There are definitely a few things that set this pregnancy apart from my first. Most obvious, is that there is a little boy in there — and I’m still in shock, to be honest. But here are a few others for you:
- summer pregnancy vs. winter pregnancy? WHOA. Whole new ballgame, people.
- pregnancy with a toddler running around? WHOA.
- the need for maternity pants as early as week four because comfort comfort comfort? *raises hands* Me! Me! That was absolutely me.
It’s funny to look back on how long I procrastinated wearing anything deemed “maternity” when I was pregnant with Harlow. I don’t know if I felt like it was some badge of honor to basically ruin perfectly good clothing by stretching it out for nearly 9 months…. but I did it. This time around? Gimme that stretchy waistband. I thought it would be fun to share with you all throughout the remainder of this pregnancy where I find it’s best to spend a bit more and where you can really save! This week is a spend week — but I’ll be sharing some of my tips on how to save on the spend…. does that make any sense at all? :/ hmmph. And next week I’ll focus on some of my favorite ways to save when it comes to maternity fashion. It’s all about the denim today. Skinnies, shorts, white, boyfriend — all of them.
Having a well-fitting pair of jeans is a good foundation to any outfit. I was determined to find a super cheap pair right away, but felt pretty discouraged as the fit was constantly off and the quality was pretty low.
Now, I don’t want to ignore the fact that every body embraces pregnancy differently, but I think that is all the more reason to feel confident in the jeans you choose to buy.
I ended up at Destination Maternity, and I was blown away by the care and help I was given by their associates. They were determined to help me find something that I felt confident in — and I was amazed at all the options available.
Buying earlier on in your pregnancy gives you more wearing time as well!
Bonus? Maternity pants/jeans/shorts are comfortable even when not pregnant, and they especially kind when postpartum.
I wanted to share a few ways that I dressed up and dressed down these white skinnies. I had tried on some white maternity jeans elsewhere, but never felt like they were very flattering at all. I fell in love with this pair the minute I put them on — and I had fun pairing them with some inexpensive pieces I had in my closet. Some items are maternity… some not!
White Jeans + the Blazer
Andy and I definitely haven’t gone on as many dates this pregnancy as last — babysitters are expensive, yo — but I find that dressing up just a bit more than usual helps me feel more confident with this ever-growing belly. I am loving blazers right now! I picked up two casual jersey-fabric blazers this year — this black one from an IG sale and a red one on clearance, and I love how they dress up any outfit.
White Jeans + the Casual Tee
Especially in the summer, it’s easy to get in the habit of just throwing on comfortable sweats and gym shorts and calling it a day. I love having simple outfits like this one that are easy to throw on and feel put together. Having a few solid color maternity shirts is definitely a good thing to have in your closet — unless you’re find stretching out all your non-maternity ones. (I definitely did that last time around….) Next week I’ll share more of my favorite bargain places for shirts and how to shop the sales.
White Jeans + the Now-Too-Short-Dress
One thing is for sure about a baby bump: you can only wear shorter non-maternity dresses for so long before they start getting short-sh-short-short-short. I love pairing some of these pregnancy-friendly dresses with my maternity jeans! Especially on the days when I’m feeling a bit whale-like in the summer…a longer top or dress covers up the areas I’m not wanting to show off.
White Jeans + White….with a Pop of Color
You might think, “I can’t wear white while pregnant!” But try pairing white jeans or pants with a top that has a lot of white as well. Giving a streamlined look to an outfit with unified color can help to make you look taller.
White Jeans + Layering
Layering has been key for me this summer! I’m a bit self conscious about the hips, so pairing a longer tunic with a shorter denim jacket has been perfect for me. Y’all know this denim jacket wasn’t an easy find… :)
So these are just a few ways that I’ve styled these white jeans! I completely understand that a spend to one person might be a save to another, but one reason I love Destination Maternity and A Pea in the Pod is that they have such a wide array of prices and styles. In addition to that, they run amazing sales pretty frequently — I have snatched a pair of jeans on clearance and another pair 30% off — it’s definitely a good idea to sign up for their email list right away, so you can keep an eye on current sales! Right now, they are running a super fun promotion! When you spend $175 at A Pea in the Pod, you get a $100 Restauarant.com giftcard! Remember that datenight thing I mentioned at the beginning of this post? Now you’ll have the outfit to rock and dinner taken care of! (Details here.) How would you style these white skinnies? Which outfit is your favorite? Let me know if you have anything you’d like me to include in a future Spend or Save: Maternity Fashion post! xo
I don’t know if my legs could pull off white skinnies, but I AM loving them with the now-too-short dress! I will say, though, I borrowed most of my maternity clothing with Wes and bought a few cheaper pairs of jeans, but knowing what I know now I would totally spend on the denim and just figure the rest out as I go!
I did the same thing when I was pregnant with Harlow, Heather! I’m so happy I chose a few pieces that I (yes) spent a little more money on, but I am wearing them CONSTANTLY and i feel like I have so many more options with them!
Also! Pregnant in the summer…not as easy to just wear big sweats when it’s 95 degrees outside!! maternity shorts have been KEY.
You look fabulous! I’m 31 weeks right now and living in mostly dresses because of the heat. My first pregnancy was a winter pregnancy and adjusting to a summer pregnancy has been tough. It’s been really fun seeing the cute maternity outfits you put together.
It is kind of crazy how different it is being pregnant in the summer vs winter!! i honestly didn’t give it much thought until I tried putting on a pair of shorts….and ha. hahahahahaha. I also gain mostly in my butt/thighs [lovely, eh!?] so an actual pair of maternity jeans/shorts that fit me is KEY!!
and DRESSES FOR THE WIN for SURE!
I have a boxy backpack and a carryall from Petunia Pickle Bottom (and a PRC & Shopping Tote) and LOVE them!! Such a huge fan!!! I can’t wait to see the new fall prints!
yes!! i love my PPP and my Lily jade!!! both are SO SO SO great!
I love this post! I can’t wait for more spend/save maternity posts. I’m newly pregnant (with my first!) and I hope I don’t stretch out my current clothes. So, I can’t wait to see your recommendations!
Yes! store away the stuff you don’t want to ruin now!!! or soon :) I definitely made that mistake last time!
And then it’s fun to dig that stuff back out…it’s like a big, free shopping trip after baby!!
and CONGRATS!! :)
Wowza. $200 for a pair of pants that you can only wear a few months….
Hey Diana! That’s why I wrote that I understand everyone has different limits for different items! Using coupons and sales, those jeans can be just over $100! And then I pair them with clearance items that are usually under $10 — because the jeans are the most important thing for me to feel confident and comfortable in!
I recognize that we all have different preferences! These are just mine — and I plan on wearing them thru more pregnancies, hopefully, and even after!
I agree. With my first pregnancy, I bought one designer pair of jeans and then several cheaper pairs. I ended up wearing the designer pair practically every day because the others just don’t fit as comfortably. I attempted one trip so far to a destination maternity store (with my 4 y/o). I got discouraged by the price tags on the jeans, so thank you for the reminder. Lucky for me, my due date this time around is practically the same as my first pregnancy. I get to be pregnant in the summer, but when I’m big and uncomfortable, it will be winter and not as hot. I will be looking for a dark denim pair of skinnies AND a white pair thanks to your wonderful post! Thanks!
hey you!! i owe you an email! my advice: go try ON at the store…..order online with the sales!! :) I knew exactly which pairs I loved and what sizes fit, and I was able to wait and make decisions as they went on clearance or on sale!!
I already told Andy that I might never wear regular jeans again….maternity is way more comfy! :)
Yes! Sooo loving the white jeans inspiration right now! I have a pair in my closet that I haven’t ever worn out of intimidation, I guess. But these outfits are so put together and casual. Thank you for sharing!
I can’t wait to see how you style yours!! Just wear them with Confidence!!!
I just love all of the maternity clothes that you wear!! Do you have a “maternity fashion” label?? I am going to check out Destination Maternity in the coming months, for sure! :)
oh! hahaha – i maybe should start that label for my posts!! another one coming at you tomorrow! Congrats to you!!
Hey Meghan! I discovered your blog through one of my favorite “healthy lifestyle” bloggers, Julie (pbfingers). She was the one who originally got me interested in StitchFix and I absolutely love it. I have had my own running blog for a couple years now and it was awesome to see her recommending your blog. Small world! Congratulations on baby #2 and I hope all is well.