Confessions of a Pregnant Stylist EP 2: What to Wear on Your First Trimester
As I struggle to sit comfortably with a moving baby practicing her Carnaval moves in my womb, I reminisce about the main things I learned at the beginning of this adventure. You may remember my shock, adapting to the extra pounds and spilling the beans to everyone around. First-trimester moms who just found out the news and still think their wardrobe is theirs, it's time to face the fact that now your clothes dress two. Here's some practical advice for you to make this transition as sustainable and empowering as possible.
The bucket list: ENJOY your waist while it’s still there
Here's the deal, my love, if all goes according to plan, this is the skinniest you will be throughout (at least) the next year. It's a good idea to deliberately select a few tight-fitting clothes that you love wearing and enjoy them while you still can. Those may include:
leggings and workout sets (anything tight on the waist, thighs, and boobs will probably be the first to go)
jeans / no stretch bottoms
dresses that pull at the waist
stiletto heels/shoes that fit "just right” - yes, your feet will also grow (adios Louboutins)
This is the one circumstance I'll support you leaving the house wearing something slightly uncomfortable just for the funsies of doing it one last time.
May the closet cleanout begin!
After you've played around a little bit, it’s time to let go. I realize I would have struggled with half of what I did had I preemptively cleaned out my closet of those toxic tight-fitting items SOONER. One big bang is surprisingly less painful than Russian rouletting yourself into the depressing "what won't fit today” game show.
I recommend the following separation:
I love this and my future mom version is excited to wear this next year → store in a box or hide at the back of your closet.
I am happy I don't fit in this anymore or actually, I hope this doesn't fit → sell or donate. You can refer to my article on the truth about reselling to check if your pile has financial potential. If you're too lazy to sell, I recommend filling a Crossroads sell-by-mail bag and they'll take of everything for you.
If you are in doubt about any item, don't make rush decisions, just store it for now. If this is too intense for you, you are not alone - give me a call and I will be happy to jump in, even if remotely (pricing here).
Enjoy the extra room in your closet and do NOT replace items just yet. You will want to grow a bit more before committing to a new size. Here are the two exceptions.
It’s time to buy maternity leggings.
Yes, you heard me right. If you don't get the maternity kind you'll have to buy new ones every month, which is not sustainable or realistic. After experimenting with at least 5 different alternatives, I realized that maternity leggings highlight your growing stomach in a way that makes you look pregnant (as opposed to bloated), which is a very exciting thing in your first trimester when you aren't showing as much/at all (yet).
You probably feel like sh*t, but don't stop moving. Trust. If you stop exercising now, it will be even harder to get back to it in a few months when it looks like you swallowed a whole melon (future me talking to past me). No better motivation to keep active than a new workout outfit.
Of the leggings I've tried, I recommend this one, which also happened to be the cheapest. Maternity wear true-to-size- will feel large at first, but you will grow into it, which is the entire purpose of buying maternity-specific leggings. Watch out if the style you choose has any ruching, pleats, or specific creases for the pouch area because this extra pocket will take even longer to fill and you will feel awkward until this happens. Aim for fabric garments with special elasticity on the stomach, not extra fabric.
Even though I refrain from Amazon shopping, getting exercise garments second-hand or hand-me-downs is not for the faint of heart. My personal experience with brands that advertised themselves as more sustainable was not great (if you have a brand to recommend, drop me a comment).
Get a maternity bra, sports bra or cami
Your boobs are probably feeling it too. If you are already going to get a new case for your most prized gems, I highly recommend making it one that you'll be able to use while also nursing or pumping. It’s so early that you probably have not decided if you will want to breastfeed at all, but maybe you'll want to try it out. Taking into consideration the health benefits for my kiddo, I want to see where it takes me.
Getting a maternity bra doesn't mean you're committing to this major decision, it just means that IF your boobs end up being this kiddo’s meal of choice, you won't have to invest in yet another bra. Good for your wallet, your wardrobe management (who needs another bra you don't use?), and yup, the planet.
And you know what else? Maternity bras are FUN. I'm having a blast trying out the different clasps and hooks; feeling like a real mommy. It has probably been a while since you got to experiment with a whole new class of garments and this is your chance.
Just don't forget to size up a bit, your girlies will probably still grow another size or two.
The most important clothes aren't clothes. PS it’s hard.
Your style and self-image are influenced by more than just your attire. Accessories, make-up, creams, and hair play a big role, so keep on top of these things, as hard as it may be. If you feel pooped and spend the day in the same pajamas you woke up, chances are you are going to bed feeling even worse than you did in the morning. At this sensitive time, the invisible moments of self-care count build up even more brownie self-confidence points.
Here are the little pregnancy splurges I have enjoyed the most:
Taking a shower with a cleansing oil instead of soap will keep your skin moisturized and less prone to stretch marks
Body oil from Brazil, my little moment of nostalgia. Natura also sells THE YUMMIEST baby cologne.
Replace your makeup primer with an anti-pigment SPF
Bath in Mineral sunscreen (who was here for this?) - I recommend choosing an affordable one because you'll wear this a lot
Toxic-free deodorant (that works) to protect bébé - this one is my choice.
And, of course, at least one item had to be visible: maxi earrings for that extra oomph. I call it pregnancy glow induction. Here's the trendy option, classy with pearl and stone, and one in between for inspiration. The bigger the accessory, the stronger you will feel. Quote me on this one.
I hope this helps. And that you're as excited as I am for this.
Everyone is different so please let me know what you found useful and if you have any tips to add. Questions? Drop me a comment. Second Trimester tips coming soon and I'd love to know what you'd like input on.
Love,
Gabi
Ps. In case you noticed, yes, this Sunday's post is a day late because yesterday was my birthday🎂. And birthdays are a big deal for me!