Dressing Your Growing Belly:
With a multitude of online resources, dressing baby can seem like a breeze. But what about dressing a pregnant belly? Expectant mothers often face the challenge of finding clothing for their ever-changing bodies that are appropriate for the workplace.
Where to Buy Maternity Clothes without Breaking the Bank:
Thrift Stores:
Yes, you can find clothing for you kids at thrift stores, but you can also find them for your growing body:
- Look for outfits that have strong seams with no fraying or separation.
- Check to make sure all zippers and snaps work. Buttons can easily be replaced if the rest of the item is in good condition.
- Buy shirts and pants in colors that complement many others so they can be worn often. Black or brown pants and blue jeans are versatile must-haves.
- Try to purchase tops and dresses in an A-Line cut for a style that is not only flattering, but complementary to the expanding belly, allowing you to fit into your clothes longer than other styles.
- Another way to make the most out of your closet during your pregnancy is by purchasing some long, solid colored camisoles in a few sizes up. Wear your tank top underneath your favorite tops that no longer fit your expanding belly for a layered look.
Online Shopping:
- Internet clothes swapping can be used for maternity clothes. The same swapping websites for kids also provide clothes for mom:
- Sites such as Swapmamas, Baby Swap or Shop, and Swap.com.
- Each of these sites allows mothers to sign up for free and access hundreds of gently used clothes and products swapped or sold by other mothers from around the country.
- Mothers can fill up their virtual shopping carts with loads of maternity wear for nothing, often paying only the cost of shipping.
- Sites such as Freecycle.com and ReUseIt Network are also good sources for clothing. Membership is free, and members can post items they need as well as items they would like to pass along.
- There may be Facebook groups in your area that swap or trade kids’ clothing:
- On Facebook, simply search for groups in your local area using keywords such as sell, trade, maternity, mommy swap, swap and sell, yard sale, and so on.
- Meetup.com allows users to search for groups in their surrounding area to join. This is an alternative if you don’t have a Facebook account.
Swap Party!
Not everyone feels comfortable buying, swapping, or trading clothes from strangers. Luckily, most people know friends and family in their communities who have had kids:
- Reach out to your friends and family, and ask them if they still have maternity clothes not being used in their closets.
- Most times, you can find good pieces of clothing that haven’t been stained or worn out.
Couponing!
- Many clothing stores have clearance sales, but even then, they still might be too much money for your budget. Coupons can really save you money on clothes if you plan strategically and do your research.
- Especially if you’re a working mom, you may have no other choice than to buy new professional clothing that fits. You don’t have to buy the clothes full price though.
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- Consider purchasing a few “investment pieces,” such as blazers, statement necklaces, and dresses, for special events, such as business trips or interviews.
- Some stores offer you a discount on their clothing if you sign up for a store credit card. Most places let you swipe the card and then pay off the balance right at the register. You don’t have to worry about buying something you can’t afford if you make yourself pay off the balance at the time of purchase with the money you have.
- Sign up for you favorite clothing stores emails. Most times, they will send monthly coupons right to your inbox.
- Swagbucks.com and Ebates.com provide thousands of couponds and deals and allow you to earn cash back for your purchases.
- If people have given you gift cards, be sure to use them!
- Find retailers that will reward your purchase with money off a future purchase.
Yard Sales
- During the summer months, look up in your local newspaper or city Facebook page for garage and yard sales happening around your area.
- Some cities do “yard sale weekends” where numerous families set up yard sales all over the city and everyone comes out to browse the items.
- You could talk to your local community and see if they would want to participate in a community sales.
Flea Markets
- Although flea markets don’t primarily sell clothing, you can still find those few select vendors that provide clothing for sale—it may be worth your time to check out the local flea markets in your area.