Anne's 6 Tips to Maternity Wear

At the end of my third pregnancy, I feel like I finally know what to wear during gestation that helps me feel cute and doesn't break the bank. So I thought it would be fun to share some of my tips for maternity wear.

Tip #1: It's all about the cardigan

If you have some long, stretchy tees and lots of cardigans in your closet, you can outfit yourself nearly every day without ever stepping foot into a maternity store. I love these 'boyfriend' cardigans for winter, and 3/4 sleeve cardis are great even in warm weather.

Tip #2: Channel you inner Johnny Cash

In other words, black is the best! It's slimming, it hides all those layers of camis, etc., and it looks great on everyone.When I need to dress up for an event I wear my black cardi and black maternity slacks and then finish off the outfit with red shoes and big earrings. Makes me feel like a million bucks.

Tip #3: Take advantage of great maternity lines

In the last few years, lots of major retailers have introduced maternity lines. I like what Target has to offer, and it's usually inexpensive enough that you don't mind if it only lasts one pregnancy. Old Navy and Forever 21 both have maternity lines as well. My personal favorite is Gap Maternity. I snagged these 2 gray tops on clearance a few months ago and have been thrilled with them. Gap Maternity seems to have nailed the tailoring for pregnant bods.


Tip #4: Invest in one good pair of maternity jeans

This is the one I'm most passionate about. I bought these maternity pencil jeans at Gap and I absolutely love them. I literally wear them EVERY SINGLE DAY (I have to wear sweats on laundry day!) and they are worth every penny spent.

Tip #5: Accessorize, accessorize

No matter how enchanting pregnant bellies can be, sometimes we just want to draw people's attention somewhere else! Be bold--shake up a simple outfit with bright shoes, a big scarf, or some snazzy jewelry. (clockwise from top: Allora Handmade necklace, GAP scarf, J. Crew flats (bought for a song at DownEast), Tribal Jewelry earrings, Darlybird earrings)

Tip #6: Share the love
The way I see it, my maternity clothes don't belong in a box or a closet--just waiting for my next pregnancy. A whole wardrobe of maternity wear ought to circulate through a family of sisters or group of friends. This pregnancy I was gifted a huge box by my friend, Debbie, and it has totally saved me (and my pregnant s-i-l, Melissa)! And last summer I sent my cousin, Joan, home to AZ with my maternity jeans, which she mailed back to me when her baby was born. Now I'm ready to pass them off to the next in line. It's brilliant. It's like the sisterhood of the traveling panel pants.

Special thanks to my friend, Stacey, for photographing me and my swollen self. If you are in the Southern Oregon area and looking for a photog, drop her a line. She is wonderful to work with. Also, thanks to Jessie, the baby wrangler!