Fashion is hard as an elementary music teacher. We are up dancing, moving around instruments or sitting on the floor for a circle game and so much more. My skinny jeans and high heels WILL NOT cut it.
Now, add being pregnant into that mix. Every day is a new adventure.
WARNING: I'm about to be honest and candid throughout the rest of this blog post. I was extremely sick during my entire pregnancy. I ended losing 30 pounds. It was scary but Harper was safe, sound and growing beautifully the whole time. Each day, I'd open up my closet and decide what is going to be comfortable, appropriate and not too precious enough to get thrown-up on. It stunk. Some days I was so hot in my room (with two fans), that I wore a tank top during my breaks. Most days I was proud of my bump, but on self-conscious days I wanted to cover up.
So, how do you go about having a wardrobe as a pregnant elementary music teacher without breaking the bank? Well, first I took note of what I already had that would work well as my belly grew (stretch, empire waist, flowy fabric, etc.). Here's what I came up with from my closet:
- leggings, leggings and more leggings
- palazzos pants (flowy and stretchy)
- empire-waist, wrap or maxi dresses
- cardigans & kimonos
I LIVED in black leggings, solid tops and kimonos or cardigans. Chiffon kimonos provided coverage if I needed it, but also draped nicely with my bump. I swapped those for cardigans as it got colder. Sometimes I did a solid, but more often I chose a patterned one for a little more fun with my look.
Now, what if I have a dress or top that makes me look like a big blob? I'm feeling confident and want to show off my bump. What can I do?
Add a belt! It will create more definition for your bump and help make those unflattering dresses a little more appealing. You might already use belts to create an empire waist with some outfits. I didn't previously, so I grabbed some skinny belts from the clearance section of Torrid for $3. It also helped to dress up a regular outfit for Conferences, church or a program.
Many people love maternity stores while others hate shelling out money for something you'd only wear for 9 months. I recognize and utilized both ideas. There are some key staples that I purchased from the maternity section that really made my life easier and my bump happier.
- maternity belly band
- band insert denim
- graphic t's
Since I lost so much weight, my bump wasn't exactly "noticeable" for a long time. The belly bands I purchased helped round and support by bump, but also showcased it a bit more. I also purchased some denim capris and jeans with the support built-in. I couldn't make the denim I already have work with all the "tricks" out there, so I just splurged (and was much happier!).
Finally, I got some graphic tees as holidays approached. These were a few of my favorites:
We didn't get maternity photos done because my pregnancy was all over the place and we weren't sure when Harper would arrive. One of the last photos I got was in front of Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. I had a basic, long black tunic and leggings. For Christmas Eve services, I added a red lace kimono from LuLaRoe.
Two weeks later, our miracle arrived. She is everything good, pure and happy in this world. I'm the luckiest mommy in the world.
Before I end this post, I know I didn't talk about shoes. Footwear is such a unique situation and preference for each person. What works for you might not work for another expecting momma. Or, your feet might change as pregnancy progresses and then stay that way. Personally, I wore flip flops most of my pregnancy - yes, even in the winter.
Many of these items (maternity or not) work well for the postpartum phase as well. I had a C-section followed by a gallbladder removal at 2 months PP. Because of these, I had to be very careful about stitches, healing and the placement of waist lines. My kimonos, cardigans and leggings were really helpful and comfortable.
My biggest piece of advice is find something that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. You are bringing a life into this world. There may be days when you aren't glowing and that's okay. Don't feel like you have to squeeze yourself into a cocktail dress or wear stilettos. Breathe. You will rock it, momma, no matter what you wear!
