Basic Guide to Buying Maternity Clothes on a Budget

Been there done that…

I think the market KNOWS we have to have maternity clothes.

Well because…we do! When your body changes and you get so big you can’t see your toes, bend over to tie your shoes or roll over in the bed, we need new clothes. Only to be able to fit into the said new clothes for three weeks until we quickly realize, oh wait a minute I still have 6 weeks of pregnancy and these clothes don’t currently fit.

Yes it’s a vicious cycle…

Then…

To have a postpartum body that still feels like you are 5 months pregnant, you can’t fit into anything pre-baby body and well quite frankly you don’t want to be wearing maternity clothes….but the reality is it’s the most comfortable and quite frankly it’s all that fits. Unless you decide to wear your husbands t shirt and your leggings.

Right? Am I right?!!!? Ok unless you are the lucky one that has a baby and you are back in your jeans two days later…if that’s you, I think you are lucky and in the minority. At least that’s what I think, correct me if I’m wrong mama’s!

Ok back to our topic…I want to give you my personal tips on not going broke when buying maternity clothes and a few hacks to help you along the way!

Don’t go crazy and overboard. I know there are a ton of cute maternity clothes but as I mentioned you really don’t wear them too long, so get the basics and enjoy them. Depending on the season…

Buy 1 pair of jeans/shorts
Find a pair of khakis or navy blue pants, you will be surprised at what all these can go with!
Have a pair of leggings or lounge pants you can wear and enjoy!
Find t shirts that are perfect for the jeans/shorts or a skirt. Think of ways you can layer your t shirt if it’s winter time i.e. accent with a cute scarf (that’s not maternity and can be worn pre pregnancy, maternity or postpartum) or jewelry to change up the entire look of this outfit. Make your tops work with all of your pants/shorts and skirts!
Tanktop- Tank tops are a must…I HIGHLY recommend nursing tanks. Get you a good one and you’ll love it and thank me for it later!
Skirt- Find a solid or traditional skirt that can go with any of your tops. i.e. a black knit skirt or navy blue. This will help keep it versatile
Dress– Depending on your needs find a couple of dresses that you can wear and enjoy. Layer in the winter with a sweater to change the look or a scarf. I personally love dresses so I had a few that I found and didn’t break the bank on. There are several that I was able to wear in the first 4-5 months of pregnancy and transitioned well into postpartum as well.
PJ’s– Get a cute pair. For those moments after the delivery when someone pops in, you’ll look presentable. Not stretched out gym shorts and your husbands t shirt!!
Have fun. Find a couple of FUN things you love. i.e. the fun dress that makes you feel dressed up and classy on a date night with your guy or that you can also wear to your baby shower, don’t forget about Maternity pictures too! What about the fun top or skirt. Don’t feel guilty about having fun clothes just don’t over buy, over buy when your baby is here and you can wear the clothes longer than one month!!!
Duel. So keep in mind those first 4-5 months of maternity clothes if you buy “regular” clothes can be worn after delivery. Especially the way the styles are these days with the flowy tops or the flowy dresses, take advantage of the styles and make them work for you in more ways than one! I loved this dress from the women of Pink Blush and it’s been a perfect “duel” piece in my closet.

A big thank you to Pink Blush for sponsoring this post and allowing me to pass on my tried and true maternity wardrobe tips. Do you have tips we could add to this list?

I can’t wait to shop there again especially when our family expands!

PS there is a GIVEAWAY for $50 to Pink Blush happening over on our INSTAGRAM— GO HERE

Hi I’m Erin a Southern mama from South Mississippi, owner and chief editor of Sixth Bloom a blog helping mom-tographers capture their kiddos and life, talking all things home, parenting and how we navigate through life. You will find me living life to the fullest with my mister (aka husband) and our little one year old, Miss Elle, in our 500+ sq foot cottage as we build our dream house on our two acres! We are blessed beyond measure, love to travel, involved in ministry at our church and in between all of that I run three successful businesses!