Angela Wallace of Sasstainable
1. Rediscover your existing wardrobe and raid your closet.
Try your wardrobe on throughout pregnancy to see what styles are an option. I’ve been pleasantly surprised how many tunics, shirts, tops, leggings and dresses in my wardrobe are still working for my maternity style as I enter my third trimester. While you may have to retire your skinny jeans sooner rather than later, lots of pieces may offer functionality well into pregnancy, especially A-line cuts, oversized styles, pleats, and any fabrics with lots of stretchy give in the fit.
2. Pick-up a maternity band and extend your skinny jean style.
Before you store your skinny jeans, consider investing in a simple belly band that can hold up your gloriously unbuttoned bottoms. It’s a stretchy, simple piece of fabric and relatively inexpensive. While you might not be able to salvage all your skirts and pants until the very end, a belly band will help you fit into many of your favourite styles for a lot longer. It’s a great eco-option that helps you make use of what you already own.
3. Shop second-hand with gently used, preloved styles.
Lots of gently used maternity wear looks like new. There are great places to shop in many cities that offer gently used maternity styles and bargains. The same can be said for baby wear, with plenty of deals to be discovered on good-as-new style.
4. Invest in pieces that will carry you throughout pregnancy and beyond.
There’s no reason to focus solely on the maternity racks, paying a premium for maternity designs. Plenty of styles from your favourite brands and designers can work in pregnancy, and won’t have the telltale signs of ‘maternity fit’ after the baby is born. I found an amazing bodycon dress for this year’s holiday party. It has an incredible amount of (merciful) stretch that worked perfectly with my baby bump, and will also provide bounce back potential and style next year, long after the baby has been born.
5. Splurge on the special items you can’t live without.
Pregnancy is a special time and maternity fashions are more beautiful and stylish than ever. There’s something for every expectant mother to wear from the yoga studio to the boardroom. Embrace confidence throughout pregnancy and enjoy the opportunity to explore sustainable baby bump style.
