How To Get Dressed When You’re In Between Sizes
It might be the New Englander in me, but fall is my favorite time of year. We are a long way off from cooler temperatures, but after the heat dome that the Pacific Northwest experienced this summer, I’m ready for some crisp air.
I'll be in my third trimester shortly, which means I may have to actually put on pants (dresses were my pregnancy lifeboat throughout the summer). I remember what a struggle I had in my last pregnancy when the weather turned, so I wanted to share some tips on getting dressed when you're in a transition with your body. Whether that means pregnancy, post-partum, any weight loss journey or just getting used to your body changing for whatever reason - the transition period can be the most challenging. If nothing you own fits you properly, getting dressed every day is a serious chore and it’s easy to fall into wardrobe panic. It can be financially overwhelming as well if you feel like your only option is to buy all new pieces until you’re back to a place where your closet works for you.
Here are a few tips on how to get dressed while in transition:
Go through your closet and find any options that can be altered. This might be adding a panel into a pair of jeans, or taking them in, depending on what your journey looks like. Find a few pieces that might be a good candidate for being altered, and take them to a seamstress to see how they can help. Keep in mind that not all alterations have to be permanent!
Buy a couple pieces that will make you feel great in the meantime. That might be 1-2 great pairs of jeans, a nice jacket, a couple tops to get you through. If you have no choice but to buy a few options, and you don’t want to spend your whole budget on items that won’t fit you in a few months, it’ll make the in between more enjoyable if a few of those pieces make you feel beautiful. If everything is cheap or has the vibe of ‘this will have to do’ - getting dressed will still feel like a painful chore. Decide what will help you feel your best, and remember that you can always look for them on sale or on a resale site like Poshmark.
Rent! There are so many options for renting clothing. So many brands offer rental services for a decent price, where you get multiple new pieces each month. Rent The Runway, Nuuly, Le Tote, brands like Loft, Banana Republic, Vince. - there is a long list of options. This is one of my favorite ways to feel great in transition because it’s a sustainable option that doesn’t break the bank. Plus, every month you can shop without fear, because you get to send it back!
Accessorize. If you only have a few options to choose from, accessories can be an inexpensive way to switch up your looks. Neck scarves, statement earrings, layered necklaces, a bold lip - there are a ton of ways you can feel great without breaking the bank.
Find what makes you feel your best, and most like you. If that’s having your hair, makeup and nails looking great, then let that be your focus. Remember that the details are what help elevate any outfit.
To give you some support and inspiration for whatever transition you might be going through, I’m going to share what I did differently in this pregnancy versus the last one.
In my first pregnancy, I bought cheaper clothing. I felt like everything would just have to do, because I didn’t want to have clothes I loved that I couldn’t wear after the baby was born. I had a lot of people in my ear telling me how expensive babies were and it made me nervous to spend anything on myself (something I learned the hard way - taking care of yourself is an incredibly important aspect of motherhood). I felt like crap for the majority of my third trimester because nothing felt like me. I also did not ‘bounce back’ to my pre-pregnancy body for quite a while, which made the postpartum period even more painful.
I bought a cheap pair of maternity jeans that honestly just made me feel worse. They would be stretched out by the middle of the day, and I wanted to crawl back into bed every time I put them on. I bought shirts with ruching on the sides because everyone told me that was just what you do when you’re pregnant. Personally, I dislike ruching. I have one dress that I love that has a small amount, but it’s my one exception. I don’t need an entire wardrobe of ruched pieces or empire waist tops just because the maternity world said it was the only way. I felt so out of touch with myself, and felt lost in figuring out what I actually wanted. Another important lesson I learned the hard way - stay true to what you love, and be clear on what you don’t love. Thankfully, brands have come a long way in the last five years since I had my first baby, and there are so many cute options for maternity clothing.
In my second pregnancy, the bump came much sooner than with the first. I was thankful for loose tops, and all the dresses. I utilized belly bands and longer tops to help me get the most out of my pre-pregnancy clothes. I bought maternity leggings once I had a true bump because that panel can be so comfortable when you’re wishing someone could hold your belly for you.
Now that I’m heading into my third trimester, I clearly remember my struggles from the last time, and I refuse to feel that way again. Plus, I have more insight into what postpartum actually looks like - your body does not go back to normal right away, you’ll still be grateful for that panel, and feeling like yourself is a huge step in the right direction when you’re sleep deprived and feel like your body doesn’t belong to you.
Pieces I invested in:
Quality maternity jeans. I got this pair from Madewell - I loved their jeans pre-pregnancy, so I’m excited to try them for fall and winter. They should be here next week and I will report back!
Quality maternity leggings. In my first pregnancy I bought a pair from Blanqi, and they were comfortable but I hated the way they washed. They pilled after the first wash, they were a magnet for lint, and something about them just felt cheap. Many women love them, they just didn’t work for me. I did a lot of research and all the reviews pointed me to this pair from Hatch. This is another great place to look for maternity pieces (especially their denim - they collaborated with Current Elliot). All of their pieces are stylish, good quality, and there’s a great selection of beautiful maternity options that will still have you feeling good in your fourth trimester.
Cute sneakers. Support is no joke when you’re nearing the end of your pregnancy, and your feet deserve all the love they can get. I got this pair of sneakers from Adidas so I can look cute and still feel comfortable, even while chasing after a 4 year old.
Self-care items. Also from Hatch, I bought their belly oil and belly masks. Last time I didn’t buy anything specifically for a growing belly, and this time I wanted something mama-focused that would be nourishing for my skin as it grows. I also have a well stocked drawer with bath items - Epsom Salt, bath bombs, face masks, etc. I make it a priority to carve out alone time doing things that make me feel peaceful and comfortable. For me, that usually means a bath with a good book, followed by some gentle yoga and a belly mask.
This wasn’t an investment, but I also bought some of my favorite t-shirts in the next size up. If you’re looking for tops in a non-maternity store - buy the tall option if it’s available. There will be more length, which will help give your bump some added coverage.
I spent time curating my third trimester style, and that can make all the difference. I went through the fall/winter options I already own, was realistic about what will fit me, and made a list of what I would need to fill in the gaps. I’m sure there will be pieces I’ll be needing when the weather gets much colder, but it feels way less daunting to know that I’m off to a good start. When you feel good, everything else feels easier.
If you’re in a transition period, go through your closet and try on what you have. Keep a list going of the pieces you’d like to find, keep your eye out for sales and resale options, and look into alterations and rental services. Find the self-care practices that help you feel relaxed and at peace, and remember that it’s a phase, and isn’t permanent. You’ve got this!