Baby Baking is a weekly pregnancy series written almost entirely by our pregnant writer, Vanessa. Note, official DudeMom is not, now or ever again, expecting a baby.
Before I got pregnant I thought I would avoid those maternity pants with the over the belly panels. I mean, they make cute under the belly cuts now. And why do I need my pants tucked under my boobs so unstylishly anyway?
Besides, I wouldn’t need that many maternity clothes anyway, I’d just continue to wear my regular clothes for a few months. Belly bands are an awesome invention and, duh, everyone knows about the rubber band trick.
That lasted about a month.
Really.
Even my “pregnancy pants” got retired before I said hello to the second trimester. You know, the ones with the high waist you giggle about with your other never been pregnant before friends? After spending an hour with that high waist digging awkwardly into my sort of belly I’d rolled them down below my maternity undies for comfort and happiness. Note: high waist does NOT, in fact, equal maternity. Also, my desire to be stylish is far outweighed by my desire to move in comfort and breathe easily.
Fortunately, I’ve determined that I can be both comfortable and cute (relatively anyay considering all of the uncute moments this pregnancy has bestowed upon me thus far) for the duration of this baby baking.
I bought my first pair of maternity jeans while suffering in those high waisted numbers: cute, skinny jeans, with an over the belly panel.
They are the most comfortable jeans ever. Whoever created the belly panel was touched by an angel. Because, YES!
As much as I want to, I can’t go to work with my Crab Man t-shirt and sweat pants. Having a sensible, functional maternity style that is budget friendly is a must.
Here are my maternity style essentials…
1. A button up shirt. For looking like a pro-fesh-on-al. I like a white one with a basic boyfriend cut because it’s versatile; I can pair it with a blazer for work, or with jeans on the weekend, or with leggings when I’m just going to Whole Foods to get French toast sticks a fruit salad.
2. Tops for layering. Easy to dress up or down but long enough so you aren’t flashing clients your brand new outtie at the staff meeting.
3. JEANS! I like the panel kind, but the underbelly ones aren’t so bad.
4. Workout wear. Because I AM GOING TO PRENATAL YOGA. Seriously. Like, one day. Shut up.
5. A little black dress. For going out. But can work in the office too with a cardigan or a jacket.
6. Basic black slacks. Pregnant or not you need this in our wardrobe.
7. Comfy shoes. Come on, the pumps stay on for about 15 minutes these days. Just invest in something sensible and stylish. Your balance is jacked anyway, no point in risking a tumble down the stairs in heels.
8. A skirt. Can breathe a little fun into your weekend wear and works in the office too.
9. A fancy top. Another one to dress up or down. Pair it with a jacket or a scarf. With jeans or slacks. At work or on the weekends.
10. A wrap cardigan. No pregnant lady should leave home without one.
11. Undies & leggings. The first you are going to want even if you don’t think you will. There’s nothing quite like the pain of ill fitting drawers. And the leggings can just be worn with so many things. Or with nothing else. Get a few well made pairs and you’ll see what I mean!
Where to shop: All featured items are from my favorite online maternity shopping destinations: H&M, Gap, Destination Maternity, and Asos.
Before I got pregnant, I also thought the same.But when i found a online shop for maternity wear, I had become very happy because of wearing clothes of my choice.
You can also buy clothes from maternitywear.com.au.