The plight of the tall pregnant lady

I am 5'10". I checked the statistics at halls.md.com, and I am taller than 97% of the American population of women. If I took into account the number of you who follow by blog who are female, reduced further by the percentage of those who are pregnant or have been pregnant, I would probably come up with less than .01% of you who understands firsthand the plight of a tall pregnant lady. There might be more who care to hear me explain, so I will press on with my post.

Finding maternity clothes that fit my tallness is quite difficult. During my first pregnancy, I resorted to the horrible look of high-water pants designed for a women who are 5'4". The shirts were always too short, so I showed off the lovely full panel at the top of the pants. During my second pregnancy, it became easier to find longer lengths in maternity clothes because the manufacturers took notice of the 3% of the pregnant population walking around looking ridiculous. I looked considerably more fashionable during Mandy's pregnancy, but paid the high price for maternity clothes.

This time around, I've discovered a secret to having some cute clothes and paying less. I buy things in the women's section that are styled loosely. The dress above is from Target and I got in on sale for $23. The empire waist and flowing skirt work perfect for my growing bump. A very similar dress at Motherhood Maternity is $49.

At home I love to wear yoga pants. I haven't once done Yoga in them, but they sure are comfortable for laying around eating sugar-free bon bons. Target now has long lengths in their Champion semi-fitted athletic pants for women. The cut of these pants is actually flattering and perfect for maternity or not because of the wide, low waist band. They are only $20.

I've also found great success with women's shirts that are styled long and loose. My favorites are ones that have a bit of cinching at the bottom. Maternity shirts are $20-$40 for just a regular t-shirt that is often not as long as a regular women's shirt -- don't ask me why. This shirt is from Gap and is $15. Check out Gap Maternity and almost the identical shirt is $34.

For the next months of my pregnancy, these kinds of shirts will get me by just fine. If you are one of those pregnant ladies who gets an absolutely huge belly, this won't work for you. Like my hair-dresser who had twins and couldn't touch her fingers over her belly.... nope. You are regulated to the maternity section only.

My next dilemma would be finding jeans that are long enough. Only a few stores carry long lengths in jeans that I can afford (Gap, Old Navy and Motherhood), but they still are hard to find. In one store, a sale's lady recommended I stick with capris when I asked about long length maternity jeans. Thank you. I have capris, but it is 43 degrees today. 

Aren't maternity pants just the most beautiful things you've ever seen? No? One of my friends said the top panel reminded her of something you would roast a turkey in. I can't get that image out of my head.

I couldn't bring myself to spend $35 or more for jeans when I just know the weather will warm up as soon as I do. In desperation I looked at Ross Dress For Less and I found a great pair for $14. They are barely long enough, so if they even darken the door of a dryer, tears will be shed. Wonderful husband, are you reading this? No dryer! These jeans will get me through. Get this: the brand is called Puff Lady. What crazy bunch of men came up with that brand name for maternity clothes? For $14, I'm not going to complain.

Thanks for reading this post if you are not tall. I appreciate your compassionate comments, even if you are secretly thinking I shouldn't whine about being tall. If you are tall, maybe my fashion secrets will help you. It would be the first time in my life when anything I know about fashion helped someone else. And that would just make my year. Or you can pass on some more secrets, or better yet, all the maternity clothes from some trendy, rich, (and tall) lady.