Here’s my fashion philosophy: if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t sit in your closet!

That couldn’t be more true when you’re expecting. Not only are you trying to grapple with surges in hormones that make you vomit, tired, and forgetful, your to-do list and body are also growing!

That being said, you deserve to feel comfortable, confident, and look good in your clothes! This is both possible if you stop resisting that you need at least some new additions to your closet.

1. But before that, shop your own closet

Going through what you already have takes time and energy, but it’ll pay off in the long haul.

In the process, I discovered I had a sizeable amount of jackets, blazers, open-front cardigans, dresses, skirts, and shirts that still fit! I was thrilled that I could still tie or button up outerwear during my 26th week.

Then it was time to box up the clothes that no longer fit into a 62L Sterilite box before I went shopping for new pieces.

2. Create a maternity style board on Pinterest

Gone are the days of shapeless moomoos and oversized prints. If these were my only two options while I was pregnant, I would resent buying maternity clothing too!

But the world of maternity fashion has changed, my friends! Just a quick search on Pinterest and you’ll discover that your existing style can still coexist with your cute belly.

My soft spot is ultra-feminine, cute clothes, so I naturally gravitated towards Kate Middleton’s pregnancy style for inspo. Thrilled to continue outfitting my pregnant body in dresses and skirts, I picked up a few more.

3. That Wtf moment when you no longer know what size clothing to get

I know, maternity fashion just became exciting when you found the clothes you wanted to get. Then it went back to being intimidating when you went on to select a size.

You might be tempted to size up. This works, but not all the time! A dress that fit my belly, would look disproportionate in my arms or shoulders. Since I buy all my clothes online (Hello Shein), it put me at ease that I could buy multiples of the same item and easily return what didn’t fit.

Then I discovered Seraphine, which is one of Princess Kate’s go-to maternity brand. Seraphine takes the guesswork out of sizing. Select your pre-pregnancy size and the clothes you get will fit your gorgeous new body! They also offer petite sizing, which meant no hemming maternity jeans for me!

4. Get the necessities first

During pregnancy, I like feeling good and comfortable in my clothes. If you don’t see this as a priority, maternity clothing will always feel like a waste of time and money.

5. The Fourth Trimester is a thing

And for me, this fourth trimester might look like the Chinese practice of Postpartum Confinement Month. It’s where you stay in your home for 30 - 45 days and engage in rest, special diets, and other care-rituals to promote healing after you give birth. If I’m half-Chinese, does that mean I only need to do it for half a month? Does it work that way?!