Second Trimester Wardrobe

TANK: W5 [SIMILAR] / PANTS: VIA TJ MAXX [SIMILAR] / SANDALS: AVA & AIDEN [SIMILAR] / BAG: REBECCA MINKOFF [RED IS SOLD OUT] / SUNGLASSES: COLE HAAN [SIMILAR]

Dressing a growing baby bump can be daunting, especially as the "real" clothes in the closet stop fitting. After selling a bunch of clothing items on Poshmark, my go-to reselling app, I had a few dollars to get a couple new things. [If you use code HBFLJ when you sign up for Poshmark, you'll receive $5 in credit]. As I mentioned in my First Trimester Update I do not have plans to buy too many maternity-specific items, so these are things I picked up a few sizes bigger than I normally wear. 

TOPS

Tees, tanks, etc.

With tops, I looked for A-line, hip-grazing, loose tops that I could wear with pants or skirts. They drape nicely over my little bump, and I know that I will be so happy to re-shop my closet come next Summer when I am still holding onto a bit of postpartum baby weight (when clingy clothes are not my friend). I also shopped for a few simple tanks and tees that I could tuck into form-fitting skirts. In those I usually buy a small, so I bought a large to accommodate my growing bust and belly. So far so good. Here are a few similar pieces that are perfect for Summer and layering once the Fall comes.

BOTTOMS

Stretchy skirts, denim, linen pants.

Pants can be tricky during pregnancy, and I definitely recommend getting 2 pairs of maternity jeans to rotate in your wardrobe, especially as the Fall/Winter season approaches. But denim is not the only option.

I found these black linen wide-leg pants in my local TJ Maxx, and they had a stretchy band meant to be folded down, but I wear the stretchy fabric up and over my belly. They almost look like what you'd find in a maternity section, and they were a great price. Also look for low-rise utility style jogger pants with a stretchy waist band you could wear under the belly, like this pair or something similar.

Thinking outside the box is helpful when looking for maternity style clothing, so be sure to try on an array of sizes and look for items that will allow room to grow.

DRESSES

Tight and A-Line loose.

Dresses are usually not my go-to item because I am eternally more comfortable in pants, unless I am pregnant. I've found dresses are very flattering on a pregnant body because of how they hug the middle and show off the beautiful curve of the bump.

I've resorted to wearing a few loose, drapey A-line dresses for daytime with sandals during the week, and tighter, more body-con style dresses for date night or special events. 

When looking for dresses that are non-maternity, make sure they don't have seams or elastic in the middle, and steer clear of belted styles. Sometimes those seams can be off-shape to a prominent belly, and end up looking so. Also, when trying on dresses, make sure they are long enough so that they don't dip in toward the crotch and shorten because of how far out the belly sits. Most stores have a basic section of simple midi and maxi dresses that you can absolutely wear proudly during your pregnancy.

What are your favorite ways to dress a growing baby-bod? And, if you're not pregnant, these styles are still easy and classic for a summer wardrobe. What do you think?