Tips for buying and wearing maternity clothes

With all of the maternity clothes available, pregnant women can look and feel great from the time they start to show until the day of delivery. But before you break out the credit cards to go on a spending spree, assess your wardrobe needs. With a little advance planning, you can acquire a fabulous maternity wardrobe without spending a fortune.

Before you buy

• Make a list of any special occasions that you will attend during your pregnancy. When shopping, choose outfits for special occasions that can be worn again. Choose mix and match maternity clothes to maximize your wardrobe potential.
• When shopping for clothes to wear everyday, don’t stray to far from your normal fashion.
• Be mindful of the seasons during which you will pregnant. Choose fabrics that can be worn year round, when possible.
• Don’t buy everything that you will need at once. Start with a minimal amount of maternity clothes. Depending on weight gain, your size may change. By shopping over time, you will able to find a better variety of items and take advantage of sales.
• Gather items you already own, that can accommodate your growing belly; items your husband owns; or hand-me-downs from other moms, before you shop.
• Hem too-long hand-me-downs. Use safety pins to tighten elastic waists that you don’t fill out yet. Don’t make things permanently too small or you might find yourself with nothing to wear for your last trimester.

Once you are ready to shop, head to these retailers

1. EBay–purchase “lots” of maternity clothes to get a lot bang for your buck. Also find designer labels and special occasion formal wear that you will use only once. Remember, you can’t try these clothes on before you buy and returns can be a hassle. Ask any necessary questions and purchase only from reputable sellers.
2. Target and other discount stores have started selling designer looks for less. Liz Lange designs maternity wear for Target, offering upscale fashion to the average-income woman. These clothes can help you diversify your wardrobe without going into debt. Keep in mind, though, you get you pay for–so you might want to purchase “staples” at a better-quality store.
3. “Regular” retailers who make maternity–The Gap and Old Navy offer maternity versions of their latest fashions. Available on-line and at select stores, on-line purchases can be returned to your local store. Take advantage of store sales to buy the bulk of your maternity clothes.
4. Department store–Try Kohls, J. C. Penney and Sears for a smaller selection of maternity boutiques labels. These stores have more sales and accept returns. The disadvantage here is a limited selection.
5. Maternity boutiques–A Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity, and Motherhood, all owned by the same company, have the same no-return policy. Exchanges must be made in 10 days. Avoid these stores when possible. Be certain you love whatever you buy at these stores before you sign on the dotted line.

Most of all, enjoy wearing these clothes that accessorize being an expectant mother!