And it is…
Shopping for maternity clothes.
For me so far, this is hands-down the worst part of being pregnant. Morning sickness will end (I’ve been told), but the third trimester may be one long lounge in my nightgown and bathrobe.
I’ve started looking around the stores and online the past week or so. Can I just say that my reaction ranges from amusement to astonishment to disgust to disbelief?
(If you are a fashionista, you might not want to read this entry. I might offend you and that is not my intention. But if you are a disdainer of pretty much everything trendy and/or slutty, read on.)
First off, for the 99% of my readership that doesn’t know me in real life, I am very much a conservative dresser. I always have been. My mom dressed me well when I was young and I’ve never changed. By conservative I do NOT mean dowdy, shapeless “Christian” wear. I’m talking L.L. Bean type casual and Pendleton/Brooks Brothers type professional and/or church. (I don’t actually shop at Brooks Brothers, but that gives you an idea of what I’m talking about.)
I’m talking tailored clothing, nice fabrics, classic lines. Plaid, pleated skirts and cardigan sweaters. Tailored wool pants and nice sweaters. Feminine dresses for summer. I buy clothes and shoes that last. The few times I’ve purchased something “trendy”, I’ve always regretted it when it was completely out of style the next year. To me it seems like a total waste of money. I buy clothes and wear them year after year after year. I have some nice sweaters that I’ve been wearing for almost ten years. You would never know it because they have worn well and they are classic styling. Even if I am dressed casually, we are talking a nice khaki skirt or pants, nice shirt/t-shirt, and a pretty sweater or blouse.
So imagine how THRILLED I am to discover that the hottest styles in maternity wear for spring and summer are tops with plunging necklines, short shorts, and short skimpy dresses with spaghetti straps?
WHAT ARE THESE PEOPLE THINKING???? (Yes, I am shouting this time!)
Good grief! Why would a pregnant woman want to walk around in short shorts and a neckline that literally is inches from her navel?
And don’t even get me started on the UGLY jeans. Good grief! I wouldn’t have worn those if I was 22 and looked like a model! And now in my late 30’s and pregnant?
The only thing I’ve found so far that I will go back and try on were some khakis at J.C. Penney. I told David I may end up living in khakis, a white t-shirt, and a variety of men’s oversized button-down oxford shirts in different colors and stripe patterns for my last trimester!
I also did find an easy-for-someone-who-knows-how-to-sew Simplicity pattern online that made some basic shorts, tops and a jumper. Since I don’t sew, I may have to throw myself on the mercy of some family members and/or friends who would be willing to help me. (Help! Any takers?)
I really am astonished. When I worked in the mall during college I remember walking past the maternity store frequently and there were so many cute outfits on display. What has happened? It is so sad and disgusting to see what is available now. I cannot believe that no one out there is trying to market clothing to pregnant women with… taste?
Well, that’s my little rant for now. Stay tuned for further updates in Sallie’s quest to dress like a lady in this maternity clothing wasteland.
I’ve shed many a tear over this whole frustration these last 4 months.
Sallie,
Since you tend to dress in classier styles, you may want to consider “A Pea in the Pod.” I don’t know if you have them where you are, but I found a few nice, conservative outfits there during my last pregnancy (they are a bit pricey though…). You may also consider consignment and/or thrift stores. Often, the outifts in those stores are several “seasons” old. Since they are maternity wear though, you may find things that are only gently used!! I found several wonderful dresses (and nursing tops) in some of my favorite thrift stores.
Warmly,
=) Phyllis
yep. you’re right. i just started putting on maternity camisoles under all the ‘plunging neckline shirts’ – and they looked so much better that way.
This isn’t perfect, but more modest, at least…
Did you try Motherhood? I think it’s owned by the same company as Pea in a Pod but a bit less pricey. They had more conservative stuff when I was pg – can’t vouch for them now.
Yes, maternity clothes are not fun. Plus for the first few months you aren’t really big enough for maternity clothes but you can’t fit into your old clothes. It’s a weird no mans land.
Good luck, Sallie!
I would second the recommendations for A Pea in a Pod and Motherhood. Both have a good selection of professional, casual, trendy, formal, etc. Also, I have happened upon some good base pieces at both Sears and JC Penney
Sallie, I have lovely jumpers that my mom made me… I also have several cute shirts and such that I have saved. I would be more than willing to loan them to you – but of course there is the sizing issue. As I doubt either one of us wants to discuss this on the world wide web – drop me and email and we’ll see if we match up!
Sally,
I always used to live in pants w/stretchy waists and slightly oversized shirts.
However, with this last pregnancy, I have discovered that many regular (non-maternity) dresses are suitable for maternity wear as well, esp. the more modest ones. I wear long dresses that are somewhat fitted on the bust and gently shaped (but not tailored) to a long flowing skirt. Since pregnant bellies tend to be low (or is it just mine?) I have plenty of room. I also find the long flowing lines to be more graceful than the oversized “sacks” that so many maternity dresses resemble.
The necklines issue was one of my complaints too this last pregnancy. I’m already well endowed before pregnancy and then when I’m pregnant it’s just a bit ridiculous. That’s the last thing I want to enhance! I have to agree with the maternity camisole idea. The sales clerk at Motherhood showed them to me and their brand was so incredibly comfortable I still wear it. And it completely took care of the cleavage issue. Good luck with your shopping! I’m sure you’ll find some great pieces.
I too liked the Motherhood clothes (though I did have to pick through some of their trendier stuff a bit. I also had pretty good luck finding basic t-shirts at Old Navy. Old Navy t-shirts come in cheap materials and then good quality cotton – you just have to feel of them to tell the difference, the prices are the same. However, I don’t think I cared for any of the other maternity clothes at Old Navy. I also found a few good pieces (basic black skirt and polo type shirts) at Target. I just had to look around (and past) a lot of their stuff.
Sallie:
You can also buy clothes from the stores you normally would shop at, but just buy them larger. That way, you also have clothes that will fit while your weight comes down after pregnancy.
Micki
To tell the truth, I kind of quit wearing maternity clothes. Lands’ End stretch knit skirts, a size larger than I usually wore, worked pretty well, with a big top. I did that a LOT, and it was comfortable pretty much through the pregnancy (and I get big).
I did have a couple maternity dresses I had made and a jumper or two I had made. I had the added problem that I was a nursing mother WHILE pregnant the last several times. So I needed “accessibility.” My dresses had plackets with buttons. But I wore them through about 4 pregnancies.
Are Lands’ End maternity things disgusting? I never bothered (just wore the regular stuff, as I said), but I wouldn’t have thought they would be AS trendy…
Susan
I lucked out last spring and was able to get a couple of knee-length khaki skirts, one black knee-length skirt, and a pair of black pants at Target. I also got several maternity polo shirts and T-shirts in nice bright colors at Target. I lived in them, and a pair of maternity khaki capris. Jeans were too warm, and I was at work (business casual) most of the time anyway. The nice thing was that the clothes were similar to what I normally wear, and I was able to wear them as I transisioned over, and no one believed I was pregnant till about 6 1/2 months.
Target’s brand of clothes did not have the maternity panel (yay), so I just tightened them up a bit at the elastic waist. I had enough to wear a week without washing, and a couple of regular dresses that weren’t maternity for something more dressy. At home I wore knit shorts and my husband’s T-shirts.
So check Target, Kmart, Walmart, and thrift stores. You won’t wear the clothes much more than 6 months anyway, so I wouldn’t get too many or spend too much. Thats my 2 cents, for what its worth. 😉
P.S. I’m with you—what is with these designers nowadays??? My “favorite” is the maternity shirt I saw with a big hole in the middle–for the belly to stick out. Bleck!!
may I add to this the idea of layering. I can remember how hormonally challenged I felt during the last few months of pregnancy and the first few months of nursing. I was either way too hot or way too cool. A cute sweater or jacket in your regular size over a sleeveless maternity dress would probably make you feel less bulky and could solve the impending thermostat issue!
Isn’t it sad that maternity clothes appear to be designed for the teen set? Sigh……
Amy – I feel your pain…
Phyllis – A local friend emailed me about a local consignment shop where she found several very nice pieces. I have yet to get there, but I do intend to check it out.
Brandy – That is a very cute dress, just a little too short for me. I’m not sure I want to show that much leg when I’m that pregnant. Maybe if I was 10-15 years younger… But I did discover Gap has maternity clothes last night after I put up my post and found a few things on there that might work for me!
Carrie and Sherri – Actually one of the stores I went into and was describing was the Motherhood store here at our mall! To me, it felt like walking into American Eagle or Abercrombie and Fitch or Old Navy. Just not the style I’m looking for. Someone else described the look at Motherhood as “hippie sexy” and I would say that it pretty accurate. We don’t have a Pea in the Pod here, but I will check them out online.
Kim C – Thank you for that suggestion about regular dresses! I actually have a number of spring/summer dresses that have more of an empire waist type styling and I am thinking they will probably work through the second trimester (if they fit on top!). But that is a good idea to look for dresses in larger sizes. I don’t want to wear tents, but I love a tailored, flowing dress!
Addie, Tonia and Micki – I will look into your suggestions the next time I shop!
Susan – I tried to find Land’s End maternity stuff, but all they had was stuff on clearance and it was down to just a few sizes and colors. I don’t know if they are discontinuing their line or what. I will go back and check. I do like Land’s End and have purchased a number of things from them. I will look into your skirt idea. I like that.
Kathryn – Thank you for the ideas!
Karen – I wouldn’t call it sad… I would call it IRONIC considering how long women are waiting today to get pregnant. So the clothes are designed for teens, but half the women having children are over 30… Doesn’t really make sense, does it?
Thank you, ladies, for all of your great suggestions and letting me get this off my chest! 🙂
Sallie,
I just remembered that with my second I found a bella Band to wear regular clothes when I was just starting to grow and to wear maternity clothes that would be just a bit too big at the beginning.
I think Lands End is phasing out their maternity line. My very conservative sister just commented on how much she liked the Lands End maternity clothes she ordered but that she thought they were closing down that line.
You might want to check online at http://www.MimiMaternity.com. Yes, they have some pretty trendy stuff, but there’s basics too. . . plain shorts for the summer in khaki and denim at various lengths, basic skirts, t-shirts in various colors, etc. You just have to turn a blind eye to the atrocious stuff.
You can also keep an eye out at Target and Walmart (if you shop at those places) for cheap basic items like t-shirts and slacks.
I found a comfortable modest, tankini swimsuit at a regional department store, so check with your area’s department stores for maternity shopping too. Sometimes, they tuck those departments in hard to find spots in the store. I’ve found that dept. stores tend to carry more conservative items.
Don’t give up, you will find something to wear! Now really, it can’t be worse than morning sickness?!?!
Buy your usual clothing in a larger size (this may not work with pants) it is cheaper. When I was pregnant with my son, the bare tummy’s were in vouge for pregnant women. It was quite SHOCKING to me.
I am never able to feel good in oversized or men’s shirts because the shoulders are too big and the men’s hem cups around the bottom when worn untucked. Plus, it feels good to parade publicly in maternity instead of just feeling like a few sizes larger : ) I’ve been able to get away with larger size knit pants for a while–and I don’t mind buying these because they’ll be worn for a while post-baby. I’ve found several button down Motherhood blouses at thrift stores which give me that crisp, pressed look with the more flattering tailoring of maternity, too.
Be sure and check out that consignment shop, Sallie. Much of my summer maternity wardrobe came from such shops in Kalamazoo and other places.
BTW that dress at Gap would work really well with a pair of leggings or stretch jeans under it. Here such outfits are all the rage, something I’m glad of as it is actually modest as long as the neckline isn’t too low.
My favorite maternity wear has been some super stretchy skirts I found in the regular department. I have two cotton/lycra blends for every day and a slinky black one for church; all with elastic waists. It depends on how you end up carrying- by the last few months with my son I felt increadably huge in a dress, I needed something that glided over my tummy and pulled in (just a little) to keep me from looking like a house. Those skirts were also perfect for postpartum and I could still wear them now if I wasn’t saving them for next time (finding good quality that is long enough isn’t easy, at least here).
Be sure to check out Ebay for lots new and gently worn maternity clothes. Lots of name brands too. It’s nice not to spend a fortune for things you’ll only be wearing for a few months. Looking nice is a great mood booster and can help make those last few months a bit more pleasant.
~Debbie
Oh, I hope you find a solution Sallie 🙂