Do you recall my Dressing the Bump Part 1 Post where I shared with you the difference between feeling frumpy and feeling sexy while pregnant with visuals of me wearing both scenarios? YES, it IS possible to feel sexy during your pregnancy… but YES it does take just a little effort… but only a little I promise.
Let’s be honest is there a time during pregnancy that is easy to dress your baby bump?
There is the early stage where you are mistaken for having had one too many girl scout cookies (even if you are like me and really do). Then, you finally are showing but not ready to give in to purchasing maternity clothes so, you continue squeezing into your old wardrobe using rubber bands, belly bands, and any other trick you can think of. Finally, you give up and comfort overrides anything else. You know you are there when you begin pumping your arm while you walk and you need a hand to get up out of bed!
That is where I am right now.
But I am not about to let that slow me down and resort to staying in my sweats all day (at least not every day). I’m going to share with you what has helped me through this very large and uncomfortable stage.
My top 5 favorite third trimester tricks are:
Accessorize. it makes me feel like I haven’t given up completely yet.
Wear black. Especially on those chubby feeling days.
Curl your hair. I don’t know why this one- but mostly because I don’t do it that often normally.
Wear a fitting jacket. It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t button up. This jean jacket in the above photo is the gift that keeps on giving. It was my first purchase from my favorite store when I was in middle school (no joke) and I keep it around because I can still pair it with anything! Notice- I am not even close to zipping up that baby.
It may seem like a lot of effort while pregnant- but on the contrary, I pretty much just rotate the same skirts and shirts and keep it simple. A SMALL effort can make a HUGE difference. You know how I know? The days that I actually make an effort as small as it may be- I feel a million times better- maybe even slightly less pregnant – if that is possible. I am happier and find myself enjoying the swollen feet and back pain pregnancy brings.
I know I can’t be the only one who feels this way. So, I have asked a friend Megan to share what she did throughout her pregnancy, and together we came up with a list.
10 tips on Dressing your Baby Bump:
1. Layer with fitting tunics, jackets and sweaters (seasonal of course).
2. Belt it! It emphasize where the belly begins.
3. Wear form fitting tops. Remember, bulky fabric is not good.
4. Wear black. It’s always slimming.
5. Accessorize. Mostly because It will just make you feel like you made an effort.
6. Doing your hair and makeup will always makes you feel like you haven’t given up completely.
7. Avoid tight elastics- this includes bras and underwear ladies- muffin tops are never good.
8. Avoid overly baggy pants. It may be comfortable but it can give the illusion that you are larger than you really are.
9. Avoid tops that are too short in the front. Just trust me on this one.
10. Maxi Skirts! They are comfortable and cute- need I say more?
Here are just a few of the stages that Megan documented through her pregnancy using these tips and pieces of fruit may I add- which I love that idea. You can find more pregnancy photos of her here.
Do you have any other tips you want to share about how you dress your bump- we would love to know!
xo
Find me at weedstowishes.com
Cute! Where did you get that black and white striped maxi?
I got it at TJ Maxx… and I think within the past few weeks so they may still have some similar!
Cristi! Where were you when I was pregnant, huge, and frumpy to the max? I know these tips will inspire so many expecting women to feel beautiful and trendy throughout their pregnancy. Love it!
I doubt you looked like that! But it is nice that we have some pregnant friendly trends such as maxi skirts and leggings available now a days!!
These are great ideas – I have noticed that stores are offering better options for pregnancy clothes than they used to as well which helps. I love the shirts that have the cinched elastic sides to keep it fitting but still comfortable.
oh and I love the pictures with the fruit – such a fun idea!
So true! We have so many different options now a days where to get clothes and clothes that are cute and can hide problem areas! I feel like there is even more from three years ago when I was pregnant with my first.
The fruit is a cute visual and idea to document!
Could you look any cuter?!! Pregnancy suits you. -Love all these ideas. Pinning for a rainy day. 😉
Where did you find that owl belt? Love it!
Where did you get the belt?? LOVE!
Where did you get your owl belt!?!?! It’s adorable and I’ve been searching for something just like this for my baby shower!!!! Please reply!!!! 🙂
You guys are seriously like the cutest pregnant women ever. Thanks for the tips! I will be pinning this for later use! There were too many times that I felt totally yucky and not cute or sexy when pregnant with my daughter. Dressy frumpy also made me want to hide from the camera. Next time will be different! I want pictures of my self pregnant for later years! Again, thanks for the tips! Love you site!
Hi!
I came across your maternity style on Pinterest and I recently did an article for my company’s blog on maternity style for all seasons and we featured your look (we linked back). I would love if you would check it out:
http://ushealthtests.blogspot.com/2014/03/maternity-style.html
Thank you!
– USHealth Tests
Those overalls! I love them! Where can I find them?
This post is so helpful for me! I’m only 6 weeks along. But when I start getting big enough to get maternity clothes now I know what will be on my shopping list. Luckily I already have a couple maxi skirts. 🙂
Finding maternity clothing is difficult for me as either 1-it’s way out of my budget, or 2-the necklines are all way to huge :(.
where did you get the owl belt ??
Cute outfits and looks very comfortable indeed. Sharing these tips on my wall. Check it here http://bit.ly/Sleepybunnybabyworld. thanks!