I had a bit of a mish when it came to first/fourth trimester clothes shopping. As unimpressed as I am with the 'plus size' maternity options out there, it's already been a whole lot easier to come up with a wish list for summer. (I say 'plus size' because I'm only looking at sizes UK18/20, which isn't too far from 'normal' sizes really, but once you go UK20/22 and over it seems basically impossible to find maternity clothes which is just damn strange)
My requirements for my maternity clothes are that they aren't expensive, they make me look pregnant rather than fat and are comfortable to wear. Besides that, I would like to buy things that are suitable for sunny days but can be warmed up a bit with leggings etc once the weather turns, so hopefully I can wear them during my second and third trimesters.
I could have picked pretty much any of the dresses in New Look at the moment -there's loads for £14.99 and most have the waist and neck shape that I *need*! This striped one will look brilliant with leggings and boots during my third trimester, and I just couldn't resist the bright colours on the butterfly dress. My only gripe with New Look Maternity is that it stops after size 18, which when you consider that their Inspire range is just perfect and goes up to a 28 (and 32 in some things) is disappointing.
Sometimes you just can't beat George at Asda for essentials, and that is definitely what I would consider these to be. Flattering, light linen trousers are a must for me every summer so I was always going to be buying a maternity version and at £14.00 it might just be these ones. Skinny jeans are another staple for me, as they can be worn on cooler summer days with a vest and flip flops, or warmed up with knitwear and boots during the autumn. My only concern is that under bump trousers may fall down, but I don't want to overheat by having too many layers if I go over bump, so for £16.00 I could just see what happens!
Tops are an area I have been hugely struggling with. Although I like the Polka Dot top from Asda (Left, £14.00), I'm not a fan of maternity tops that don't have definition between boobs and bump as I think it could make me just look fat. I will have to try it on once I get bigger and see how I feel. On the other hand, I am just going to outright buy the sleeveless blouse on the right! It costs £12.99 from H&M; it looks light and airy, can adjust the amount of cleavage on show and it has the all important under bust definition. Perfect in my eyes.
As it has been hard for me to find the right kind of tops, I am going to fall back on the old staple of wearing long maternity vests under some of my normal clothes to get more variety in my wardrobe. These ones are £9.99 from New Look for a pack of three. I'll add a belt under bust to provide that all important definition. There's loads around at the moment but I like the £3.99 one from H&M, cos, well, £3.99!
By the time this post goes live I may well have bought a different bra, but I'm currently looking for a nursing bra without wires - not a big ask but when you need a 40 back it gets tricky. This one from Asda is only £8.00 and has great reviews on their website (edit - has since gone out of stock, so if anyone has any recommendations for me that would be great!).
I will also need a maternity swimming costume as I enjoy going, but again, it's the old 'Want To Look Pregnant, Not Fat' thing in my current cozzie. I love that while this one is patterned, it's monochrome so very me. It's only £14.00 from Asda, which I also love!
In total, if I were to buy all these clothes, it would cost me £124.45. This isn't too bad, but it is more than I want to spend. I'll be getting vests, bras and swimming costumes from the shops, but will be keeping my eye on local Facebook groups, eBay and car boots for the rest (well, except that H&M top as I have rather fallen in love, maybe the bright New Look dress too...). Now that I know the style and colours that I am looking for it shouldn't be too difficult. I hope!
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