Maternity Style in the Summer Heat

Just like the second-child syndrome, I don’t have the extra time, money, or energy to shop for a million maternity-friendly outfits like I did last time.  I had one day to get what I needed and be done!  You’d think I was set from pregnancy number one, but oh no, dear friends, between weighing more this go-around and being pregnant in a totally different season, the closet is lacking.

I’m having to be a little more creative this time since the summer months are approaching and it’s going to be H-O-T in Houston. {Heck, it’s already hot!}  Last time, I was pregnant during the fall/winter so I lived in leggings, tunics, and my fave Gap skinny jeans.  I despise myself in shorts right now so there’s that.  However, I’ve recently had some luck that I wanted to share with you ladies – whether this is pregnancy 1, 2, or 5, hopefully you can find a few items that will work for you this summer!  Let me do the legwork for you…

Casual Style

It’s just too hot NOT to have a pair of shorts that you can throw on with a tank or t-shirt.  Also think easy, throw-on, casual dresses to wear when around the house or running errands.  A maternity maxi dress or skirt is great to have if you aren’t into showing your legs or don’t want to worry about showing something when chasing the kiddos around too.

Maternity Casual Clothing

A few pieces I’ve recently found {and love} include ::

Old Navy High-Rise Belted Soft Shorts {Not Maternity}

Old Navy Printed Soft Pants {Not Maternity}

V-Neck Tees :: Splurge at Pea in the Pod or Save at Target

Graphic Tees ::“Shopping for Two” Tee from Houston’s own Baby Chick & Hello Apparel’s “I’m So Pregnant” Tee

Gap Midi Dress

Gap Scoopneck T-shirt Dress

Target Blouse by Liz Lange {Bonus that it can be dressed up for work or down for play!}

Target Black and White Stripe V-Neck Dress by Liz Lange

{Pssst…I also anticipate living in my blardigan this fall and winter when temps drop and I’m postpartum.  A nursing tank, leggings, and a blardigan will probably be my maternity leave uniform!}

Work Style

Dressing for work when pregnant is always a challenge.  Throw in swelling with this Houston heat, and it’s darn near impossible!  Dresses keep you cool and can also be used for church, showers, and other special events.  Sweaters and a denim jacket {no maternity sizing needed} have been great to wear in the office or places that are cooler.  Splurge on a few pieces you need for the “important things” like special meetings or presentations, but give yourself some grace on the other days.  As in, just do your best.  People tend to be more forgiving if you are pregnant.  On my “give myself a break” days at the office I wear my fave Gap Cropped pants and a forgiving blouse – a mix of maternity and stuff I already had in my closet.  For easy tops to wear to work that won’t break the bank, I like Motherhood Maternity and Target.

Maternity_WishboneDressWorkImage

A few more pieces I’m loving include ::

Splendid Elbow Sleeve Dress

Isabella Oliver Elbow Sleeve Pleated Dress

Rosie Pope x Gap Wishbone Dress {on sale now and pictured above}

Gap Chambray Dress {on major sale}

Merona Floral Crepe Shift Dress {Not Maternity}

Liz Lange Blouse from Target

Under Garments

As your body is changing, you may need to make some adjustments in the undergarment department.  My Kim K booty + growing belly was in desperate need of an underwear upgrade, so I splurged on a few new items at Soma recently.  {It doesn’t matter where you go though – just stick with whatever your fave was pre-pregnancy.}  You can find “maternity” underwear out there, but I found that just sizing up on my favorites did the trick.  Think 100% cotton though to keep you cool this summer!

You may need to get re-sized on your bra too as you are growing.  It will make you feel a lot better to have on a proper fitting bra.  Just don’t buy too many in one size since your body will continue to change throughout the pregnancy and even once baby comes – especially if nursing.  Did you know that Soma makes nursing bras and nursing-friendly pajamas?

Other Helpful Tips

Let someone else do the shopping for you!

Give Stitch Fix Maternity a try.  I discussed my recent experience with it over on my personal blog and can say that I 100% think it is worth a try during your pregnancy.

Try on if you can!

We are so lucky to be living in Houston where there are so many options to actually try on maternity clothes.  It is HARD to know what items will look good, be comfortable, and what size to order.  Half of the items I listed above, I would never have ordered online just based on the model in the picture.

Treat Yo-Self Day!

Take my advice to try on one step further and treat yourself to a little mini-maternity shopping day.  To make the most of your limited time, my little “maternity shopping trick” is this…

Head to the Houston Galleria and park at Nordstrom {I usually self-park on the 2nd level, but valet is a great option too}.  Nordstrom has the best bathrooms on every floor perfect for us pregnant ladies.  Walk through Nordstrom, grab a drink at the Cafe if you need to, and just a few shops down on the first floor is both Baby Gap and Destination Maternity.  The maternity section of Gap is in the very back of Baby Gap.  Their selection is limited; however, it will save you time in the long run to try on a bunch of things {don’t miss the sale racks} and learn your sizing in Gap Maternity.  This way you can order online with confidence in getting the correct size the first time.

After your Gap stop for the basics, head to Destination Maternity for some work dresses and a few more tops {note that at Destination Maternity in the Houston Galleria, the designer stuff that is much pricier is in the front.  The “Motherhood Maternity” items that are cheaper are in the back.}  I browse it all since even the front section has lots of sales and discounts.

Finally, head back to Nordstrom to grab any other items you may need like undergarments, shoes, jewelry, or cosmetics.  If you need a new bra, have one of the ladies in lingerie {3rd floor} fit you…they are all awesome!  And you might as well grab a Blardigan while you are up there…these should be going on sale next month during the Anniversary sale.

Finally, if you have time, dine in at Nordstrom for lunch or a quick snack.  The Cilantro Lime Shrimp Salad is to-die-for!

Happy {Maternity} Shopping!  Don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions about sizing on the items listed above.

Share your knowledge with us!!!  What is your favorite shop for maternity clothes?  Any other advice for dressing that bump in this heat?

1 COMMENT

  1. Yes, you will for sure be living in your blardigan in November after sweet baby boy is born! I wish it had been cooler when Duncan was born so I could have worn mine more. It’s so perfect for post-partum, super comfy and covers up everything!

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