Stylish Momma

Congratulations—you’re pregnant! Now comes the hard part: finding stylish clothes to wear the entire ten months. (Yes, it’s typically ten months—nine months is a cruel myth!) To help with this endeavor, I interviewed a half dozen pregnant women, and some who had recently given birth, for clues to the best maternity stores and for specific outfit recommendations for work, evenings out, and just to look cool in every day.

Hands down, Gap Maternity and Old Navy Maternity were favorites among all women interviewed. Old Navy is clearly a bit more affordable, but both are “great for staples.” Shirts, basic black pants, bathing suits, T-shirts, cotton button-up shirts for work, workout clothes, cords can be found at both stores that won’t break the pocket book. Target “was hit or miss” according to Amanda Bolster, who gave birth to her first child September 30th. Although another woman interviewed found some amazing Liz Lange dresses at Target: see section below on shopping for dressier occasions.

It will be hit or miss because each woman will carry her weight differently—some just seem to gain weight no where but the belly, others among us gain weight everywhere else too! You’ll have to try things on, clearly, but there is a consensus that certain items are a must have.

Everyone interviewed agreed they didn’t want to spend too much money and recommended accepting maternity clothes from friends and relatives. With that said, not all loaners fit or look good. Sure, you won’t be pregnant forever, but it is almost a year. It’s nice to still feel sexy. Spending some money on one pair of designer jeans, just may do the trick.

“You can wear them with T-shirts to run errands or with heels and a sassy top on Saturday nights. You will feel stylish. They are also good after the baby is born as they don't scream maternity clothes like some of the stretchy stuff does. I paid $175 for a pair this time and I think they are worth every penny,” says Caroline Wilbert, Divine Caroline’s career editor who is pregnant with her second child.