We get some questions a lot. What do I need to buy? How many do I actually need? Do I need to buy a bra now or can I wait? Today we're going to talk about what we consider Maternity Essentials. Like something you see? Just click the picture to see our sizes. 

FIRST! Consider Your Budget

Look, all of us in the store have kids. We get it. Kids are expensive and right now it feels crazy to splurge on items for yourself. However, I'm going to tell you that you have to clothe the body you have. Which means stretch is probably going to need to be involved in your clothing choices. It also means that you need to know what your budget is and stick to it. 

One of my best tips: if you are planning on having more kids you should spend more on your favorite pants like denim or leggings. Whichever you wear the most you should find one you love. After pregnancy wash, seal in a bag and keep it for the next time. This is also true of your belly band and your favorite maternity tank. That way these items are fresh for next time.

Pants or Bottoms

Whether you like work pants, jeans, leggings, or joggers I'd recommend 2-3 pairs of pants. This is of course flexible depending on how much you wear skirts and dresses. It also depends on if you have a summer or winter baby. Those of you giving birth in September are much more likely to need maternity shorts and skirts than 4 pairs of jeans. 

You'll want to consider if you want over the bump, under the bump, or the yoga pant type waist. We carry all types in store. Personally I'd go with 1 pair of jeans, 1 work pant, 1 pair of capris, and 1 pair of leggings but that's just what works for me. If you are the kind of person that needs more variety that's totally OK.

Bang for your Buck Tip: If you can only afford 1 pair of maternity work pants, take them off when you get home and hang over the shower rod to air out for the next day. Lightly mist with a water/ essential oil squirt bottle to smooth out wrinkles and make it smell nice. 

Tanks x2

I love the maternity tank. I lived in mine in the summer. Most of them double as nursing tanks for after birth, but if that's not a factor for you there are many just maternity options. One of the reasons I suggest a tank as opposed to a shirt is that you can use it as a layering piece. Additionally it can help some of your non-maternity items go farther. These can work pretty great under a cardigan for work or with jeans for casual days.

Shirts

This is one area where shopping the sale can really work wonders. Pick up a few you love for each season you'll be pregnant. 

Dresses and Skirts

I have 3 summer babies. For me, the dress was the way I stayed the coolest. I probably could have just bought 5 maternity dresses and some leggings and a cardigan and had my entire wardrobe set. Look for dresses with pockets because that has really started to show up on a lot of dresses that we are seeing in store. 

My last budget tip

There is a lot of buzz right now around the capsule wardrobe. Maternity is really the time to lean into that. If you can find pieces you like that go together and can be rearranged, then you can buy a few higher quality items. 

What were your maternity essentials? Did you find yourself sticking with the same style or did you use maternity as a time to try out new fashions?