My first pregnancy made me lose my self. Plus finding the right maternity outfit ideas can be very difficult. I was literarily dressed in ugly dresses such that I couldn’t wait to give birth. You know that feeling of counting down to look chic again. It can be empowering yet depressing.
Why do I have to give birth before looking stylish? Why are all the maternity outfits so ugly? Some of them look like they made for wives in the 80s. I just do not want that for my second baby. Plus, you need to change your wardrobe for the bump that last only nine months.
In the first pregnancy, I just couldn’t bear to shop the maternity section to pack it away after giving birth. So, I opted for thrift pieces by just going a size or two up as the bump grows. Well, it worked but, I felt bad that I had to put them away. Now I have hacked the tips of making my current pieces in my wardrobe work me. Did little maternity shopping and I feel so good. Let me share my tips and cute maternity outfit ideas you’d probably have in your closet.
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Maternity outfit ideas: Tips
I know how it is just go shopping while the fit is just for a season. Whether you just want one child or two? Even more, it makes no sense to go shopping maternity lines. Plus, they are ugly ASF. Here are my tips to shop your closet for maternity outfits.
- Pick out your loose outfit and wear them as the bump grows. There are always those outfits you shop for that are obviously a size or two too large, yet you keep them because you love them so much. Well, they are serving me now. They are being put to good use.
- Don’t throw out your existing closet. You can still wear your fitted outfits like bodycon dresses, shirt dresses among others. Style your tank tops with loose pants to carry the bump. Style your bodycon dresses with an oversized blazer. This I used to make me feel comfortable or simply keep the bump in until you cannot hide it anymore.
- If you must shop, go a size up. Yep, I don’t shop maternity lines. I shopped regular fashion brands and simply go a size up. Typically, I am a size 8 but lately I shop size 10 outfits. And I know after birth, I can just tailor them to fit. And voila, it still works in my closet.
Maternity Outfit ideas: What to wear to stay stylish with the bump
I struggled with not losing myself in the first pregnancy. So, this time around, I chose to look good while making a baby. Why do I have to look like I am suffering just because I am preggy. Like I chose to slay with the bump.
Let me share some of my outfit ideas or formula to look put together while still pregnant.
Shirt dress
Typically, shirt dresses are made to be loose fitting. So, it is my go-to maternity outfit ideas. Although some of my shirt dress work well belted. But the key for me is to be comfortable as possible.
One of the easiest pregnancy outfit ideas you probably already own, is a shirt dress. If you are pregnant and need to shop one, go a size up. It will serve you all through your maternity journey.
Shop for Bubu Gowns
Most countries have these types of gowns that are breezy and maxi length. I just can’t remember the other names for it. As a Nigerian, we call it bubus.
Bubus are super stylish outfits you can rock without being pregnant but girl, they help you feel comfortable in your outfit and fits the bump. I also have cute bubus in my closet. I have stripe dress with Aso-oke mix and of course, a recent addition which a hooded Ankara bubu dress from IDJankara in Nigeria.
Style your Mini or Midi dresses with pants
Typically, a midi or mini dress during pregnancy is a no no. But you can work those mini or midi dresses that are loose fitting and not too tight. Yes, they work well as tops.
The bump makes such dresses shorter. What better way to wear them than as a dress. I got mini dress for Christmas party. But I quickly discovered that the bump makes it too short. So, I styled it with pants. Denim pants or dress pants that fits loosely will work.
Bodycon dress and Oversized blazers
I have been a girly that loves oversized blazers but lately I am a convert of oversized blazers. I love bodycon dresses as they are perfect for my body size. So, I still wear them during my pregnancy.
Just styled them with an oversized blazer instead of an oversized blazer.
Other pregnancy outfit idea is an oversized t-shirt with leggings. Oversized T-shirt or tanks with capris or fitted pants. All you just need to do is to keep the pants under the bump for comfort. I rarely button up my pants lately because they don’t fit the bump. Yet I style them with anything oversized for better coverage.
Which of these maternity outfit ideas is your favorite? Which of these maternity outfit ideas is your go to? Are you an expectant mom or simply preparing for the next go around. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section. Ciao for now.