The Working Closet
with Susan Wagner
The Working Closet is your source for the best of what's hip and fresh in fashion and beauty. Susan Wagner keeps you up-to-date on trends and offers tips and tricks for making everything in your closet truly work for you.
You can also catch Susan over at Friday Playdate.
Speaking of splurge: Five maternity basics to buy (and three to skip)
Categories: basics, casual office, maternity
I love e-mail. This week, I had a great e-mail from Amy:
I recently found out I’m pregnant with my second child and upon hauling out all my maternity clothes, I realized how long it’s been - stylewise - since I had my daughter three years ago.
I also realized how cheap most maternity clothes are. Many of the items were pilled and/or have shrunk to the point of not fitting, even now when I am at about 10.5 weeks.
Another issue is that I am showing already a little, with my regular clothes being tight already. I have invested in some great belly bands from Blush, but often you can see the button on my jeans through the band.
I stay home now, working as a writer, but I still want to look put together. Dressing well, if casually, helps me feel professional when I am writing or conducting interviews.
Might you be willing to advise on these issues? Such as where to get good quality maternity staples, etc? Also, might you be willing to ask your readers at Friday Style if they would participate in The Maternity Closet? I would be thrilled to kick it off!
Congratulations, Amy! Babies are the best.
Because Amy is not going to work in an office, she doesn’t need to worry about finding suits, but she DOES want to invest in a few basic pieces that will both get her through her pregnancy and keep her looking great as she — and the baby — grow.
1. Maternity tees. Tees are the building block of a casual wardrobe, but they should never be investment pieces, particularly when you know you will only wear them for a short time (say the duration of a pregnancy). Amy wants to look for tees in pretty colors and with some interesting detailing — an empire waist that sits below her breasts but over her growing belly will be both flattering and comfortable. She also wants to look for good quality fabric that won’t shrink the very first time through the laundry. Motherhood maternity has a good selection of basic tees, for reasonable prices.
2. Yoga pants, in an actual maternity cut. I know, I know, yoga pants are for YOGA, but Amy is a pregnant mom of a small child who works from home — let’s cut her some slack, shall we? I trust Amy not to sacrifice her style for comfort, but I also remember how important it was to be comfortable when Baby #2 was on the way. Instead of tossing on her husband’s sweats, Amy can invest in some maternity yoga pants and have comfy pants that fit her pregnant body. Gap has a nice selection of active wear bottoms.
3. Cotton blouses. For days when a tee just isn’t enough, Amy can opt for a simple cotton blouse. I like a popover style, with some seaming under the bust; this gives even the most pregnant shape a little more, well, shape.
Old Navy mandarin collar maternity blouse, $29.50
For colder days, she can wear the blouse under a non-maternity cardigan or jacket; she can also layer it over a long-sleeved tee, either maternity or non, for a cool casual look.
4. Tailored pants. Amy needs at least one pair of properly fitting pants that are NOT yoga pants. These can be jeans or corduroys or chinos, but they should be maternity, so that the belly can accommodate the baby for as long as possible. Tall, slim girls can pull off capri or cropped pants even during pregnancy; if you are naturally curvy, look for a wider leg, just like you would in non-maternity pants. Again, Gap and Old Navy are a good source for pants at a reasonable price.
5. A couple of dresses or skirts. Dresses can be a godsend later in a pregnancy, particularly if the baby is due in the summer. A dress is so easy — pop it on and go — and is both comfortable and stylish. Amy wants to look for dresses with interesting necklines and seaming under the bust and over the belly, for some definition; she might also look at dresses that tie in the back, which can “grow” with her as her belly grows. For spring, she can wear a dress with tights and a cardigan; for summer, wear it on its own with some cute slides or skimmers. Alternatively, Amy could opt for a couple of maternity skirts, something with a simple A-line, that she can wear with either a tee or a blouse. I am a little bit in love with this convertible dress by Japanese weekend, which can be a skirt or a dress, and can be worn either on the print side or the solid side.
What should Amy NOT buy?
1. Maternity coat. Unless she is planning to be pregnant for many many winters, she will probably not see a return on this.
2. Maternity cardigans. Honestly, they won’t really ever fit right. Wear regular cardis over maternity tees and blouses.
3. Pieces that need to be dry cleaned. If the whole idea is to keep the maternity wardrobe small and affordable, choosing pieces that have to be sent out for cleaning is silly. There are great options for maternity wear in machine and hand-washable fabrics; stick with these for the most versatility.
Now who’s up for a Maternity Closet Flickr pool?
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Great advice Susan. I fell in love with the Liz Lang Tees from Target, they had great belly coverage and a good fit. Plus, they really held up in the wash, which is something I cannot say about the items I purchased from Motherhood.
About the winter coat, I think the value of that investment depends on the climate you live in and the time of year that you are pregnant. I live in Chicago and was in my second and third trimesters (BIG belly stages) during the winter months, November through March, and was VERY happy with my investment in a winter coat! I opted for a basic, dark grey peacoat from the Gap, something that I (hope) won’t go out of style before my next pregnancy.
Chellie | January 22nd, 2008 at 10:33 pm
I just wrote about being a clothing whore when I was pregnant over here: http://www.workitmom.com/1308_2038_0.html#msg5. I agree with those wardrobe basics and would like to add that a few (ok, in my case I had close to a dozen) of those bra tanks from Old Navy came in handy during and after pregnancy. They didn’t offer a ton of support, granted, but they were great when it was really hot, great to sleep in for some support and great for nursing after.
And I’m with Chellie on the coat. I have a gorgeous boiled wool coat from Babystyle and even though I won’t be preggers ever again I’m not giving it up. It only has three buttons but it covered me comfortably during the freezing winter and still does! I may even consider having it taken in next winter (cause I’m not as big as I was) and it’s cut is classic and it makes me feel pretty. I like feeling pretty. Oh, and the lining…I’ve never owned such a nice coat. Sad, I’m sure!
Mandy | January 22nd, 2008 at 11:55 pm
I am going to defer to you all on the coat. You’re very persuasive.
And Mandy, I want to see the lining on that coat. Please.
Susan | January 22nd, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Susan, this is awesome. I am totally buying that top and wearing it with a tee. And thanks for the advice about the cardigans. I was on the verge of buying a maternity one from gap. Instead, I will get a regular one. I’m ready to join the flickr pool - just say when!
Thank you, really.
Amy | January 23rd, 2008 at 12:14 am
I’m glad someone else loved those Old Navy maternity tanks/camisoles (with shelf bra inside) while pregnant. I LIVED in mine during my last pregnancy, when I was in my last tri during the summer. Running after a 2 year old in the park every day under the hot sun while humongously pregnant? Yeah, those camis–with two different Old Navy knee-length cotton-knit maternity skirts–were just about all I could stand to put on. I loved how the tops showed off my smallest body part at the time–my arms–since the size of basketball-belly was not to be believed! Anyway, yes, they were lightweight and not super durable, but they did get me through one hugely pregnant summer and all the nursing in the fall that followed. Later on they were good as under-layers.
Shannon | January 23rd, 2008 at 2:42 am
This is my 2nd winter pregnancy - I live in Boston and I said forget it to the coat. I am making do with heavier sweaters, non maternity coats, vests, scarves and I actually bought a mid-weight a-line non maternity coat that fits PERFECTLY. I also agree to ditch maternity cardigans, wear your own pre-preg ones with maternity tees. That is my daily uniform with a great pair of maternity jeans.
Erin | January 23rd, 2008 at 3:10 am
Thank you so much for this article! I’m expecting baby boy #3 in early June (21 weeks along right now), and am dire need of adding some new maternity basics to my wardrobe. Personally, I never cared for the quality or fit of Motherhood Maternity. Some Liz Lange is ok, but I’m horrified this time around at the hideous prints that are being sold! I’m petite, (about 5′2″) so I hate to add more bulk to my ever-growing frame. I like to wear more fitted clothes such as shirts with shirred sides. It helps to show off my baby bump while not making me look like I’m wearing a tent.
I would love to join a maternity closet pool! Thank you for all of the great advice. This SAHM will be going out soon to find new wardrobe staples.
Ginger | January 23rd, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Y’all, did you rush out and buy that darn shirt? I can only get it in white. But I did buy it in white. And today I am going to hunt for it at the store itself.
Amy | January 23rd, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Chellie - I agree with you on the quality issue with Motherhood. It seemed like the maternity version of Rave or Deb to me. Target has much better quality tees and knits than Old Navy; I got some adorable cotton turtlenecks with ruched sides from ON and they are already out of shape and fading.
One thing I am torn about though is jeans. My non-maternity jeans are all Sevens and Citizens of Humanity. I tried on their maternity versions at A Pea in the Pod and just couldn’t justify spending the money on them (I was 5 months then) so I got some from Target. Given the frequency that I toss on jeans and a tee, I should have gone with the pricier ones. The Target ones fit badly and their sizes are out of control (I am 5′5″ and currently 160 and I wear a 2 in their jeans).
Just my 2 cents on the maternity clothing issue - oh, and I didn’t buy a winter coat for this Michigan winter - just moved some buttons over on an old peacoat. Worked fairly well.
Maegan | January 23rd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I have to admit that when I was pregnant (five + years ago) the Target maternity lines were VERY new and not very well made. The tees shrank on the first washing and the pants never fit my belly and thighs at the same time.
I’m glad to hear good things about their stuff, though, since it is so affordable and accessible.
Also! Five years ago there was NO Old Navy maternity wear, and Gap carried about a third of what they do now. My entire maternity wardrobe for BOTH kids came from Pea in the Pod, and was almost all dry clean only.
I do agree with Megan that a great pair of maternity jeans is worth the investment; you can always resell them on eBay when you’re done making babies.
Susan | January 23rd, 2008 at 4:51 pm
If you start a “Maternity Closet” I am *so* there!
I bought a maternity coat because my old coat stopped fitting at about 20 weeks. All I can say is that I’m glad it was dirt cheap and that it’s warm. It’s about the ugliest thing I’ve ever worn. As soon as I have the baby, I’m going to burn it!!!
jj | January 23rd, 2008 at 7:40 pm
Just popping back in to say that investing in a great pair of maternity jeans is SO, SO worth it. Especially for someone like me - I work at home and I have an almost-2 year old, so I basically live in my jeans. Paige Premium makes a fantastic maternity jean that I love so much.
Also, I totally agree that Motherhood Maternity is the low-end/cheaply made version of maternity clothes - except! On a whim, I bought a pair of their new “secret fit” jeans that fit great - I wear them all the time.
Erin | January 23rd, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Very good advice for maternity wear. I bought some “maternity lots” on E-bay. It was hit and miss, but for the most part, I still think I paid less than I would’ve at the store. I was lucky to have borrowed a lot of clothes from my sister-in-law and friends.
Plus I bought some tunics and empire waist shirts from Target and Kohls in regular women’s clothes that work great! Now it seems I have a new shirt every day!
Yoga Mama | January 23rd, 2008 at 10:32 pm
This only works for someone who works at home, but I LOVED maternity overalls — I had a pair that were capri length. Very cute and so so comfy, especially in the 9th month when even maternity jeans no longer fit.
Overall, I have to say I hated Motherhood Maternity — horrible quality, zero style, at high prices. Who in their right mind makes summer maternity tops out of polyester?
And why is it just about impossible to find a basic pair of maternity khaki pants? Every store I tried had weird pockets and do-dads to try and make them “hip”. Definitely not office-wear.
SoftwareMom | January 23rd, 2008 at 11:07 pm
I will defer to you all on the Motherhood Maternity pieces — as I said, it’s been a while since I was pregnant. But I DO feel compelled to say that I had two AWESOME shift dressed from Motherhood, that I quite literally just rotated and wore for the last three months of my last pregnancy. And THEN my sister-in-law wore them through BOTH her pregnancies.
But other than that, I ‘m out. And thank you all for being so civil and polite and helpful! You’re the best.
Susan | January 23rd, 2008 at 11:10 pm
OK, because it was quicker to google than take a pic I found this: http://cgi.ebay.com/Pink-Boiled-Wool-Babydoll-Empire-Princess-Sweater-Coat_W0QQitemZ180208466794QQihZ008QQcategoryZ63856QQcmdZViewItem
I love the coat but now I’m second guessing keeping it…but the lining and the collar and the pretty feeling. OHOHOhhhhh, I just realized if I get rid of it I can replace it with a ‘real’ coat that would still make me feel pretty. Hmmm.
And while I’m back here, I couldn’t stand Motherhood stuff for the same reasons as Erin, and pants in general - and I tried them all - never fit right. Dresses and skirts where the way to go for me. It’s all over in under a year and before you know it your back in your comfy clothes!
Mandy | January 23rd, 2008 at 11:49 pm
The coat is totally optional- but if you find a good deal on a pretty coat BUY IT!! It feels good to look nice and know you didn’t spend an arm and a leg.
Last year (my little guy is 8 months now) I bought this coat: http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-clothing-Old-Navy-maternity-black-wool-coat-size-L-Large-W0QQAdIdZ34318018
(Mandy is right: way easier to google than to take a pic)
I bought it at the huge Old Navy clearance, and paid less new than that person in the link is selling it for used- I think like $25. I loved that coat. It’s on loan to a pg friend, then it is probably going to hang out in my closet until I have another baby. Or I can always Ebay it.
Never forget that you can Ebay it when you are done- it makes spending the $$ hurt a lot less.
Rachel | January 24th, 2008 at 3:27 am
Great post!
Here’s my two cents (I just gave birth to #2 a week ago)
Tees: Motherhood’s shrink, and Liz Lange’s are hit and miss with cut and colors. Solution? I just survived with Tees from a co. called Shade (they also make maternity, but I wore regular). They are like Gap stretch Tees, but longer and cover your belly through the 9th mo.
Yoga Pants are AWESOME, but only when you are preggers, or working out.
Skirts with that ‘yoga’ style waist are great. In the beginning you can wear the waist folded down, and as you expand you can unfold it or even pull it over your belly if you like.
A cotton blouse (one in white, one in black) was essential for me. However, I had to do button up because the chest got too big for pullovers.
Tailored pants are a must. Wide legs help balance the basketball shape of your belly.
One dress that fits perfectly and can expand through the end of the pregnancy. This is Motherhood Maternity’s only strong point; they have a lot of dresses, and some are quite comfy.
OH, one more thing…I switched to a nursing bra while pregnant because it was so much more comfortable. Also, the Sleep Bra for nighttime use was amazing. Some girls don’t need it till after the baby is born, but I totally did.
And let’s not forget: slip on shoes! At least one pair of dressy and one pair of casuals so you don’t have to bend down at the end and tie anything.
Sarah | January 24th, 2008 at 3:40 am
Wow, where was all this great advice 3 months ago when I started to pop?
I’m currently 26 wks and I have survived in Old Navy jeans, Gap flared pants for work and a couple of cute Gap (maternity) cardigans. Personally I just didn’t like the look of a long flowy blouse under a normal sized cardigan. And I’d be lost without the Gap t-shirts–they are SO soft and are holding up to weekly washings very well. Most of these I got on super-clearance, but even the one or two regular price ones are worth it.
I also highly recommend a shoe wardrobe of flats and cute athletic shoes (like slip on Sketchers). I was totally a high-heels girl before I got pregnant, but about month 3 started having knee and ankle pain, so no more heels for a while. Oh and a soft nursing bra for sleeping once the girls start to get unruly at night-time is a god-send!
Has anyone found a decent brand of maternity tights? I bought the one-size fits all (HA!!) from Pea in the Pod and the stupid things kept rolling down my big belly. So much so that I made DH drive me home in-between dinner and a cocktail party we were going to so I could rip the &^%$ things off. So annoyed! But I have a dress that I want to wear (live in Chicago) and can’t stand going bare-legged when it’s this cold! Thanks!
Rebe | January 24th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Consignment shops are great places to check for materity! My aunt owns a shop and carries materity and once people realize she has it everyone is like “you’re such a lifesaver” Normally you can find things in Great condition at a much lower price than new!!
Anna | January 27th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
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GlamSpirit :: Best of the Web from Fashion and Lifestyle blogs | January 30th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
I couldn’t find anything decent at Old Navy. But I got almost all of my maternity clothes at Target. The Liz Lange stretch tees can even be worn after pregnancy. I’m still wearing mine (okay, it’s only been 10 weeks since I had him).
But I had to buy my jeans at Motherhood Maternity. It was summertime when I started looking and NO ONE had jeans. They were all shorts and capris. But I finally found some good quality ones (and reasonably priced!) at Motherhood, as well as an adorable dress that I wore at BlogHer.
I found some great yoga pants at JC Penney, too. I tried to only buy stuff when I absolutely needed it, since I didn’t want to spend too much on my wardrobe.
becky | January 31st, 2008 at 8:00 pm
Don’t know if anyone mentioned this, but if you plan on wearing your baby a lot and you live in a cold climate in the city, the maternity coat can really come in handy to fit over both you and the baby if you wear him out in winter.
And it works even the following year if you’re still wearing the baby. I find it easier to put the baby in a front carrier with a maternity coat over us both than to try to bundle the baby up and put him in a stroller — and he’s not too heavy yet for short walks.
Elizabeth | February 8th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
when my sister announced she was pregnant I wanted to get her something she never would get for herself. We live in the Northeast and she was going to be pregnant from September to June, so for Xmas I bought her a maternity winter coat from Target. When she opened it she said she never would have gotten it for herself, but to receive it as a gift was fantastic!
She wears it all the time now, even in May (it’s been chilly up here this week!) and is warm and comfy. A reasonably priced maternity coat might make a great gift.
K | May 5th, 2008 at 1:09 am
American Apparel is an awesome place to shop for Tees because you can also wear them when the baby is born. They have a shirt called the Deep V-neck which is long and stretchy, they come in awesome colors, and will be great for breastfeeding also! They also have great yoga pants, straight leg also. I love this brand during pregnancy. Also all their clothes are made in the US without sweatshop labor.
Lisa | May 26th, 2008 at 4:03 am