These tips will help you assemble a pregnancy wardrobe that's comfortable, attractive, and affordable.

• Identify three favorite pre-pregnancy pieces, then find similar styles and colors when shopping for or borrowing maternity clothes.
• Make sure your maternity wardrobe includes a few neutral basics and colors that flatter you. Choose pieces that will mix and match with just about anything.
• Don't buy all your maternity clothes at once. You don't know exactly how your size and shape will change as time passes, nor what specialty items or pick-me-ups you may need later.
• Choose maternity clothes in the same size as your regular clothes. Such clothes will fit your basic body structure, which remains the same, but will allow more room in the belly, bust, hips, and armholes.
• Though you will probably need new underwear, you needn't buy maternity underwear, which can be expensive, unflattering, and - ironically - even uncomfortable. Low-rise cotton briefs are cheap, and they fit because the waistband rests under your belly instead of around it. You may find that hipsters work well in the second trimester and bikini briefs are best in the third.
• If you need to buy new bras and you're planning to nurse your baby, get nursing bras. Cotton-knit sports-style nursing bras are comfortable and adaptable to your ever-changing body.
• Because your hormones are raging and your blood volume's up, you're bound to be warmer than usual. Also, your pregnancy will span three seasons. Dress in layers so you can shed or add clothes easily throughout the day to stay comfortable. Soft, natural, breathable fabrics will provide the most comfort.
• Because your maternity wardrobe's smaller than your regular one, you'll be cycling through it faster. To save yourself money and hassle, choose durable, wash-and-wear clothing. Avoid clothes that need dry-cleaning or ironing.
• Don't be afraid to wear clothes that call attention to your belly. Show off your pregnancy if you like - it's something to be proud of, and the days of keeping pregnancy under wraps are over.
• Comfortable shoes are important not only for happy feet, but also for avoiding all-over aches and pains. Skip the heels except for the occasional special event, and invest in a pair or two of comfortable, attractive, low-heeled shoes if necessary. Buy shoes in the afternoon, when your feet are at their largest.
• When you buy new maternity clothes, be sure to try them on and ask about the store's return policy. Many maternity stores have a no-returns policy or will only allow exchanges or returns for store credit.
• Your pregnancy wardrobe needn't be exclusively maternity clothing. You may find the following non-maternity clothes useful during early pregnancy and postpartum:

- Sweat-suits

- Bib overalls

- Waistless dresses and jumpers

- Blouses (With just the top buttons closed, you can wear these under bibs.

Or don't button them at all, and wear them over a T-shirt or tank top.)

- Men's button-down shirts

- Wraparound skirts

- Pants with elastic waistbands

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WOMEN'S HEALTH