Building a Maternity Wardrobe

Congratulations on your pregnancy journey! Whether you have just decided to try for a family or you are 30 weeks pregnant, I hope this post is able to bring you some help and comfort. Please know that I am praying for each of you that come across this page, and your journey!

When Haydn and I are talking to a couple about their personal finances, one of the first conversations we have is understanding needs vs wants. Clothing (especially new and trendy clothing) is almost always a want. However, pregnancy is one beautiful phase of life where clothing actually becomes a need! That being said, this should not be an excuse to go out and replace your entire wardrobe. While we are going to have some fun discussing new items to own in this post, let's stay budget-conscious and keep in mind that saving money when able is crucial. Your adorable but expensive bundle of joy is on their way!

Because so much is changing in your body, and because every body is different, I'm going to recommend a capsule, or minimal, closet for your maternity phase. I also recommend buying items whenever possible that support you during pregnancy and postpartum.

I'll include a checklist here with cost estimates of items we recommend and you can find details on why we chose some of these items below.

Maternity Capsule Closet:

• Under Belly Panties $40

• Nursing Bras $60

• Compression Socks $32

• Comfy Sandal $50

• Jeans $60

• Shirts $45

• Sweaters $60

• Multi-Functional Dresses $200

• LBD $88

• Swimsuit $40

• Tank Tops $60

• Leggings $60

Total $795

Panties and Bras! You've got to have them! I loved my Under-Belly Panties. When it was time for bigger bras, I opted for Nursing Bras, so I didn't have to buy a whole new set of bras once the baby was born. This decision served me well and saved us money!

Compression Socks and Comfortable Sandals may not be a requirement for everyone. My feet expanded like balloons during pregnancy. I combated the swelling the best I could using Compression Socks. Once my second trimester started, none of my old shoes fit. For months I wore my bright green Crocs everywhere I went.

I recommend having two pairs of Maternity Jeans on hand. I preferred the Full-Belly Band, but some women like the Under-Belly style. If you can find some in a store, I suggest trying both styles on and determining what is best for you.

For Shirts and Sweaters, I recommend having 2-3 of each on hand. This gives you the ability to mix and match with your jeans to create multiple outfit combinations. Isabel Maternity makes some great Shirts and Sweaters. Remember, some items you already have in your closet will also work during pregnancy (such as button shirts and open cardigans), so be sure and inventory what you already own before heading to the store.

Some women love Dresses, some don't. If you are a big dress-wearer, I recommend having a few Multi-Functional Dress options on hand. No need for more than 2-4 though, remember, this phase is only a few months of your life!

Every woman needs a LBD - Little Black Dress, even during pregnancy! I recommend finding a Simple Dress that can easily be dressed up or down, giving you the ability to wear it on numerous occasions!

If you're going to be pregnant during the summer, you are absolutely going to need a Swimsuit. Motherhood Maternity has some great Swimsuit options.

If Tank Tops and Leggings aren't your best friend already, I'm willing to bet they will be soon! I wore my Leggings EVERYWHERE (even to work near the end of my pregnancy). I was able to find a couple of really great Nursing Tank Tops that also supported my growing belly. Again, this was a huge money saver for us, as it was one less thing I had to buy once our baby arrived.

Voila! My Maternity Capsule Closet. Love this list? Let me know in the comments! Think of something I missed? Let me know in the comments so we can all enjoy this shopping adventure together!