’re in need of some maternity tops for the 3rd tri, I’m sure we are fairly close. I also have a great maternity wool pea coat that you can have. Shoot me an email or FB message if you’re interested! That stuff is SO pricey!
Thanks, I may need to take you up on the pea coat. I am holding out on buying one, but am approaching the no zip zone on my winter coat and it’s only going to get colder!