You know cute maternity clothes exist, but to some, shelling out top dollar for something that won’t last feels foolish. We feel you! Which is why we’ve gathered up seven workarounds for making maternity clothes—and your existing wardrobe—work for your style and budget.
Shop Affordable Brands Yes, there really are brands out there selling super-chic maternity clothes at ultra-affordable prices. Take full advantage! Not sure where to head? Some of our favorite places to tap when building a cute maternity wardrobe that won’t break the bank include ASOS, H&M, PinkBlush and Old Navy.
Give Renting a Go Now that Rent the Runway has introduced maternity clothes into its subscriptions, you’ll have over 450 brands at your disposal without spending more than $159 a month (for the Unlimited service—the most expensive one). Three quarters of Rent the Runway members say they’ve spent less on shopping since joining—pregnant members included. View more Rent the Runway maternity favorites. Plus, Rent the Runway isn’t the only rental game in town for moms-to-be. Le Tote is another excellent option for those looking to avoid buying maternity clothes. Answer a bunch of style questions, click on the personalized wardrobe selections you’d like to borrow and wait for your package to arrive. Hang onto the items as long as you’d like before selecting your next round of rentals.
Buy Gift Cards—for Yourself You know those special offers where you get a $20 store credit if you purchase a $50 gift card? Do it and use those savings for yourself—it’s not selfish! It’s a gift to your baby in utero. (They’d want you to look cute, we promise.)
One Word: BellaBand At a $28 investment, this clever, mom-invented piece of material goes over your regular pants when you can’t button them up, making your non-maternity clothes last longer! Find them at IngridandIsabel.com. Related Video
Spend Wisely on Nursing Bras Your breasts will start to feel like boulders as they prepare for milk production. Because your bra size will probably change within the first few weeks of breastfeeding, you might not want to commit to a whole new set of maternity bras that won’t last you past pregnancy. Start with one to three for now. The best deal around? A 3-pack form iLoveSIA for $30. They’re underwire-free and leave enough room for you to add a cup or nursing pad when strapped up.
Sharing: Not Just for Toddlers Anymore Chances are, you have friends who’ve been pregnant who are the same or close to the same size as you. Or maybe you have a friend who’s pregnant at the same time as you, but in a different stage. Consider the savings if you go in on a wardrobe together!
Rock Whatever You Buy or Borrow Keep in mind that it’s sometimes not how much you spend on your clothes but how you wear them. Be confident, stay comfortable and accessorize. Want to check out some fashion-forward maternity wear? Head here to see The Bump favorites. Plus, more from The Bump: Maternity Clothes 101: A Complete Buying Guide The Best Places to Shop for Stylish Maternity Clothes How to Create a Maternity Wardrobe That’ll Last Beyond the Bump
