The Saturday Bump: Maternity Starter Pack

Well, Hi! Hello! It’s so nice to chat with you guys on a Saturday. I was absolutely blown away by your response to this series and am overly excited to have such a great group of you guys here. If you’re new to Style Your Senses all together, WELCOME! If you’re here often, you guys know that I blog in a conversational tone and these Saturday Bump posts will be an even more amplified version of that…lots of real talk. I want this weekly post to be a safe place where we can chat about issues and really form a sort of community of women who are going through the same things. Please please send me any and all feedback, post suggestions and/or recommendations…I truly want this to be mutual content!

When I announced that I was pregnant the #1 request that I got was to start posting maternity looks ASAP! To be honest, it gave me overwhelming anxiety for many reasons (of which I plan to discuss in next weeks post), BUT for you guys I always try to push myself out of my comfort zone. Since I am just settling in to my second trimester (15.5 weeks to be exact), I’m really feeling the bump emerge and actually placed my first order of maternity clothes just this week. As I was ordering clothes, I remember gravitating towards the exact same styles when this far along with Landry, so I deemed these pieces as my “Maternity Starter Pack.” They are the pieces that will get you through the next 8-10 real weeks of transition (when things start to get awkward and up until you can really get a feel for how your body is carrying this pregnancy). Everything is well under $100 (aside from one top), because you can bet your bottom dollar I’m not spending a fortune on maternity clothes. I’ll be saving all of that money to have a celebratory bonfire party to burn them when we’re done with all of this 😉 Before we dive in, here are my maternity clothing rules:

Designer maternity jeans are stupid!

I know that you want them and they might look “cool,” but for my budget they are a total waste of $250. First off, I could have never guessed that by 40 weeks I would have gained 42 lbs (YES, it’s true!) with Landry. Those designer jeans wouldn’t have even fit by week 34 and I would have been M-A-D. I’m a huge believer in wearing the BellaBand and making your regular jeans work until you can’t possibly any longer and then going to a reasonably priced maternity jean (Old Navy, Gap, and J. Crew all have WONDERFUL options). 

Just size up

Why are some women so afraid of this? Omg you might wear a “large” in some items while pregnant, no freaking big deal. I’m so happy to simply size up in regular clothes because they are a lifesaver postpartum as well. 

Good tights are SO key

Tights were literally my saving grace last go round and I don’t plan for things to be much different this time. They are so much more comfortable than jeans and something that I could wear all day even up until the end. I plan to do a very in-depth review on maternity tights in the coming weeks…I’m serious about tights if you can’t tell 😉

Extra long tanks are your BFF

I’m listing my favorites below that are non-maternity. These will take me to my third trimester and I won’t have to deal with the bulk ruching of maternity tanks. I did size up to a M in them and they stretch nicely along with the belly and are long enough to cover the upper thigh area, which I am always happy about. Yes, I will add some true maternity tanks to the mix, but for now I really do find these work better for me. 

One | $54.00

Non-maternity, size up one size for 16+ weeks. This sweater can be worn as a cowl neck for casual or off the shoulder when dressed up for date night, so not only is it versatile, but it also has plenty of room for the bump. It comes in a ton of colors and will be something that you reach for all winter.

Two | $42.00

I probably talk about this tunic too much, but it’s just so dang good. It’s plenty long enough to wear with a tank + tights and is great for layering under jackets, etc. I normally wear a M in it and did a little experiment with it before writing this post. I think that the M will get me to 27-28 weeks and then I would need a L to go beyond that. So if you want something to wear all pregnancy size up 1-2 sizes depending on your body transitions.

Three | $39.00

Non-maternity, size up one size for 16+ weeks. This lightweight tunic sweater is all of the prego mamas dreams. Won’t make you break into a hot flash, great to layer under a jacket if it’s actually cold, comes in a ton of colors and can be worn with tights! Amen!

Four | $108.00

Non-maternity, size up one size for 16+ weeks. I let this Free People top serve as a little bit of a splurge because it is totally something that I would wear not pregnant as well. It’s tunic length and is one of those tops that you just feel pretty in when you put it on.

Five | $69.00

Non-maternity, one size. A poncho (or 10!) is so key for my prego belly. Ponchos ALWAYS look chic to me, so when I’m not feeling it or can’t seem to throw together a flattering outfit, I simply throw on a poncho, leggings, boots and a hat and I automatically feel chic and put together without having to really accentuate the bump.

Six | $28.00

Here’s the BellaBand I discussed earlier. It allows you to un-button/zip your regular jeans without them falling down. Lifesaver for me to make it through all of the awkward phases.

Seven | $24.00

Extra long layering tank. Order a size up and get every color. Trust me.

Eight | $19.50

Non-maternity. My favorite t-shirt hands down…but you guys know this. I love the boyfriend fit (I sized up, so I’m wearing a large) and it’s a relaxed tee that is totally belly friendly. If I had to guess, I’d say this one will take me to 23-ish weeks and at that time I’ll get true maternity t-shirts.

Nine | $49.00

Non-maternity. Isn’t this dress so dang cute?? So on-trend with the lace-up details and great to wear with tights and boots for almost any occasion. I’m going to size up one for good measure, but it looks like there’s plenty-o-room to hide a bump. Heck, I might get two sizes for the price!

Ten | $30.00

Non-maternity. Another super cute dress that’s SO bump friendly. Great for now to wear as the weather cools or even with tights and a vest or jacket when it’s cold. I love this color and the price. These are the kinds of items that I feel are so key right now…on trend, keep you feeling cute, can be worn postpartum and allow for the belly to grow without being uncomfortable…all at a price that won’t make you feel guilty!

Eleven | $26.94

I wore these Old Navy tights with Landry and I am hoping and praying that they haven’t changed the construction of them. I really liked them last pregnancy as they are thick and offer some shaping and are a great price. They will arrive to me next week, so I will keep you updated.

Twelve | $44.94 + Thirteen | $42.94 

My favorite maternity jeans, hands down. I always order a size up, so I’ve ordered 8’s in these. The sizing can sometimes be a little tricky, but Old Navy is always a little tricky for me. In the past, I’ve ordered 2 sizes and one usually fits. Other than that, these are made SO well and the Rockstar fit is flattering on most women. I love love love these and really think that all prego mamas should give them a whirl!

Fourteen | $39.94

If you are looking for a more work appropriate pant, this pixie pant is a great option. They come in maternity short, regular AND long, so a great basic for women of all sizes. They are even cute for more casual wear with a fun flat.

So what did you guys think?? What do you want more in-depth reviews on? Any other fashion related post suggestions? Please use the comments to keep this an engaging series!!!

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