Most women need to purchase maternity clothes somewhere between 10 and 15 weeks into their pregnancy, although this varies greatly according to your pre-pregnancy body type. Fortunately, today's expecting mothers have a number of different options available for building their maternity wardrobes.
Maternity Clothes on a Budget
If you're on a tight budget and can't afford to spend much on a new maternity wardrobe, Target is known for having a nice selection of affordable clothes for pregnant women. The Liz Lange for Target maternity line includes casual clothing as well as some items appropriate for wearing to the office. Plus sizes are available, although the selection is somewhat limited. Most items are priced at $30 or less.
Another good source of very affordable maternity clothing is Kohl's. This retailer sells tops, sweaters, dresses, pants, jeans, and more from Oh Baby by Motherhood. Watch for sales and Kohl's Cash promotions for maximum savings.
Motherhood Maternity is one of the most popular specialty stores selling maternity clothes and carries clothing for petite, tall, and plus size women. The Loved by Heidi Klum line is one of the best sellers at Motherhood Maternity. This store also sells products such as the tummy sleeve, a stretchy fabric band that covers your unbuttoned pants so you can avoid having to purchase maternity pants until later in your pregnancy.
Women in search of upscale maternity clothes from designers such as 7 for All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, William Rast, True Religion, Joe's Jeans, and Lilly Pulitzer will enjoy shopping at A Pea in the Pod Maternity. If you can't find a store location near you, shopping online is a good option to consider since this retailer offers an affordable flat rate shipping of just $6.
The Due Maternity website offers an impressive selection of stylish maternity clothes, as well as nursing bras, baby clothes, diaper bags, and gifts for pregnant women. Some of the featured designers on this site include Spanx Maternity, Olian Maternity, Momzee, Moody Mamas, and Mothers en Vogue. Unworn items can be returned if needed, but you are responsible for all shipping and handling fees.
Isabella Oliver lets you shop for stylish designer maternity clothes online, but this retailer's sizing can be a bit tricky. Maternity dresses, tops, skirts, and pants are size 0-6 based on a scale of pre-pregnancy sizes 0-16. However, the website does suggest that women who are expecting twins order clothing one size larger than normal.
Regardless of where you purchase your maternity clothes, remember that it's best to pick items that can be mixed and matched to create several different looks. Stick to neutral color palettes, such as black, grey, and tan for the most possible options. Keep in mind that solids tend to be more versatile than patterns.
Another great tip for building a good maternity wardrobe is to remember that accessories can do wonders to jazz up an otherwise simple outfit. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, scarves, and handbags can help finish off your look and still be enjoyed long after your due date passes.