a dilemma (if you can really call it that)

so, in a month I will be chillin in Italy, on the Amalfi coast.

I REALLY need to get some things to wear.

and here is the dilemma of sorts...I will be 16 weeks at the time, probably barely showing. I don't anticipate being ready for "maternity' clothes and I certainly don't want to wear anything big and look and feel bigger.

I have 2 dresses from last summer that should be ok, but other than that, I've got nothing.

I am just not sure how to do this...I don't want to waste money, so buying clothes that fit me now and won't fit me much past that seems wasteful.

but I don't want to buy for the future and look like a schlub in the present b/c of it....

any suggestions (visual would be great) are very appreciated.

I want to keep the clothes light and airy. whites and brights....

what would you do in my shoes?

Re: a dilemma (if you can really call it that)

IMO I would look at dresses and/or tops that are longer and fuller that you can belt now but let loose later...at least then you could use them now and later once you start showing.

ETA: As far as pants, shorts, skirts you will want to stick with elastic waist or drawstring so they can "grow" with you.

Have a great trip!!

Message edited 4/6/2009 3:42:05 PM.

Re: a dilemma (if you can really call it that)

Gee, that's rough
Ha!
You need to go shopping...I just went this weekend and notice that a lot of styles are really smocky, loose, and great styles for this stage!!!

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised....
have a great vacation!

Re: a dilemma (if you can really call it that)

I really like the maxi dresses, and bought a few for summer when I will be huge...

Message edited 4/6/2009 3:44:59 PM.

Re: a dilemma (if you can really call it that)

If it makes you feel better - I am 39 weeks and still wearing some of my pre pregnancy clothes .........The bella band and layering have been my BFFs !!

I have to be dressed 'business professional' for work - but I nixed my suits early on b/c it would have been TOO expensive and opted for dresses instead. -

I honestly do not own ANYTHING big and flowy and 'maternity' looking .....

Wrap dresses or faux wrap dresses are awesome - And you can even buy them in maternity b/c they look fab when you're small, and only show off the baby bump as you grow.....

Buy Tshirts and Tanks a size up - But keep the length and fit - You are allowed to were form fitting clothes while PG !!

Re: a dilemma (if you can really call it that)

Get some jersey knit dresses that will grow with you, maxi dresses should still fit you as you get bigger. I've seen a lot of tops and dresses at Anthropolgie that I am considerig buying for the summer and I will be a lot bigger. Try Old Navy too, so that if you do buy smaller stuff now they aren't that pricey.

Re: a dilemma (if you can really call it that)

I had a similar dilemma at 16 weeks when we visited my in-laws in Florida.

I bought some maternity shorts and capris and a skirt. I wanted to be comfortable, and the bottoms really grow with you. I didn't feel guilty about spending the money on them now since I'll be wearing them all summer long.

As for tops, I bought mostly fitted maternity tops with the elastic on the sides (similar to the pic attached - from Destination Maternity). Anything loose and flowy made me look way bigger than I was.

When in Florida I actually bought some tank tops one size larger than I wore pre-pregnancy. They fit great, and I figured I could wear them for a little while longer underneath sweaters and tops for layering once I got back to NY. I went to Target and Marshall's and did not spend very much $$.

Enjoy your trip!!!!

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Re: a dilemma (if you can really call it that)

I would concentrate on getting empire waisted shirts that can be worn now and later on. Also, I went to Motherhood Maternity a couple of weeks ago and bought quite a few tank tops and t-shirts that look like regular shirts they are just made longer so they don't ride up on you. Those can be worn whether you're pregnant or not! Also- I got 2 pairs of cargo pants type capris that are the most comfortable things I ever wore, and they don't even look maternity. They have a tie/cloth waist.

Also- try a bella band. Alot of people don't like them, but some girls swear by them. And if your shirts are long enough, you could always use a hair tie to tie buttons closed!

Re: a dilemma (if you can really call it that)

I just got a few shirts from the limited and purposely made sure they were flowy but still cute for the future....these were them


First Shirt


Second Shirt

They have ton of similar shirts like that.....I just wore them the other day and even when not showing were cute on.

(I have a coupon for there too, if you want it)

I would say check on victoria secrets too, you might want to get some jersey dresses, that you will wear forever.

Re: a dilemma (if you can really call it that)

I had the same dilemma when I was pg...although I was all about maternity clothes, but I would have walked around with a neon sign over my head saying LOOK AT ME I'M PREGNANT if I could have.

We went on a cruise when I was 15-16 weeks. I had a mix of maternity clothes and regular clothes with me. I wouldn't worry so much about things not lasting the duration of your pregnancy because we're heading into summer. Anything you buy now for your vacation is likely to fit you through the end of summer...and then once it gets cold out you'll need to get a few new things anyway.

And not all maternity clothes make you look bigger...I have some shorts and capris that I bought and continued to wear this summer even after I had the baby, because I wasn't back to my pre-preggo size and my friends were suprised to learn that they were maternity. Most of what I bought at the Gap didn't make me look pregnant or frumpy, but since it was maternity it was comfortable. I still wear my maternity tank tops from there because I love them.

Empire waist sundresses are probably your best bet. I had one that was not maternity - I wore it in the beginning of my pregnancy just to be comfortable, and I could fit into it at the end of my pregnancy (and I was HUGE), and I can still wear it today (and I'm not huge anymore!).

Re: a dilemma (if you can really call it that)

Honesly, at 16 weeks I could no longer button my pants. Bella band was crap. bought maternity jeans at 14 weeks and did notlook back, although I felt that those clothes were a bit big at the time. That "week(ish)" is tricky. GL!

Re: a dilemma (if you can really call it that)

Posted by 1stimemom

Honesly, at 16 weeks I could no longer button my pants. Bella band was crap. bought maternity jeans at 14 weeks and did notlook back, although I felt that those clothes were a bit big at the time. That "week(ish)" is tricky. GL!

Re: a dilemma (if you can really call it that)

Hmmm-I was overweight to start with but I had two sets of maternity clothes-one for the beginning of my pregnancy like up to 24 weeks or so. Then I needed to get more because my stomach got so big those didn't fit. I would probably buy a couple of pairs of maternity capris, you can make do with sundresses and beach coverups for most days I think. Maybe some a-line shirts-I wore regular shirts through most of my pregnancy and they fit until the very end when they would show the bottom of the belly. have fun!