Hello, and happy Monday! So now that my bump is in full effect (holy 21 weeks!), figuring out what to wear has become my greatest (yet enjoyable) new style challenge! The first trimester proved unsuccessful since a combination of fatigue, nausea and no real roundness yet to my mid-section lead to many days of repeated outfits. But now I’m full of energy, creativity and totally inspired! My strategy includes buying new items here and there, and trying to invest in pieces with longevity that will work postpartum as well. This means mostly dresses and jumpsuits. As for pants, there is no getting around buying maternity. Waistbands, buttons and zippers simply do not work. And for me, pants in general are not all too comfortable. Come spring, I won’t be wearing them again until after this little baby boo arrives.
With all this being said, I’m kicking off a new Style The Bump series which will offer style tips, techniques and strategies on how to work your new shape into an adjusted wardrobe. I promise that most pieces will work for pregnant AND non-pregnant women with the goal to inspire more then just my fellow ladies with a bun in the oven. I’m an equal opportunity stylist!
To begin, the top 3 looks are ones I’ve worn over the past two weeks and below are the details on where I was going in them, where to purchase the same or similar pieces, and tips on how to style!
I hope you enjoy!
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STYLE THE BUMP: 21 WEEKS
Look 1 (Evening Event): I wore this look to the launch of MM La Fleurs Ever collection on an extremely cold night, and opted to pair a sweater dress over jeans because the single digit temperatures left me no choice but to cover my legs. I plan on removing the denim come spring (along with scarf, hat and boots), and pairing with a flat sandal and moto jacket. Once the bump is gone, this dress won’t be as snug, but will be fitted nonetheless due to stretch in fabric. The dress is non-maternity.
SHOP IT: dress: GAP // denim: AG Jeans (maternity) // coat: Warehouse (similar) // bootie: Zara (similar) // hat: American Apparel // clutch: Clare Viver // scarf: vintage
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Look 2 (Mid-Day Meeting): I wore these overalls to a meeting with a fellow stylist/blogger, and they will likely be too big post baby since I purchased them three sizes larger then usual. They are non-maternity as well. The draw: They cost $19.99! That’s $.14 a day for the remaining 140 days left of pregnancy! Worth the investment if I never wear them again postpartum, wouldn’t ya say?! Plus, I can donate when done. I will live in these for the next few months and am thinking of swapping the plaid button down (non-maternity) for a midriff baring tank/tube come spring. We will have to see what the belly is doing in the next few months though before declaring any of that! Layers like the blazer, hat and booties will adjust accordingly too.
SHOP IT: overalls: H&M (in store only) // shirt: H&M (similar) // blazer: Ann Taylor (similar) // booties: Zara (similar) // hat: H&M
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Look 3 (Errands Around City): I wore this look to run around the city and do errands. The only maternity item in this ensemble is my jeans, and I specifically bought them a size larger b/c I prefer a slouchier fit. The sweatshirt has gotten snug over time, but layering the same color tank underneath creates the illusion of length. In another month, I’m sure it will be too small, but let’s all pray for warmth by then!
SHOP IT: sweatshirt: Zara (similar or similar) // jeans: maternity H&M boyfriend jeans // coat: Warehouse (similar) booties: Zara (similar) // hat: H&M // bag: MZ Wallace // sunnies: Tom Ford