I’m 25 weeks along and getting to the end of my second trimester, so maternity clothing has officially taken over my closet. I always hold off for a while, trying to rely on rubber bands for my jeans but that only lasts for so long. Between my last pregnancy and this one, I’ve collected a maternity wardrobe I’m pretty happy with. Generally, maternity clothing is overly feminine and being pregnant is just about as feminine as you can get, so I’ve been shying away from empire waists and floral prints to avoid feeling like a giant cabbage patch doll. I also wear mostly non maternity tops, lots of tunics and dresses over jeans. It makes such a difference for me mentally when I feel happy with how I look even when I’m 20+ lbs heavier. Here are a few tips and favorite maternity clothing pieces that I wanted to share with any pregnant mamas out there…
Tops:
An extra long turtleneck sweater is so comfy this time of year like this one
Basic 3/4 sleeved shirts are always a favorite and easy to layer. The comfiest ones I’ve found are these henley’s from Motherhood Maternity, although I don’t love the colors available online.
It’s hard to tell from the photo, but this textured dress in a large is a really comfortable sweater to wear over jeans. It’s one of my favorite pieces!
I have this Zara tunic (above) in red. It’s perfect to layer over leggings or jeans. And it’s on sale for $19.99!
For something fancy, a little bit of sparkle like this top is a great piece for a night out with some black jeans
A handful of great maternity tanks are key. I love these from Target. I have them in black, white, and grey.
I have this black turtleneck tunic/dress from Madewell and it’s a perfect maternity piece (that’s not actually maternity) to wear over jeans. On sale too!
Pants:
These are the best maternity leggings, hands down. I’ve tried several. These are super comfy and soft. I could wear them all week long.
Ripped, medium wash jeans with a short very skinny leg are my go-to pant these days. Here’s a great maternity version (below) and here’s a black version
If you’re in the 1st or early 2nd trimester, I highly recommend these stretchy high waisted jeans from Target. I’m wearing them here when I was about 12 weeks. Get them in a smaller size than you think since they’re super stretchy (I went two sizes down from what I normally wear). I love them so much that I altered them to make them maternity with some elastic, I still wear them almost every day! Here’s our tutorial to do it if you’d like to try! I just sew them by hand, no machine.
Dresses:
I have a couple versions of this black midi dress that are both great. Easy to layer over leggings or some jeans as well.
I love a good stretchy bodycon dress like this one or this tank one (not maternity, but stretchy. I have it and love it). So comfy, flattering, and easy to dress up or down.
Like the main image above, I love a maxi or midi skirt with an elastic waist to go under the belly. Here’s a great one that also transitions well to postpartum. And here’s a great one for summer.
I have a little black dress similar to this (above) that’s a great piece. It’s easy, flattering, and looks great with some fancy heels or these gold boots I’m obsessed with
You need at least one fancy maternity dress. I‘d choose this one! Love the neckline
Outerwear + Shoes:
A long tie-belt maternity coat is much needed this time of year. This one from H&M (below) is my favorite.
A puffy vest is a San Francisco wardrobe staple, and it’s hard to find a maternity version of one, but I like this one. If you can’t find a maternity version, I’d recommend getting two sizes up from your normal size and you should be good.
Comfy shoes are key. My favorites right now are these soft leather oxfords (image below, I seriously love them) and for spring, a good pair of slip-ons like these suede ones
For cold weather, a pair of flat, low Chelsea boots are perfect. And totally in style. Love this pair.
You can’t go wrong with a great pair of black Nikes for walks in the park and errands
(main image and interview with adorably pregnant Sheila Marquez here)