Bundling up in the winter can be depressing, and adding pregnancy weight may just make you feel like a roasted marshmallow. Take the time to find the wardrobe pieces that will make you feel comfortable, warm, and less-marshmallow-like.

A few things to consider before dropping your entire savings account on maternity fashion wear:

• Pregnancy does not last forever. Spending a fortune on a few months’ worth of clothing makes no sense.
• You will most likely go back to your previous size – As long as you are not eating boxes of Krispy Kreme, and are staying healthy by only eating for one throughout your pregnancy, the weight gain will not be overwhelming – and the weight loss will happen. If you are over-indulging, then, yes, you will be wearing larger clothing for a bit longer than you hope, but even still, you will not need to wear maternity clothes.
• Will you have more children? Even if you plan on more kids, you may not be pregnant in the winter. So try to find maternity pieces that are more versatile for whatever season. Things like tank tops, under shirts, thin long sleeves, leggings, skirts, etc should work well year-round.
• Your breasts will NOT go back to normal – investing in great bras is a must. But wait until your baby is here and has been nursing for awhile. There is a huge difference in sizes between pre-pregnancy breasts, pregnant breasts, engorgement breasts, and nursing “milkies.” You will need high quality, supportive nursing bras, sports bras, and post breast-feeding bras. Just save a fortune, because that’s what you’ll spend in this area. Poor-quality will have you hating all of the clothing you buy – a good bra makes every top look great.
• Dressing in layers is the smartest way to survive winter. Yes, it is cold, but you have an internal heater, and every place you walk into will be blasting the heat.
• You will want post-baby clothes – Save some money to shop for the postpartum period!

Winter Maternity Fashion Ideas

Leggings: Leggings are a pregnant woman’s best friend. Solid colored and thick are the best investment. Leggings are stretchy, comfortable, can double as PJ's... but they are still socially acceptable.

Faux Leather Leggings: Pair them with a fitted solid colored cow neck tunic, long sweater vest, and boots.

Skinny Cut Maternity Jeans: Make sure they have plenty of stretch.

Other Fun Pants: Make sure that they fit well and are flattering, but patterned pants can be fun!

Solid Colored Long Sleeved Tops: Classic white, black, burgundy, dark green, blue, etc. - these will pair well with leggings or pants and you can top them with sweaters, vests, cardigans, or just a scarf!

Tunics: Tunics are great because you can wear them after your baby arrives. They don’t have the pinched sides like maternity shirts do, but they have the length you need.

Sweaters: Unless you can find long sweaters, you will be in the maternity section for these. It’s ok though, pick a few staples and make sure they will fit all the way through until your baby arrives.

Cardigans and Vests: You can take a boring outfit and step it up by throwing on a simple, comfortable, and warm piece! I’d grab an assortment of these for options all season long. Short, long, faux fur, puffy, patterned, solid – whatever you gravitate toward.

Sweater Dresses (normally paired with leggings): Or dresses in general! Dresses look so nice, and often get complimented on – but yet, they are the simplest outfit to put on. Grab a few that will allow your bump to grow.

Scarves: Another easy way to dress up (and stay warm). Patterns are your friend.

Borrow your Husband’s Button Downs (and use a belt above your belly): A nice pair of pants and a men’s button down may just make a cold day warmer.

Cute Flat Boots – Any height you'd like!

Boot Socks, Cuffs, or Leg Warmers: How something so simple can make you feel so trendy just amazes me.

Coat: You may want to invest in a coat that will be able to zip your belly!