I want to show you some helpful tips to dress your pregnancy bump. But, i’ve got to start this post with an apology. It has been a while! The first trimester of pregnancy really kicked my butt! That, coupled with a full-time, pretty stressful job in senior health care, an energetic almost two-year-old, a passion for the Peloton, a television show gig with Live in Tallahassee, and a sweet husband and pup that deserve my time, have really put my writing on the back burner.

One of my 2020 resolutions is to write more and grow my blog. To all of you who have followed my journey on happilyharper.com for this last year, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I’m excited to recently be invited to LIKEtoKNOW.it where I can share my maternity style. You can instantly shop my looks by following me on the LIKEtoKNOW.it app or taking a screenshot of any of my pictures and see the looks directly on the app.

If you follow me on Instagram, you have probably seen that little white or black heart at the bottom right of my pictures. You also may have seen me tagging @liketoknowit and hashtagging #LTKit in my captions. That means that my photo is enabled to work through the Like To Know It app.  You can even shop other influceners who are sporting a bump by searching LTKbump.

So how do you get the app? Very easy: just go to the App Store and download the Like To Know It app…it’s FREE! Once downloaded, you just have to sign up by providing an email and password.  Then tap the search icon, type in happilyharperblog and hit that follow button! Here, you can search and follow your other favorite influencers too!

Once you click on my page, you can shop my looks by tapping on a picture from my feed. Each item in the pic will be listed below the picture. Tap on one of the items (for example a dress) and you will see the “SHOP” button. This will take you directly to the website where I bought the item (like H&M), and you can purchase it there! SO easy!

How to Dress the Bump: Advice from One Mama.

Tip 1

What I’ve come to discover when it comes to my growing belly is that comfortable clothing of the utmost importance. Anything restricting your bump or giving even a slight feeling of annoyance will stay in my closet until post-baby. I’m wearing flowy dresses and tops, the form-fitting, yet stretchy, dresses, leggings, and the looser fitting pants.

Tip 2

Buy a pair of quality maternity jeans and black dress pants for work. I also recommend one pair of maternity overalls. I found my “good” work slacks and overalls at Motherhood Maternity. That is a great store when it comes to staples for your growing bump.

Tip 3

Wear whatever makes you feel most beautiful and comfortable. I have found that flowy dresses and skirts have been a go-to. I often accentuate my waist with a belt. It even helps show off your bump.

Tip 4

Size up. Buy regular clothes, all in one or two sizes larger than you usually wear. You will love to have these items post-pregnancy as well while your body is still recovering back to its shape. It can take anywhere from three months to a year to fit in your pre-pregnancy clothes. Save them!

Tip 5

Don’t go overboard with maternity clothes. When I was pregnant with my first child, I bought way too much. Now I realized I pretty much only needed pants.

Tip 6

Buy pieces that you can wear now and later. The trick is to avoid pieces with a defined waist and to seek out stretchy knits and flowy fabrics. The dresses will be fitted while I’m pregnant, and after the baby is born, they’ll look looser.

In general, I prefer simple pieces in neutral solids because I can wear with various boots, hats, and sweaters. I adore oversized sweaters too—I probably have ten in my closet. They’re non-maternity clothes that I can still pull off with a growing belly.

Tip 7

Study your existing wardrobe for unexpectedly bump-friendly pieces. You may be surprised how many pieces you can wear well into your pregnancy. Wear skirts higher up on your waist, or belt a dress to give yourself a waist again. Get creative!

Tip 8

Consider making a mini-pregnancy closet in your closet with all of the clothing items that fit. This will help alleviate some stress while getting ready in the morning.

Tip 9

Leggings for days. It’s a good idea to have a few pairs of leggings in rotation. They mold to your body and are hands-down the best option for comfort. I love my align leggings from lululemon.

Tip 10

Lovely layers. Pair a lightweight duster and a mock turtleneck for the ultimate transitional outfit. I live in oversized open sweaters, blazers, and dusters.

XOXO
Mackenzie

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