Maternity Style

A saleslady told me yesterday that I looked like I “stepped out of a J.Crew magazine.” I’m pretty sure that she a.) meant ‘catalog’ and b.) was trying to upsell me on some scented plastic* kids’ kitty shoes, but I’ll take it. The compliment and the shoes.

* Are plastic shoes a bad choice for daily wear? I usually only keep two pairs of shoes that fit each kid in rotation, and now those kitty shoes are one of them for E. Maybe I’m channeling my mother’s distaste for those jelly shoes I loved way back when, so serves me right I guess.

Anyway. I unpacked all of my maternity clothes a few weeks ago. I’m pretty sure normal people can wait until they’re a little further along, but with baby number three my body was all, “oh, pregnancy? I remember that!” And I puffed up so nicely that I looked about the same weeks 5-12, the bloating diminishing and subsiding just in time for the beginnings of a real baby bump. Since my clothes were getting too tight, I thought that maybe revisiting all of my old maternity options might be fun — like getting a whole new insta-wardrobe! There were a few pieces that I was happy to see again (long tanks, a couple of long-sleeve tees, a pair of stretchy skinny jeans, and a dress or two), but a lot of the clothes aren’t going to work this time around. Much of it is too big or for the wrong seasons, so I started pulling together a few things I might like to add to my wardrobe over on The Prowl. There’s an interesting crowdsource angle to it where you can ask or answer people’s style questions, or use it to create style boards like the one I made for maternity clothes.

Here are a few things I’ve had my eye on.

1. Striped Raglan Sweater and Skinny Mini Khakis
   This look is really all about the scarf, isn’t it? Note to self: scarves are your friend when working with a limited wardrobe.

2. The Bateau Top
   I love stripes on a round belly, and this top would get a lot of use by me.

3. The Jumper
   I chose this with a “why not?” attitude, and was quickly reminded of how often pregnant women need to use the bathroom. That’s probably the reason not, but it’s still pretty adorable.

4. Beach Mixed Stripe Maxi Dress
   I’m too busty for something with spaghetti straps, but I’m awfully fond of the neckline on this maxi dress. The colorblocked stripes are nice, too.

5. Attesa Empire Kimono Dress
   It’s nice to have one gorgeous maternity dress for dates and special occasions.

6. MAMA V-neck Blouse
   A pretty peachy color, sweet detail on the hem, and a flattering neckline and sleeve length. Perfect.

7. The Pixie Maternity Ankle Pants
   These are the best pants! Cheap, cute, and comfortable, and in a trendy ankle length.

8. 3/4-Sleeve Top
   I can’t get enough of simple, silky shirts these days, and this green is a great color.

9. 3/4-Sleeve Shift Dress
   More casual than the other dress, this is a cute everyday option (especially over leggings and with a statement necklace).

10. The Pixie Maternity Printed Skinny Ankle Pants
    The same as the black pants, but a slightly skinnier cut, and in a great pattern. I have both pants, but these are the ones I’m wearing more often.

11. Bombshell Maternity T Shirt
    I love this cheeky shirt, but I think the medium wouldn’t fit for too much longer (larger sizes are sold out). Bummer.

I show early and my first two babies were both big, so I’m always a little jealous of the ladies who can get away with wearing their normal clothes, just a little lower or unbuttoned. I have a lot of what I need already, but I was glad to pick up those two pants, and I’ll probably grab a couple of those shirts above and maybe the shift dress too. What about you? Do you stretch (literally) what you’ve got for as long as you can, go out and buy a whole new maternity wardrobe, or somewhere in between?