Pregnancy brings a lot of fashion challenges which can be frustrating, especially for first-time moms. Not only do you have to adapt to your changing body, but you also need to learn a new way to dress to accommodate your growing belly. Often, this means buying a whole new wardrobe.
According to recent data, pregnant women will spend an average of $500 per pregnancy on maternity clothes. It’s a necessary expense, especially if one has a large baby bump early on. But what if you’re pregnant and you’re barely showing? It can be difficult to look hip or stylish when your regular clothes don’t fit, and most maternity clothes are too big for you. For this stage of your pregnancy, you need to find ways to dress your barely-there bump and create styles to keep you comfortable– here’s what you need to wear to look good and feel great.
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Y2K-Inspired Pants
If your belly’s not big enough for traditional maternity pants, try wearing trousers with elasticated waists. Thankfully, these are trendy right now, and those who want to start a clothing line should take note of this Y2K-inspired trend that’s proving to be quite versatile for women of all ages. Go for loose or relaxed-fit pants in a neutral color like black, chocolate brown, or navy. Pair it with a slouchy sweatshirt, and adjust the top part to turn it into an off-the-shoulder top. Wear a pair of classic sneakers with this outfit to up its cool factor and keep you comfy while you’re on your feet.
A Short Caftan Dress
A caftan dress or dashiki is great for wearing to the beach or swimming pool. But this outfit can also be perfect for pregnant moms whose bellies are barely showing. Pick a short caftan dress that hits just above the knees to make it work for running errands or a casual lunch with family members. To tone down the beachy vibe of this outfit, choose a caftan in muted colors, such as black and white or chocolate brown and white. A caftan with a drawstring under the bust will give you some shape, so look for one instead of a free-flowing one. Pair your caftan dress with flat sandals, then finish the look with a stack of bracelets, some drop earrings, and a woven bag.
Distressed Jeans and a Flowy Sweater
For days when it’s chilly outside, you need an outfit that will keep you and your baby bump warm. Instead of bulky layers, wear a pair of distressed jeans and a flowy sweater. Pick slim fit or skinny jeans in a light wash– if you can find one with an elastic waistband, that’s even better. You can choose jeans with zero distressing if you’re not a fan of the look, but wearing jeans with strategic rips will give your outfit some edge.
As for your top, choose a plain, soft, flowy sweater that skims your barely-there belly. It will balance out the slim fit of your jeans and make you look soft and cozy. If you want to enhance the subtly sexy and feminine feel of this outfit, style your hair in loose waves, apply a rosy blush and lipstick, then wear a pair of dangling earrings. Accessorize with shoes with a kitten heels and a bucket bag.
Meanwhile, if you’d rather play into the edgy feel of this ensemble, wear a beanie, line your eyes with some shimmery black eyeliner, and apply nude-colored lipstick. Finish the look with a pair of boots and a small messenger bag.
Shorts and a Dress Shirt
There will be days when you don’t feel like dressing up. Sure, you can throw on a pair of sweats and call it a day, but if you want to step it up a little without going overboard, consider wearing a pair of shorts. Pick ones that aren’t made of very soft cotton so that they’ll hold their shape and offer your baby bump a bit of support. Wear a men’s dress shirt over it, and roll up the sleeves to avoid overheating. Accessorize with snazzy sunglasses, espadrilles, and an oversized tote bag for a look that’ll take you anywhere from the grocery store to a day at the Hamptons.
Dressing a barely-there bump can be challenging. But with the right pieces and clever styling hacks, you can be fashionable and feel great during this in-between stage of your pregnancy.
