When it comes to stylish maternity clothing, you can easily spend a lot of money. But you don't have to. The following are some strategies for dressing like a stylish mom-to-be on a budget.
First, figure out exactly what you want your maternity style to be. Is your taste classic and sleek? Or do you go for a more feminine and playful approach? Are you interested in showing off your baby bump proudly, or would that make you feel too self-conscious? Next, try to figure out what that style means for you. It’s also a good idea to select a color palette for your clothing – this will make it easier to coordinate your clothing choices and make your wardrobe more versatile. Think about the kinds of pieces you’ll need as well. Will you need business clothing or casual clothing, or both? How about formal wear or a swim suit?
Once you have done that, it's time to make a budget. Be realistic about what you can afford, and remember that you’ll also need a new bra or two and probably some new panties, although stretchy bikini panties that fit under your tummy may continue to fit just fine for some time. Plan on at least one new pair of shoes, as your feet generally grow from one-half to one size while you’re pregnant – slip-ons are best as you’ll eventually have trouble seeing your feet! If you plan to wear dresses you may need a slip, and if you wear hose, you’ll need new hose to fit your growing belly. All of these things have to find a place in your budget.
Now that you have an idea of what kind of style you like and how much money you can spend, it's time to shop – but not to buy. This is a good time to go online and review the websites of maternity clothing retailers. This will give you an idea of what kinds of items are available in your chosen style, and what prices things are going for. Consider this online shopping kind of like a reconnaissance mission. Armed with your budget plan and list of what you need, together with your new knowledge about what constitutes a good price, you can now begin shopping.
One of the best kept secrets for buying stylish clothing at affordable prices is to locate a consignment or thrift store in an upscale neighborhood. You’ll need to visit these stores regularly, as their inventory changes almost daily. But don’t buy something just because it’s inexpensive – you should only buy something if it’s inexpensive and fits in with your overall wardrobe plan. It should also fit well and you should enjoy wearing it. Otherwise, it will sit in your closet unworn – and that doesn't make good financial sense any time!
Remember to check out that great online consignment store eBay. Just today, a seller had listed a lovely little black maternity dress, in a size medium, for only $17. You can always find great deals on eBay, just remember to check the seller's feedback, take note of whether or not the item is from a smoke-free environment, include shipping in your price calculations, and note the seller's return policies if the item doesn’t fit or isn’t as described in the listing.
In addition, be sure to check out sales for maternity clothing retailers, both online and in the stores. You can also sign up for mailing lists for the various stores to get valuable coupons for future purchases.
You should also keep in mind the power of accessories. The right accessories can turn an ordinary outfit into something extraordinary, and most accessories – like jewelry, scarves, and hats – will fit you no matter what your size. Look for a signature piece that will brighten up your whole wardrobe and bring your personal sense of style to whatever you choose to wear.
Lastly, if you find one item that you fall in love with but is a bit of a splurge, go for it. Most of us will be pregnant for only a short period of time in our lives and that one piece that makes you feel like a million is worth a little indulgence.
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