Jacqueline Ames
You don’t have to sacrifice style because you’re pregnant. Granted, it’s going to be a bit of a different style than your pre-baby bump aesthetic because your wardrobe also has to accommodate for some drastic changes your body has to go through.
So if you’re having a tough time trying to figure out how to adjust your style to your growing belly, we’ve put together some great maternity outfit ideas for a little inspiration to show you that you can indeed be pregnant and stylish at the same time.
Not only are we going to show you some great outfits for inspiration, we’ve also put together a list of key maternity clothing ‘must-haves’ to create a capsule wardrobe of different items you can mix and match.
Contents
Things To Avoid When Putting Together A Maternity Outfit
Before we get into our maternity outfit ideas, there are a few things you should avoid when you are choosing a maternity outfit.
1. Super high heels.
Rule #1 when it comes to maternity outfits is comfort… and in this case, it’s also a bit of a safety issue as well.
Just remember, as your pregnancy progresses you will be carrying around a lot of extra weight that you are not used to. The last thing you need is shoes that tilt you forward to put you off balance when you are carrying that extra weight in front.
Stick to flats or low shoes and boots. If you want a bit of a heel, choose a chunky block heel, or even a flat platform. Not only will they give you a bit of a lift, and both are infinitely more comfortable than wearing shoes with a high pointed heel, they are also a lot more sturdy.
2. Don’t try to squeeze into something that’s too tight.
You shouldn’t force yourself into clothing that doesn’t fit. There’s a reason they make maternity clothes!
Again it goes back to being comfortable.
And while there are probably clothes you already have in your closet that you will be able to wear throughout your pregnancy, there are certainly items that you will not be able to get into.
Just relegate those items to the back of your closet for now because we’re going to show you some great clothing items that can take their place in the meantime, so keep reading!
3. The Mumu.
Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you have to resort to shapeless, unflattering, tent-like garments. We have lots of different ideas for you to put together a stylish maternity outfit (without a mumu in sight).
Maternity Outfit Ideas
1. Oversized Turtleneck, Leggings, and Quilted Vest
Perfect for fall, this outfit utilizes items you probably already have in your closet. When it comes to putting together a maternity outfit, not every item of clothing you wear needs to be labelled ‘maternity clothes’.
Really anything that is stretchy and can accommodate the baby bump, while still being comfortable can work.
Here’s how you can put this look together:
2. Jeans, Long Sleeved Top, and Open Front Blazer.
Jeans are not like leggings and yoga pants. Although some denim has a little stretch, regular jeans just won’t work as maternity wear.
But not to worry, they do indeed make maternity jeans!
Here’s how you can put this look together:
3. Overalls
Overalls have been a super trending maternity look this year, both with shorts and long pants.
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Here’s how you can put this look together:
4. Floral Dress with a Denim Jacket
Summer is the time for cute dresses! And as luck would have it, the ever-popular boho style of baby doll dress with the high empire waist and loose flowing skirt works perfectly as a maternity dress.
Pair that with a denim jacket and you’re good to go!
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Here’s how you can put this look together:
5. Boho Skirt with Tank Top and Denim Jacket
If you like the look in style 4 above, but prefer separates, go for a skirt with an elasticized waistband. It offers you the option of 2 looks with either the waist pulled over your midsection, or you can wear it under your belly.
Here’s how you can put this look together:
6. Sweater Dress with Trench Coat and Thigh High Boots
As the temperatures start to dip, layering is key. Sweater dresses and thigh-high boots are trending this fall and winter.
And sweater dresses are SO comfy that they are a natural choice for maternity wear.
Here’s how you can put this look together:
Maternity Clothing Items “Must-Haves” that you are going to want in your wardrobe
Now the key to maternity wear is getting mix-and-match pieces that can make different outfits. You don’t want to go all out and buy an entirely new wardrobe that you may never wear again.
We’ve chosen a few key pieces that should keep you going throughout your pregnancy for the spring/summer or the fall/winter seasons
Spring / Summer
Maternity Tshirts
A T-shirt that will move and adapt to your changing body is essential. T-shirts are so versatile that you can incorporate them into pretty much any outfit.
Maternity Leggings
Leggings are also another super comfortable and versatile item that can go with just about anything.
A Chiffon Kimono
This is a surprisingly versatile piece that lends itself as well to wearing with shorts and a t-shirt as it does with a dress, or even as a bathing suit cover up.
Maternity wear is not about hiding your belly, it’s about embracing and celebrating this really special time in your life!
So don’t be afraid to show off your beautiful belly bump!
Although this is not technically a maternity dress, it’s made with super stretchy material that will stretch to accommodate a growing belly. This one has been pregnancy–tested.
Comfy, Flat Shoes Without Buckles or Laces
At some point you will get to where having to bend down and try to lace up or unbuckle shoes is just not going to be an option.
Even if you can manage to reach them, it’s a hassle you are not going to want to deal with everytime you want to put on and take off your shoes. Any pair of shoes you can slide in and out of without having to bend down is going to be a definite must.
When looking for a shoe to wear when you’re pregnant, you want a shoe that breathes and has a bit of stretch to them. Look for a non-skid sole. Most importantly, you want them to be comfortable.
Fall & Winter
Maternity Leggings
Regardless of the season, leggings will always be a great option, whether you’re wearing them with a sweater or pairing them up with a dress for a little extra warmth.
You may have a regular stretchy pair of leggings or yoga pants that you may be able to get away with wearing through the first or even second trimester. But there will come a time that they will have stretched as far as they can go!
So a pair of maternity leggings that have a special built-in panel at the front that expands, is a good investment.
For winter you can opt for warmer, fleece-lined leggings.
A Sweater Dress
Whether you opt for a form fitting sweater dress or a looser, oversized cut , either are really easy, comfortable pieces to wear.
A Cardigan Sweater
Long open front cardigans are trending at the moment. They are the perfect layering item to have that you can just throw on over anything if it starts to get chilly, inside or out.
A Cape Poncho
These are super cool and in style right now. The open front styling is perfect for layering lots underneath and not having to go out and buy a winter jacket that’s not going to fit you later.
Non-Slip Socks
Non-slip socks are one of those things you might not have thought about, but you’re likely to be spending a lot of time inside and unlikely to be spending much of that time barefoot as the weather gets colder, but they can save you from a nasty fall.
Regular socks on hardwood floors (and stairs!) are slippery. Especially when you get to the point where you’re having trouble going up and down stairs because you can’t see your feet. You’re definitely going to want socks that will prevent you from slipping.
