Having been pregnant 3x, I have learned some lessons along the way. One of it is not to buy maternity clothes or at least I would minimise spending too much on maternity wear. Maternity clothes can be expensive and it is sad to just stash it in the cabinet until you get pregnant again. Maybe one or two maternity leggings, pants & shorts would do and 1 nice maternity work or going out dress would be enough. It is best to save up the money for stuff that are more useful when baby comes.
So in my 2nd and 3rd pregnancy, I learned a few pregnancy hacks to avoid or minimise buying maternity wear. My goal is to buy clothes that I can still wear until I give birth. Here are my 5 Pregnancy Hacks on Avoiding Buying Maternity Clothes:
1. Buy Stretchy Clothes
Get regular stretchy clothes like spandex or knitted clothes to accommodate the growing bump. It would hug your hips to accentuate your lady shape but still showcase your beautiful bump. It wouldn’t make you look frumpy instead it would make you look sexy in spite of the additional weight in front. If you have problems with some flabs in the back portion, a nice long thin cardigan sweater can help that. I have gotten a few nice stretchy dresses at MDS and Tobi.
2. Get Empire-Cut Dresses
Credit: www. ebay.com
Empire-cut dresses are dresses that are cut below the bust. It looks cute but it gives a lot of room for my pregnant belly. Even after I give birth, I can still wear it like a nice baby-doll dress paired with a nice ballet flats or nude heels. I got a few empire-cut dresses from Korean Shop kiosks in mall basements or the kiosks stationed near MRT stations or bus interchange.
3. Get a One Size Larger Outfit
Credit: http://pinkpeonies.com/
I also adjust the size of the clothes I buy when I am pregnant. I buy one size bigger but I make sure that the shoulder and bust fits well so I would look like I borrowed my clothes from someone. So in some shops, I used to be an XS, I would get a S or in some shops, I am an M, I would get the L size. I would often shop at Cotton On, Temt or occasionally at Forever New.
4. Buy Maternity Tights and Pair with a Long Blouse or Tshirt
Credit: Kristin Cavallari
If there is one maternity item a pregnant mummy should buy, it would be a black maternity bamboo capri tights. I got mine from Bove by Spring Maternity. I love it! I even wear it even if I am not pregnant. It is even perfect when you are still trying the postpartum weight. Just make sure to buy a size smaller because it can stretched out.
During pregnancy, I wear it with my usual t-shirts from H&M or my long sleeves button-down shirts I got from Cotton On.
Credit: www.cardiganempire.com
5. Hike Up your Garterized Mid-Length Skirt on top of your belly and Tuck in your shirt or tie your blouse
Credit: www.pinkpeonies.com
This is a nice way to maximise your skirts with adjustable waist bands. I love how pregnant fashion bloggers does this style. Up to now at 36 weeks, I am still wearing my black stretchy bandage skirt from Cotton. I got a few flowing skirts with garter waist bands from Sixties.
Credit: http://www.sexymamamaternity.com
The great thing about these pregnancy hacks is that you can still wear the clothes after you give birth, which is also the same principle when I really have to buy maternity clothes. I would always ask myself: Can I still wear this postpartum? If it is a Yes, then it is my go-signal to purchase it. For maternity wear, I would recommend the online shop, Mayarya. I love their clothes! It is perfect for pregnancy, nursing wear and daily wear too. I love how fast and efficient their service is. Along with the package, they will send you a personalised message which is so sweet. For basic ones, you can find it at Bove by Spring Maternity. They have a store in Suntec City Mall. They also have their own online store or purchase through Zalora. I also love Milky Way wrap dresses. They would be great for pregnancy, nursing wear and as an office wear even if you are not pregnant. Win-win! If you want a slightly cheaper option, you can try shopping online at Jump Eat Cry. Their length however may be a bit long but petite size like me. Here is me, wearing one of their bestsellers:
Hope this has been helpful. Let me know if you have anything to add in the list.
Happy Pregnancy, Mummies!
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