Pregnancy Fashion, 1st Trimester

Pregnancy.  It's a funny thing.  It can make you feel happy, overjoyed, delighted, and can even make you glow.  But even if you have a blissfully easy pregnancy (you lucky ducks, you), I'm sure at some point or another during a pregnancy, every woman feels not quite like herself.  And I'm putting that lightly, because really I mean that every woman feels like a chubby, round, dare-i-say-fat former version of herself.  


Now, as this is my first time being in the family way, I can't say that I know from experience of numerous pregnancies.  I have yet to make it through the second half of my first one.  However, I think it's safe to say that the first trimester can be a rough one for any woman's self-esteem.  Putting aside the fact that as pregnant women we have to deal with fun things like morning sickness, nausea, and exhaustion, among other things, and especially during the first trimester, we also deal with our bodies looking not quite so svelte as they did before.  We get bloated and feel heavy, and then eventually your stomach doesn't go back to those washboard abs Jillian Michaels kicked your butt so hard for.  Add that to the fact that maybe you're waiting a while to share the news, and people around you may start assuming you've indulged in the cupcake craze a little too enthusiastically.  All in all, us preggos can get feeling pretty down about ourselves.  


But alas, there is a cure for these first trimester doldrums.  Well, maybe not a cure, but something to pick up your spirits: pregnancy friendly clothes!  Nothing adds the cherry on top of your I'm-feeling-fat stage than that fateful day when you just can't button your jeans anymore.  But, after the emotional breakdown over you've got nothing to wear that you're entitled to, buck-up and embrace that you now have every right to wear comfy, stretchy, and forgiving clothing for the rest of those 9 months.  But, as much as I would love to sit around in my sweats all day, eventually we've all got to take that shower and get out of the house.  And so, I've compiled a list of first trimester friendly articles of clothing that don't qualify as pajamas.  Things you can wear once your regular clothes don't fit, but long before you've got to hop into maternity jeans.  However, there is a disclaimer: these things are, in my opinion, fashionable options, but take into account I am an early-twenties white pregnant person, and they may not work for everyone.  Or you may not like them.  That's okay, feel free to branch out.  


1. First and foremost, leggings.  Some might question the leggings-as-pants trend, but what the heck, I like it.  And it is a great thing for pregnant people.  There are enough styles out there that you can find ones you're comfortable wearing, whether they be thinner ones under a dress or a long shirt, or thicker ones that are more just like stretchy pants.  

1. BDG Long Legging $9.99 (on sale) from Urban Outfitters 2. Stretch Knit Leggings $19.50 from the Gap 3. Military Pixie Pant $88 from J. Crew 3. Ankle Zipper Knit Legging $39.50 from Banana Republic

2. Flowy Shirts.  You don't want to go too extreme here, and have people think you're 8 months pregnant instead of 8 weeks, but you want to go for the shirt that is not too-structured or too-tight.  One that has just enough fabric leeway to obscure any not-so-bodacious curves you've got going on.  

1. Frothy Top $19.95 (on sale) from Anthropologie 2. LEFT COAST by dolan Layered Hoodie Tee $62 on Revolve Clothing 3. Sea Stripes Tee $45 from Madewell 4. Women's Flutter-Sleeve Knit Tops $16.50 from Old Navy

3. Cardigans.  Essential for any wardrobe, pregnant or not, cardigans are a pregnant woman's friend.  They are comfortable and versatile - worn buttoned, unbuttoned, belted, over a tank or t-shirt, long or cropped, and simple or detailed, they add instant chicness to just about any outfit.  I hear they are also convenient for nursing moms - covering up any accidental leakage :).  Just do yourself a favor and stay away from the granny-ish sweater sets - that's just a good cardigan gone to waste.  

1. Heather traversa cardigan $59.99 (on sale) from J. Crew 2. Lightweight Long Cardigan $24.99 (on sale) from The Gap 3. Women's Striped V-neck Cardigans $26.50 (on sale) from Old Navy 4. Charter Club Cardigan $29.99 (on sale) from Macy's


So there you have it.  Just a few wardrobe basics that will make first trimester mom-to-be's feel cute, comfortable, and just downright pretty.  Or at least until the next time that beloved morning sickness hits, and you're spending the day hunched over the porcelain throne.  Nobody feels pretty then.  Can you tell my first trimester was awesome? So the next time you find yourself with child, remember that a new outfit can brighten just about any girls day.