When I was expecting my son, I had a visible bump pretty early on in the pregnancy (thanks to my short genetics, I guess!) I had to say goodbye to my favorite high-waisted jeans, but I dreaded the maternity section of the store.
As it turns out, I was able to come up with a sort of capsule wardrobe that’s worked for pregnancy, postpartum, and nursing, mostly using clothes that I already had in my closet. Once I figured out what worked, I strategically built my wardrobe with pieces that I hope to keep using for years to come.
Section 1: Bottoms
Jeans are the most obvious thing to purchase from the maternity section, and while I recommend having at least one pair, there’s lots of other options that will work for both pregnancy and postpartum:
Elastic waist wide-leg pants
These will most likely fit over your bump well into your second trimester, and when your belly gets really big you can wear them below the bump on your hips. I personally did not have a pair of shorts that looked good on me while pregnant, but I think elastic-waist shorts could also work.
Elastic waist flowy skirts
The beauty of skirts is that you can hike them up over your belly as high as you need to, since they are open on the bottom. I also found them very comfortable, especially in the summer, and a flattering option postpartum.
Stretchy pencil skirt
Again, it’s very comfortable and works for pregnancy and postpartum. It also looks more polished than a long flowy skirt, but you can still style it casually with sneakers and an oversized T-shirt.
Overalls
Loose overalls work beautifully for pregnancy, and are nursing-friendly!
Leggings/ sweatpants/ joggers
While I’m all for dressing elegantly, you’ll need a few pairs of comfy pants for working out, sick days, and recovering after birth.
Section 2: Tops
Oversized T-shirt
My husband’s T-shirt is the MVP of my pregnancy and nursing wardrobe. It fit over my bump and now I can nurse my baby in it without a cover, since the t-shirt is big enough to cover everything. If you’re worried about it looking sloppy, choose a solid color that brings out your eyes, and pair with more structured pieces. Postpartum, you can tuck it into your bottoms to give your outfit definition.
Oversized button-up
You can wear it open while you’re pregnant over a tank top or with a dress, and nurse the baby in it since it has easy nursing access!
Crop top
Hear me out – pair it with a high waisted-skirt or as an extra layer over a tank dress. For nursing, wear a crop top over a tank top to eliminate the need for a nursing cover.
Smock/ babydoll top
Like the oversized T-shirt, it fits over your bump and often has a scoop neck that works for nursing.
Section 3: dresses
Stretchy midi dresses
A stretchy cotton knit will work all throughout pregnancy, and if it is either sleeveless or has a stretchy neckline you can nurse in it, too. They’re very versatile and work equally well in casual and formal settings, depending on how you style.
Flowy midi dresses
A flowy midi dress will fit over the bump, and if you don’t like the unstructured look postpartum, you can pair it with a belt (or look for a dress that ties in the back!) Look for details like buttons in the neckline for easy nursing access. Empire waist dresses also work well.
Smock neck dress
Any dress with a stretchy smock neck with work for both pregnancy and postpartum — the elastic will simply sit above your bump, and can be pulled down for nursing. It’s a more feminine look for church, baby showers, or even a wedding guest dress.
Wrap dresses
A stretchy wrap dress is another staple! It’s ultra-comfortable, but looks polished. If you’re worried about a plunging neckline, add a small fastening to keep it closed or layer with a nursing tank.
Section 4: Outerwear and accessories
Comfortable slip-on shoes
I’ll be honest, I could barely reach my toes at the end of pregnancy, let alone tie laces on my boots or sneakers. Comfortable slip-ons like loafers, clogs, and sandals are a great investment to make while you’re pregnant. Look for good arch support to keep your feet from getting sore.
Scarf
It instantly elevates an outfit, and is a great nursing cover. A poncho is another great alternative for the warmer seasons.
Cropped cardigan
This adds a break in the outfit at your waistline, even if you’re pregnant and have to wear it open. It can also work as a nursing cover if you button the sweater and have a layer underneath that pulls down.
Open long cardigan
This is a great option if you’re concerned that your dress or skirt is a little too tight. It’s super comfortable, and looks more put-together than a hoodie.
Blazer, barn jacket, or denim jacket
Any outer layer that can be worn open is a great addition to your wardrobe. Tailor this option to your own lifestyle needs and the weather while you’re pregnant.
Other advice for curating your wardrobe
Choose a color palette so that your pieces match.
It’s also helpful to know what your own color season is, so that you know which colors to wear near your face — the right color will instantly bring out your eyes and give your skin a healthy glow!
Keep in mind your normal fashion sense.
While some experimentation is fun, if you usually love a sporty look, you probably won’t want to switch to all frilly feminine pieces just because you’re a mom! Similarly, if you love ultra-feminine pieces, being a mom won’t automatically make you want to wear leggings and oversized t-shirts every day.
Accesorize!
This is the easiest way to still feel elevated and like you! It’s incredible how a pair of small hoops and a fun hair ribbon can make you feel like a princess, even in jeans.
Conclusion: Be grateful for your changing body
Dressing your changing body can be very emotional, especially in the age where moms are pressured to “bounce back” as soon as possible. Remember, God created your body as a tabernacle to hold and nurture life, and you are a temple of the Holy Spirit! So snuggle your precious little ones and dress your body with the dignity it deserves.