Finding Fabulous Clothes While Pregnant
When I first became pregnant, one of the initial questions that crossed my mind was, "What will I wear?" As someone who could still fit into clothes from college or even from five years ago, I had never faced significant weight fluctuations. It had always been a mix of both blessing and curse. Pregnancy, however, brought about new changes, and with those changes came the need for a new wardrobe.
Being a smaller size, I initially thought I could get by with simply sizing up before needing actual maternity clothes, and in the beginning I did just that! Went from a small, to a medium to a large, until that look just didn’t work anymore. Despite some advice against it, I embraced the weight gain that came with pregnancy and knew I wouldn’t be in a hurry to shed the pounds post-birth. The last thing I wanted was for clothing to become a significant expense amidst all the other costs associated with preparing for a baby.
The High Cost of Maternity Clothes
Maternity clothes can indeed be expensive, and it's a common concern among many expectant mothers. But there are ways to look stylish and comfortable without breaking the bank. Remember, this is temporary. However, if you're like me and had to work in an office, you know the importance of showing up and still being able to look presentable, even though you may not be feeling your best.
Below are some tips and tricks that helped me save money on maternity wear without sacrificing style.
1. Research Your Favorite Maternity Brands
Start by identifying your top three maternity brands. Knowing which brands you love can help you focus your shopping efforts, whether you’re hunting for deals online or in stores. For me, the brands that stood out were HATCH, Old Navy/Gap, and SKIMS.
The Power of Second-Hand Shopping
Poshmark became my go-to platform for finding high-quality maternity clothes at a fraction of the cost. For instance, I love HATCH for its stylish and comfortable maternity wear, but I wasn’t willing to pay full price. By keeping an eye on Poshmark, I found great deals on HATCH pieces from other moms who no longer needed them. I would either search for newly listed items weekly, or made sure I liked certain items and waiting for the owners to offer me a discount.
Deals at Old Navy and Gap
Old Navy and Gap are reliable for their frequent cash-back deals and discounts. Shopping in-store often comes with the added bonus of receiving coupons for future purchases. For example, I would often get a coupon for $25 off my next purchase, which made it easier to budget for my growing wardrobe needs. When you get cashback deals, you have to spend by a certain time which can be annoying, but if you know a holiday or sale is coming up, using these cashback deals come in handy!
Investing in Key Pieces
There are some items worth investing in, even if it means paying full price. SKIMS, for example, offers maternity wear that is both VERY comfortable and supportive. While I did find some SKIMS pieces on Poshmark, there were certain items I chose to buy new. The quality and comfort made the investment worthwhile, and they became staples in my maternity wardrobe. Lastly, when skims offered the bi-annual sale I was able to get some post-partum clothing as well. Holding out for sales isn’t a bad idea if you don’t want to buy anything used!
Embracing the Journey
Finding maternity clothes doesn't have to be a stressful or costly experience. By mixing second-hand finds with strategic new purchases, you can create a versatile and stylish wardrobe that supports you through every stage of pregnancy. Remember, it’s okay to treat yourself to a few full-price items, especially if they bring you joy and comfort during this special time. And, if you’re anything like me and don’t mind buying used, keep your eye out on those poshmark deals! Maternity fashion is all about finding what works for you. Don’t be afraid to explore different brands, shop second-hand, and take advantage of sales. The goal is to feel good and look great without adding financial stress to your life. Happy shopping!