StyleMaternity Style Tips and Tricks January 14, 2015 I’ve always thought that pregnant women are so cute, but I’ve also always determined that when I was pregnant one day, I was going to feel like myself. I knew there had to be a way to not sacrifice comfort for style and still dress in a way that I would normally dress….without spending a fortune. I’ve talked about my maternity style several times on the blog and I’ve talked about this subject in particular in my Maternity Style Basics post and my One Dress, Five Ways post. My main plan with those, which has worked really well for me is to buy a few basic maternity items and then add in your style with non-maternity pieces like kimonos, sweaters, and jewelry. {For a list of my favorite basic maternity pieces, click here. To see how I styled this striped dress in five different ways and for sources, click here.} Lately, I’ve been taking my easy and affordable maternity style a step further: I DON’T WEAR MATERNITY PIECES. Now, of course, I’m wearing maternity jeans, leggings, and fitted shirts. But for dresses, statement pieces, and special occasions, I’ve been choosing regular women’s clothes. Take Rosie’s baby shower for example, I wanted a floral, long-sleeve maxi dress. Something that I learned quickly in searching for maternity pieces is that statement pieces like this are EXPENSIVE! If you can even find what it is you’re looking for. While there are some great maternity companies and styles out there, there just isn’t the variety that you can find in regular clothes. I had this specific dress in mind and was already disappointed because I knew I wouldn’t find it. And then, I did! I found it at Forever 21 (link here) and just went up a size from what I might normally wear. And guess what this shower outfit has in common with my maternity photos? Not one piece I wore in my maternity photos was actually MATERNITY. Except the tights. And I was 36.5 weeks along. I know, I never would’ve believed it either! So, what’s the secret? How did I pull that off and not look like I was just wearing a XXL to fit in the bump? I looked for one of two things… 1.) A LONG, LOOSE TUNIC The lace tunic from my maternity photos is a great cut and I actually bought it long before I was even showing and it fit! It hits at around the lower hip and has a fuller cut, so there is room for the bump without the front of the shirt hiking way up. When I wore it back before I was showing, it didn’t look baggy. It just looked like a fuller shirt and I would pair it with slim pants. The best part? I can wear it after Rosie comes! 2.) A DRESS WITH A HIGH WAISTBAND AND FULL SKIRT The dress from Rosie’s shower and the dress from the maternity shoot had two important things in common. First of all, they had a high-waist that naturally hit above my bump. Then, the skirt was full, naturally allowing room for the bump. The shower dress didn’t have near as full of a skirt as this one, but it wasn’t cut to be fitted (if you get the right size), so there was still room. Now, I will say, it probably wouldn’t fit as well at the end of the pregnancy, but this one above still fits great. It’s intended to have a full, swing skirt and Rosie fits in nicely! The absolute best part about making non-maternity pieces work (other than the stylish variety!) is that if chosen correctly, you can wear them after pregnancy! The tops of these dresses fit my upper body well, which hasn’t changed drastically in pregnancy and once the bump is gone, the skirt will lay how it was intended. I can’t wait to continue wearing these pieces! Here are the details on my maternity shoot sources: SOURCES: Lace Tunic – Y’all the source on this tunic STILL shocks me! I came across this tunic at a Cracker Barrel. Can you believe that? They may still have it, but I’ve seen similar options at other stores. I immediately fell in love with the crocheted texture. Black Maxi Skirt – This skirt is originally from Victoria’s Secret and I’ve had it for years. It has a fairly high waist and is really flowy and comfortable. It is my summer staple and believe it or not, it still fits! This one from Old Navy looks cut similarly. Black Maternity Tank – Old Navy Those maternity tanks are amazing! I have several colors and wear one every day. And they’re currently on sale for $6.00 – less than half what I paid! SOURCES: Black Floral Dress – I got this clearanced from Old Navy back before Christmas and they no longer have it! But here are some similar options: here, here, and here. Necklace – Purchased at a boutique, but here are similar options: here and here. Maternity Tights – Old Navy My Favorite Boots Ever – Target – I recently got these boots for Christmas and am in love! Yes, they are from Target and I know they may not last ten years, but they’re on sale for $29, have tons of colors, and are so comfortable. Plus, they look like a higher-end riding boot. I am so pleased with them! We had a blast taking our maternity photos! My husband Chris actually took them (except for the ones he’s in – my mom snapped those). We make a good team. I set up the lighting and he poses (apparently, this is how pregnant Lindsay poses) and then he takes the photos. I have to admit, these photos were so much fun due in large part to this crazy guy. Rosie will have no choice but to have a sense of humor coming from him. I finally had to ask for a “serious” picture and thankfully, we got a few. Up tomorrow is some sneak peeks and updates on Miss Rosie’s nursery! I am so excited to share!!!
Haley says January 14, 2015 at 4:17 pm Great tips! I didn’t start showing until I was 6 or 7 months so I had to quickly figure out how to dress my huge bump. Unfortunately, I never looked this stylish. Reply
Kayla @ KR Dixon Designs says January 15, 2015 at 2:09 am I did the same thing and bought very few maternity clothes. Although with baby no2, I carried extra amniotic fluid and after 36 weeks I was so big nothing really fit. My mom quickly ran and bought a few things for me so I had something to wear the last few weeks. Lol. You look great!!! I’m so glad you’ve had such a wonderful pregnancy! Reply
Trina @ Let's Just Build a House says January 16, 2015 at 12:32 pm cute! I love wearing some of my shorty dresses from before as tunics with just the right belt above my bump. Reply
Stacey Wright says February 5, 2015 at 8:08 am That’s pretty interesting! I must say it always depends on my feeling. Feeling comfortable and self-confident is the highest rule to achieve. Well done! Reply
Fashion Makeup Fitness says May 5, 2015 at 3:00 am Style Tips : 4 Best for Style and Fashion tips for Men http://fashionmakeupfitness.com/style-tips-for-men/ Reply