BELLY LAUGHS

By BRPM

Shopping for clothes quit being fun the second we entered adulthood as women. The prices went up, everything now fits differently or doesn’t at all–ever, and it’s so hot in the dressing rooms. Why, please tell me why, does it have to be so hot in the dressing rooms? Getting a pair of jeans on is hard enough without breaking a sweat before you begin, thus creating another reason why the jeans just don’t feel right.

Now that you’re shuddering at the thought of having to try jeans on in what rivals a sauna, there’s another time in our lives when finding cute clothes is a task that puts our mental well-being to the test: clothes shopping while pregnant.

Scrolling through Pinterest and seeing all of the boards filled with maternity inspo paints a picture that finding these great pieces to fill our own wardrobes is actually easy. Unfortunately, it’s not (that’s a story for another day) and when we do find them, trying them on is, to put it simply, a whole thing.

Before you really begin to panic and question whether you’ll ever be able to dress fashionably again, we have plenty of tips to offer from moms who have been in your shoes on how you can still be cute but also comfortable.

will be your best friend. Pregnant women have a special glow about them, but as Jessica Simpson once said, it’s likely from all the sweating we do. Adding to it, Louisiana summers are no joke when it comes to how hot it can get, so sweating is inevitable. Maxi dresses are essential in staying cool and looking cute. Fill your wardrobe with these and you’ll be ready from day to night.

and wear them everyday. No, we really mean it. No one is going to judge, and the more worn a pair of jeans are, the better they look in our opinion. Jeans also look great with everything. Unfortunately, we can’t promise you that trying them on will be any easier than it was pre-pregnancy (it wasn’t easy). The sweat barrier just happens sometimes.

3. Raid your husband’s closet. He probably has so many t-shirts and button ups in there that he doesn’t even remember they exist. Who knew that you literally had a walk-in gold mine for maternity wear right in your own home? Venture in there one day and find a few pieces that you like the best. He likely won’t even miss them or notice they’re gone when you transfer them to your own closet. If he does notice, just remind him of all the money you will save by sharing.

4. Bless the yoga pants. We were really lucky when yoga pants became a thing. Not only are they super comfortable, but they also do one of the best things ever, they stretch. Filling your wardrobe with a few pairs of these will keep you comfy throughout your entire pregnancy.

top, PJs on the bottom. We’ve all gotten used to dressing for success (at least on top) for the regular Zoom call and soaking in the comfort (the bottoms) while dressed in yoga pants, sweat pants and PJ pants and shorts. If you’re still working from home, we encourage you to take full advantage of this method for as long as you can because it’s the best.

don’t buy it. This should be a rule with most items of clothing (although COVID has changed that for a lot of shops) but if you have an opportunity to try it on, do so! Again, you will likely deal with the struggles of trying on clothes, but we wish you well on your journey. You got this, mama. ■