Some of you have asked if I have any tips for shopping at Goodwill or for looking good while pregnant. While I am not a fashion expert by any stretch of the imagination, there are some things I’ve learned along the way.
Since I’ve started shopping at Goodwill on a regular basis (a year or two ago), I’ve found that I can buy quality clothes that are unique and that I can actually afford, and I’m dressing better than I ever have before.
I shop at Goodwill about once a week and sometimes I will find nothing and sometimes I will come home with bags of good stuff. The trick is going regularly and not having any expectations of finding something specific. A lot of times I will go just for the thrill of the hunt! I’m weird, I know.
I’ve gotten so many good things there that I now have a rule where I will not buy something unless I absolutely LOVE IT. It keeps me from buying too much stuff that I really don’t need.
If you are local, the Goodwill I shop at most is in Lancaster along Lincoln Highway. I’ve found that they have the best selection at really good prices. And they also carry lots of furniture. If you go there on Wednesdays, you will get a discount for using your frequent shopper card.
Some tips for looking cute with a baby bump:
1. Layer, Layer, Layer! I always dress in layers and tend to wear longer, dark basic tanks to go over the belly (the dark colors hide the belly better than light). Then I layer with fun jackets or cardigans, and they do not have to be maternity or be able to close.
Me wearing an extra-long black tank with a ruffly consignment store jacket
2. Just because you are pregnant, doesn’t mean you have to wear maternity clothes!
A lot of the styles for tops right now are long, flowey, “baby doll”, and can cover growing bellies really well. I’ve found that most maternity clothes just aren’t my style and usually don’t fit just right.
Me wearing a flowy Old Navy tank with a Forever 21 jacket
I usually wear maternity tanks or basic maternity black/brown short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirts to wear as a first layer. This covers the belly. Then I’ll put non-maternity shirts/jackets/cardis on top.
Me wearing an extra-long blue tank with an Old Navy shirt found at Goodwill
Also, the Belly Band has allowed me to wear most of my regular jeans and pants throughout the pregnancy. For some reason, because of the way I’m shaped, I haven’t ever found a pair of maternity pants that fit me comfortably.
3. Accessorize!
Me wearing a long-sleeve brown maternity shirt (Motherhood Maternity) with a plaid short-sleeve maternity jacket (Target but found at GW) and a fun pink scarf
If I’m feeling frumpy in my preggers get-up, I’ll wear fun colorful jewelry or scarves. I was never really into wearing a lot of accessories, but I’ve been learning that it makes me feel better when I put extra effort into what I wear. Chunky jewelry, colorful bags, embellished shoes, tall boots make me feel extra special when I’m battling the frumpy feeling.
4. Wear Color!
Me wearing an extra-long black tank and an orange ruffly jacket found at GW
Wearing colorful scarves, cardis, jackets draws attention away from the extra poundage in the belly area. And I’ve easily found fun, unique pieces at Goodwill or other thrift stores. Be creative!
5. Don’t give up on your style sense just because you are pregnant!
Me wearing an extra-long purple tank, a short-sleeved cardi from GW, and a skirt I made.
I don’t consider myself to be super-stylish at all. In fact, I envy a lot of my friends’ style sense. But I also don’t want to give up and just wear whatever feels comfortable and easy. Putting some effort into what I wear has helped me to feel “normal” while I’m pregnant and has been a fun challenge.
Me wearing a dress from Motherhood Maternity
I don’t have a lot of time to put into choosing what I wear, but it just takes a couple of extra minutes to put on something stylish as opposed to a t-shirt and sweat pants. Although, don’t get me wrong, I wear my fair share of frumpy lounge clothes – just not in public!
