On top of stocking up on gear and clothing for the new baby, expectant moms also face the task of shopping for their own changing bodies over the course of their pregnancies. Fortunately, there are more options than ever for stylish, comfortable, and bump-ready clothing. To help you navigate the maternity marketplace, we’ve turned to some of our favorite style experts and designers in the industry.
The Essentials
When it comes to building a pregnancy wardrobe, many stylish experts agree that the best place to start is with the essentials—items that you’ll be able to mix-and-match and wear day-in and day-out throughout your nine months, like ruched tops, stretchy leggings or yoga pants, and flattering wrap dresses.
“The best approach is to buy great-fitting essentials: A work pant, denim, a casual dress, a more formal dress, an easy sweater or blouse, leggings, and tanks—and maybe one or two pieces that may have no use other than that they make you smile when you put them on,” says Rosie Pope, maternity guru and founder of Rosie Pope Maternity and Rosie Pope Baby. “Good maternity clothes should last all through your pregnancy, so once you have core essentials, buy more of similar [styles] if you still feel like you need more choices.”
One great pick that Pope recommends from her own line is The Best Dress (shown here). “It is simply the best,” she says. “We carry this dress year-round, but it’s fantastic for the summer months. It can be easily dressed up for a spring wedding or dressed down with some sneakers for a playdate in the park.”
Another versatile item that most expectant mamas are going to want to fit perfectly (rather than trying to stretch their existing clothes to size) is a pair of jeans. “If I had to choose just one piece [that a pregnant woman needs], it would be a great pair of maternity jeans,” says Cecile Reinaud, the founder and head designer of maternity brand Seraphine (a favorite of celebs like Kate Middleton and Jessica Alba). “Every woman knows how fantastic a perfectly-fitted pair of jeans can make you feel… You can dress them down for the daytime, and then vamp them up in the evening with heels and jewelry.”
Underneath it All
Of course, having an excuse to shop for a closet full of new pieces can be an exciting prospect, but it’s equally important to mention the unmentionables: Getting well-fitting underwear and bras is crucial for feeling confident and comfortable during pregnancy.
“My best suggestion is to begin with the right maternity bras and panties,” advises Olivia Capone-Myers, the style director for Destination Maternity. “It’s better to buy bras at several different times during your pregnancy than it is to spend your entire pregnancy wearing bras that don’t fit.”
According to Amanda Cole, the owner of Yummy Mummy, a similar principal applies to shopping for nursing bras for after the baby comes. “We always recommend that moms buy three nursing bras: One on mom, one in the drawer, and one in the wash,” she says. “And we recommend at least one sleep bra for maximum nighttime comfort and at least two support bras for everyday wear. Many nursing bras are made out of flexible, breathable fabric, and are made to adjust to a change in breast size. So they’re perfect for both during and after pregnancy.”
A final behind-the-scenes piece that pregnant women can benefit from is a belly band or panel to help with the overall fit of clothes (especially pants) and to offer extra support as your bump grows. Capone-Myers recommends the Secret Fit Belly panel, while Cole suggests the Ingrid & Isabel Bella band, which is designed to hold up unbuttoned waistbands and loose maternity garments.
Hot Trends
Just like other realms of fashion, the trends in maternity wear change every season—meaning there is never any shortage of on-trend garb for expectant moms to add to their wardrobes. And what’s in for the summer to come? Fresh silhouettes, fun patterns, and more!
“There are some great trends coming through this summer,” Reinaud says, noting that vibrant hues and detailed repeating patterns are sure to flatter pregnancy curves. “Wrap dresses are making a comeback, and the geometric prints trend is very flattering through pregnancy. Seraphine’s Mosaic Print Maternity Wrap Dress is a great example of the two trends combined.”
Another trend (or rather, classic) is the use of floral prints for the warmer months. “With spring and summer approaching, try bright, colorful, floral printed dresses like the Ivy & Blu Sleeveless Lined Maternity Dress or the Sleeveless Back Interest Maternity Dress in white [both available at Destination Maternity], to add to your mom-to-be glow,” Capone-Myers adds.
Work It Out
Another aspect of pregnancy dressing that you’ll want to keep in mind is your athletic wardrobe. Whether or not you tend to splurge on high-tech athletic clothing, snapping up a few practical pieces to complement your changing body as you exercise can make a big difference.
“It depends on the pregnancy, but switching to athletic wear that is built for a pregnant body usually happens somewhere near the second trimester—roughly at months four, five, and six,” says Ingrid Skjong, editor-in-chief at FitBump. “We suggest building a wardrobe of key pieces that are made of performance fabrics and, most importantly, fit well.”
While every woman’s workout regime calls for different gear, the FitBump team recommends the following shopping list to give your pre-natal routine some extra comfort and support: A comfortable, supportive sports bra, 2-3 tank tops or t-shirts, one long-sleeve shirt for layering, 1-2 pairs of leggings, a fleece jacket or windbreaker, high-quality socks, and a new pair of running or athletic shoes (since feet have the potential to grow during pregnancy).
How Much?
Pregnant women who are just starting to show are likely to ask themselves how many new pieces they really need to buy—and though it varies from woman to woman, the bottom line is to feel comfortable, stylish, and like you’ve made choices that are true to your own fashion sense.
“[You want to buy] enough so that you feel good about what you are wearing and are comfortable during the many different things in life you have to dress for—from work, to weddings, to relaxing at home,” Pope advises. “If you’re budget-conscious or feel like much of your existing wardrobe will still work, then invest in good leggings and longer tanks.”
In addition to opting to make certain pieces from your existing repertoire work for pregnancy, another way to keep your maternity shopping list in check is to focus on versatility. “Try some classic pieces that are versatile and can take you through your whole pregnancy, like a denim jacket, a classic shirt, comfy lounge pants, and of course, your maternity jeans,” Capone-Myers adds.
