I love to research and plan out new purchases when it comes to my wardrobe. It’s no surprise then, that when I first found out I was pregnant, I started researching and planning exactly what maternity clothing pieces I would need. Since this is my first pregnancy, I didn’t know what, if anything in my wardrobe would fit during pregnancy. Thankfully I am indecisive, because I quickly realized I actually don’t want to buy any maternity specific clothing unless absolutely necessary.
It appears that maternity clothing has become more fashionable. But buying from companies that are more ethical in the materials they use and their business practices is not cheap. When I thought of the cost per wear, it didn’t make sense to spend so much on something that gets worn for so little. And with a wardrobe wishlist that seems ever growing, I was hoping to purchase some pieces off of it that would work for both pregnancy and after.
All of this is of course dependent on the size of my bump, and the clothes already in my closet. My bump has been on the small side until very recently, which has allowed me to wear 99% of my tops and sweaters. My outerwear has more of a looser fit, so nothing has been eliminated there. I also like to have loose dresses and skirts, so several will continue to fit up until the end. I got lucky that my jeans fit until about the middle of my second trimester, but now most pants have started to get too tight to wear at all.
What I have purchased for pregnancy so far, and plan to purchase in the near future, is also very dependent on the weather. We recently moved from the Midwest to North Carolina. If I was still in the Midwest, the weather would be cold up until the end of my pregnancy, so I would focus more on cold weather clothing. But since it’s already warming up in our new location, I will get to focus on skirts and dresses for the remainder of the pregnancy. Both of these categories are in a sad state in my closet, and I can use this opportunity to purchase some pieces off my wishlist that will be bump friendly.
When I starting planning my maternity wardrobe and purchases, I used these tips below to help me:
1 | ORGANIZE YOUR CLOSET
Set aside a place in your closet for anything that is currently fitting and may fit later in the pregnancy. Doing this helped me to get a real sense of exactly what I had. I had plenty of tops, sweaters and outwear like blazers that still fit, but denim and pant options were lacking. Don’t forget to include accessories like shoes, since you may find categories like heels that are off the table due to comfort.
2 | DEFINE YOUR PREGNANCY STYLE
I definitely did not want to change my style just because I’m pregnant. A lot of maternity style videos focus on very casual pieces, but that is just me. My style has the comforts of casual with an element of dressy. I envisioned pieces that could be dressed up, but that I could also lounge around in.
High on my wishlist were pieces that could replace dress pants, but have the stretch needed to accommodate the bump. I also looked for high waist options. It’s not only more my style, but also allows me to wear more of my tops since they can be tucked in rather than going over the whole belly.
3 | CREATE A PREGNANCY CAPSULE WARDROBE
If you aren’t sure where to get started, creating a mini 10×10 capsule wardrobe would be a great place to start. This would be finding 10 pieces of clothing that could make 10+ different outfits. Check out some of my previous 10×10 wardrobe challenges here and here. If you are already able to do this, then you might already have your capsule and don’t need to purchase anything else. But you may find in doing this exercise, you discover exactly what you are missing and want to add.
4 | CREATE A SHOPPING LIST
Once you’ve identified the gaps in your capsule wardrobe, you’ll have a better understanding of exactly what you want to purchase. For me, I have plenty of tops that still fit me, so I focused more on pants, skirts and dresses. Consider the silhouettes you prefer. Perhaps you are really enjoying body hugging styles or really gravitate towards feminine and flowing pieces. Also think about the material of the pieces you want to purchase. Obviously stretch is your friend in pregnancy, but I’ve found I’m really enjoying my silk pieces that were already in a loose fit before pregnancy.
Consider focusing on pieces that were already on your wishlist and would be great additions to your closet post-pregnancy. Dresses and skirts with simple silhouettes can be bought a size or two larger and then altered after pregnancy. Outerwear like blazers in a looser fit are also great buys. Most pieces with stretch will be great during and after pregnancy as well.
5 | TAKE YOUR TIME
I’m so glad I didn’t try and assume what I would need for the entire pregnancy. Rather, I’m buying as I see the need arise. This avoids making purchases that will never get worn or worn very little. What I’ve purchased so far has gotten me through fall and winter. Now I get to focus on buying what will get me through the last few weeks of pregnancy for warmer weather.
MATERNITY WARDROBE PURCHASES
1. Quince Tencel Rib Knit Sleeveless Dress: https://bit.ly/3M12jz2
I’ve been wanting a t-shirt style dress for quite some time but have not had luck with any I’ve tried out so far before pregnancy. Quince’s version is great because not only is it incredibly stretchy, it also is lined, giving a bit more coverage than your average t-shirt dress.
2. Quince Ultra-Stretch Ponte Straight Leg Pant in Regular Length: https://bit.ly/3vkNzFu
These are the perfect combination of a dress pant and yoga pant. There are faux front pockets, faux back dress pant pockets and my favorite – belt loops! The material was thicker than I was expecting, with a very comfortable waist band. I feel very put together with these pants on, since going out of the house with yoga pants is not my style.
3. Silk Maison Cashmere Set: https://bit.ly/3he7ZHU
I’ve been wanting to add some new loungewear to my closet, and this was a perfect excuse. The best part is it’s in cashmere, my favorite for fall and winter. I do wish the waistband was a bit looser and the top a bit smaller, but overall its a cozy set to wear around the house or even dress it up to run errands.
4. Able Marlowe Sweater Skirt: https://bit.ly/3pheqhw
This skirt is so cozy. I bought this on a whim and I’m so glad I did. The waistband is very comfortable, the material is very stretchy, and there is a slit on the side to keep your legs from getting constricted when you walk.
5. Lezé the Label Haven Pant: https://bit.ly/3IlKNn2
These have been amazing. They have so much stretch it’s incredible and literally look like regular dress pants but feel like pajamas pants. I definitely see these working up until the end of pregnancy.
6. Lezé the Label Maya Turtleneck: https://bit.ly/3JUXjdA
Because I wanted a few more pieces that could also be loungewear, I grabbed the matching turtleneck to the Haven pant. It’s a bit more oversized than I imagined, but looks so chic on. Even if I’m wearing my real pajama pants on the bottom, I feel so pulled together having this on during a zoom call. And don’t we all hide what we are wearing during a zoom call?
7. Réalisation Par The Naomi Skirt: https://bit.ly/3vjvhEk
This has been on my wishlist for so long. I knew the simple silhouette would make this incredibly easy to alter after pregnancy, so I grabbed it two sizes larger. I’m so glad I have this to wear in pregnancy, and just love how light and airy it feels on.
I hoped this helped to give you some ideas if you are also looking to avoid maternity clothing, but need to buy something for a growing bump.