In the UK you can walk into any high street store and get a maternity version of their current lines. Not so in Australia, maternity is classed as a speciality and high street and department stores don't stock anything. Where I live there are no maternity shops at all and I don't live out in the sticks, live in Sydney. There is the small selection in Target, but honestly, most of that makes me want to cry at the sheer frumpiness of it. This meant I had to change my attitude and look at different places to get some clothes that made me feel and look great.
Get a capsule maternity wardrobe
While I managed to survive wearing some things from my wardrobe, you will need some maternity clothes to see you through your pregnancy comfortably. I needed bottoms early in my pregnancy, a good pair of jeans will see you through almost anything and if you work in an office a few quality basic pieces can be mixed and matched. Consider what you tend to wear a lot and find a maternity option that suits you.
I would also suggest if you are buying trousers (pants) or jeans buy the kind that goes right over your bump, I found the ones that sat under the bump just slipped down, but maybe that was because I have zero bum to help keep them up!
Shop Online
Local ladies Witjuti and Plus Maternity have some great online stores with a variety of clothes available for blossoming figure. I have the wrap dress and singlet from Witjuti, they are fab and will be something I want to wear once the Bean arrives too. In the UK most high street stores will ship to Australia so, check out Next, New Look, Debenhams and Marks and Spencer for stylish options that could save you money.
Go to regular shops
You don't always have to buy maternity clothes, there are a lot of tops, skirts or dresses made from jersey which have enough stretch to accommodate a growing bump. I got a few dresses and a skirt in Supre, they may end up stretched but they were reasonably cheap and made me feel like I was still a bit fashionable instead of wearing something that was bought out of desperation.
Shop in your wardrobe
I was surprised at the number of things I had in my wardrobe that I could wear while pregnant! Most of the tops I had were suitable for cooler days and I was lucky that I could wear them with the bump. You might have to pair them up with maternity jeans or leggings but it will save you a bit of cash.
Remember you won't be wearing these forever so don't go over board and buy a full wardrobe of clothes! You will be able to change things up with accessories and your money is better saved for all the things you need for your baby.
Feel free to share your tips on maternity wear with everyone in the comments!