You found out you're expecting! Congratulations! You just embarked on one of the most magical journeys life can offer; motherhood. It's a thrilling time, there's so much to be excited about, but there's also a lot to worry about. One of them being the fact that none of your clothes fit anymore!
That moment of "I just woke up and now everything is too tight" is one of the least thrilling parts of pregnancy, and shopping for something in the maternity section can be miserable. So much maternity wear is frumpy. A lot of it features that old oversized floral pattern that oozes "grandma's curtains" vibes. The pricing is crazy, too, especially considering that these are clothes designed to be worn for only a couple of months before being packed up or thrown away!
Mama-to-be, you don't need to stress out about building a wardrobe of not-so-nice maternity wear! The key to looking good while expecting is shopping for the right silhouettes. Here's our guide!
The Silhouette Secret
Having to shop in the maternity section is inevitable for most mothers-to-be, but here's how you can stay in the regular women's section and still find flattering fits:
There is a ton of magic in smocked bodice! This embroidery technique allows the fabric to have plenty of stretch, so it will continue to look fitted as your body changes through your pregnancy. Tons of smocked bodice dresses are also "slip on" styles, meaning you won't need to mess with any zippers or fasteners. This style will make sitting, standing, reaching, and stretching as comfortable as possible for your entire pregnancy, and will bounce back to its original shape when you're wearing it post-partum.
A dress with an empire waist is another stellar pick for expecting mothers. This style of dress features a high waistline just below the bust. The garment drapes beautifully and offers a flattering fit over your hips, rear, and midsection. Empire waists are also great for any petite mamas out there, as this is a silhouette that elongates and narrows the body.
On bottom, shop pieces that feature long, flowy maxi-length tiered skirts. This style will drape beautifully over your growing baby bump, rather than cling to it. Buying these silhouettes means you're investing in a dress you can wear to the baby shower, and to your beach trip next summer!
That being said, here are the absolute NOs of maternity wear:
- Non-breathable, synthetic fabric/materials
- Tight clothes
- Clothes with excessive buttons, snaps, or zippers
- High heels (that includes kitten heels!)
...oh, and please make sure you get your bra size checked! Pregnancy has its uncomfortable moments, and your body grows in ways you don't always expect. Having a bra that feels good really makes a huge difference.
Our Hidden Gems
Here at Wrightsville Ave Boutique, our women's collection is thoughtfully selected to make women you feel beautiful at every stage of life. Our styles aren't maternity fashion, but many of them are bump-friendly, with expecting mothers being kept in mind. Here are some of our latest obsessions!
Meet Me in Santorini is a new favorite here at Wrightsville Ave! From their beautiful, flowy silhouettes to their uber-soft cotton/linen blends to their Greek Isle-inspired aesthetic, this designer is an absolute must-have for any beach loving mothers-to-be! The vibe is romantic and luxurious, so you'll feel gorgeous wearing it, no matter what stage of pregnancy you're in.
Another new favorite here is Bila 77! Their airy, boho-style apparel is as comfortable as it is beautiful. Bila's breezy styles are the perfect pick for anything from a Tuesday morning trip to the store or a beachy maternity photoshoot.
It will (most likely) be impossible to 100% avoid the maternity section during your pregnancy, but that should be your last resort, right? Shop our selection of dresses, sets, and complete looks for women and discover your next favorite fit!
The Mommy and Me Maternity Shoot
At this stage in your pregnancy, maternity photos are right around the corner, and family photos with the newborn (and your other kids!) will be right after! If you're planning a photoshoot, you probably want to match with your little ones, but it's not always easy to coordinate outfits without looking cheesy. Luckily, you're in the right place!
A huge part of Wrightsville Ave's aesthetic revolves around mommy/mini styles, and our top brands like Rylee & Cru, Quincy Mae, and Noralee are designed with family styling in mind. If you pick up one of our bump-friendly styles, finding styles for your kids that match with yours will be a breeze.
Styling family photoshoots is a big task, but we've done most of the heavy lifting for you! We have an entire blog post on styling Mommy and Mini photoshoots, as well as a guide on making sure your kids outfits coordinate without being identical.
You Got This, Mama!
I just wanted to remind you real quick that you are an absolute superhero, mama. You're a rockstar, you're the GOAT, and you're stronger than Wonder Woman!!! Seriously though, motherhood is simultaneously the most important and the most difficult job in the world. Growing a baby is hard work, and you deserve to feel beautiful and completely like yourself during your pregnancy journey.
Are you ready to build a wardrobe that you'll love before, during, and after your pregnancy? Shop our women's collection online to find your next favorite style, or visit us in-store and try some on. See you soon!