How to Buy and Wear Maternity Clothes on a Budget

Every woman likes to look and feel her best. Being pregnant doesn't change that, but it does make it more difficult. In the second and third trimesters, regular clothes no longer fit around the waist, and comfort takes precedence over style. Maternity clothes are the answer, but if money is tight, you may be wondering how to buy and wear maternity clothes on a budget. Several options are available.

Maternity clothes list

If you're a working woman, the clothes you wear will be different from a pregnant woman who stays at home. You may need some dresses, slacks, dressy tops and T-shirts. Even though you will only wear these clothes a limited time, try not to buy clothing that is cheaply made. Keep in mind that you will be wearing and washing these clothes more frequently than your regular clothes.

Buy secondhand

Wearing maternity clothes on a budget becomes a lot easier when you get familiar with eBay. Most of the clothes, whether it be dresses or tops and bottoms, are either new or have hardly been worn. Some might still have the tags on them, identifiable by the abbreviation NWT (new with tags). For under $100, you can pick up several outfits.

Alternatively, you can visit your local thrift store. Unlike regular clothes, you know that maternity clothes have been more gently worn. For a fraction of the price, you can pick and chose different outfits for every day of the week.

Throw a maternity wear party

There are parties for all sorts of things. Maybe you could have a BYOMW (bring your own maternity wear) party. Your friends and family, who already have their families completed, often don't know what to do with their maternity clothes. These items usually end up in the back of a closet, or worse, in a box in the attic. Throwing a maternity wear party will help you find clothes on a budget, and you'll help them clean out their closets.

Rent maternity wear

Renting maternity wear is the latest idea to avoid over-spending. Women are using this budget-saving strategy not for the bulk of the maternity clothes, but for special occasions when a cocktail dress or even a floor-length gown is required. Buying one could be costly if you're on a budget, but renting something that will fit you is a thrifty alternative. Visit The Maternity Closet for more information about renting maternity wear.

What to avoid

For how to buy maternity clothes on a budget, you have several options, but how to wear them is entirely up to you. If you can, try to avoid pastel colors. One coffee drop or a tiny ketchup splash and your outfit is ruined. Busy floral or stripe patterns are not a good idea, either. Although these may hide the occasional stain, wearing patterns will also accentuate your growing body size. Solid colors that complement your skin tone are a better idea. A black or navy blue top made from a distinctive fabric looks elegant and can be worn without a care in the world.

Accessories are another important tip for how to buy and wear maternity clothes on a budget. To spruce up a dress or top, reach for a colorful scarf or a pretty necklace with fabulous earrings. Being pregnant doesn't mean that you can't be fashionable and keep up with fashion trends at the same time.