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Too Small for Maternity Clothes?
by Jody Gardner and Cherie Serota
Authors of Pregnancy Chic: The Fashion Survival Guide
 
lifestyle/fashion
 

While most maternity clothes are designed for someone with a big belly, we thought we should address the needs of women at the start of their pregnancies — when their bellies are too big for regular clothes and just a little small for maternity clothes. And now that the weather has warmed up, your wardrobe must keep pace. These suggestions should get you through the warmer months in style.
 

lifestyle/fashion

Elastic waist shorts 
In summertime or in warmer climates, think about wearing your elastic waist shorts — yours or your husband's! Before going to a store, first check your own drawers. You probably have a few pairs of shorts with a drawstring or elastic waist. Even if they aren't your favorites, they will be perfect for the first half of your pregnancy. You can always wear them with a big white T-shirt and a pair of sandals or — depending on the fabric and style of the short — gym shoes. 

After you've thoroughly exhausted your own supply, it's time to move on. Go directly to your husband's stash. If you're lucky enough to stumble across a pair of athletic shorts, wear them with a big t-shirt — yours or your husband's. Crew neck t-shirts, v-necks or polo necks all work well with this type of short. Stick to gym shoes on your feet. 

Boxer shorts 
These will be great to wear around the house at the beginning of your on pregnancy. Dig through your husband's drawers and find the really big ones. If you want to wear these out somewhere, take a good long look in the mirror first. Are they long enough to cover your thighs? (This will depend on the size of your belly). Is the flap going to open up when you sit down, revealing your underwear to all? If you love the fit of one or two pairs and they look good enough to go out in, sew down the front flap so you don't have to worry about it opening while you're out in public. Just check periodically (every two weeks or so) in the mirror to make sure they are still covering what they're supposed to be covering! 

Men's walking shorts 
Try slipping on a pair of khaki walking shorts. Most guys have these in their drawers someplace. They may be too big on you, so belt the waist across your belly. They should fit over your expanding abdomen. Experiment with them on a day when you have some spare time. You might love the look — we certainly do. 

Drawstring/elastic waist pants 
You are going to be so happy slipping these amazingly comfortable pants on each morning. And the best news is that they might already be hanging in your closet. They're easy on the tummy, pregnant or not! You'll be able to wear these for at least the first trimester and probably well into your second. We don't suggest purchasing a pair specifically for your pregnancy, though, unless you think you'll wear them after delivery. They won't take you as far along as you might think. It's hard to imagine that your belly is really going to get too big for these, but trust us, it definitely does! They are, however, the perfect pants to wear during your first few months. A drawstring pant is great because it's a magical concept — as you continually grow, it continually grows! 

Dresses 
Dresses are a natural. They're easy to wear and flattering. Wear them as much as possible. 



About the Authors: Jody Kozlow Gardner and Cherie Serota are the authors of Pregnancy Chic: The Fashion Survival Guide as well as creators of Belly Basics, The Pregnancy Survival Kit. Their clothing collection is available at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's or by calling 1-800-49-MONTHS. This article originally appeared in Pregnancy Today's print journal, Volume 1, Issue 5. 
 
lifestyle