10 Chic Pieces for the Pregnant Fashionista

Pregnancy is an odd time for women where a lot of normal activities are seemingly “paused.” There are dietary and fitness restrictions, no doubt, and for a woman who puts a lot of thought into her day-to-day fashion, the idea of a large belly permeating her typical outfits can seem daunting. Thankfully, there are several great lines of maternity wear out now that go beyond frumpy baggy shirts and elastic-waist pants. A stylish woman need not sacrifice her style for the latter trimesters of her pregnancy. The following 10 pieces are chic, comfy essentials that can be easily mixed and matched for endless options in the mid to late months. Plus, you can share the love with your female friends and family members when they become pregnant by handing down an awesome wardrobe.

1. A Maxidress

This has to be one of the best maternity looks of all time. A baby bump looks so cute highlighted by a simple column dress, and it’s just one piece that you can throw on and go when you don’t feel like choosing an outfit. Choose a simple color like black or grey that can be worn anywhere, or dressed up or down with cute sandals or sneakers. You can opt for a pencil or midi length if maxi feels too long for you.

2. Sleek Sneakers

A lot of fashion bloggers insist that heels are fine to wear during pregnancy, but if you’re realistically opting for comfort for your predictably swollen feet, a pair of cool kicks will do the trick. Luckily with the rise of athleisure in recent years, there are thousands of nice sneaker options to choose from that are better for everyday since they look more ready for the runway than ready for the treadmill.

3. A Button-Down Shirt

This is an easy way to dress up a simple outfit. Just throw one of these on over skinny jeans or pants. You can choose chambray for something more casual, or a white cotton for a more work-appropriate look. Layer a t-shirt underneath in the last trimester so you can undo a couple buttons for comfort.

4. Skinny Jeans

The contrast of skinny jeans against a protruding baby bump is exceptionally chic.

5. Boyfriend Jeans

However, respect is due to those mothers-to-be who don’t feel like wearing anything too constricting. Boyfriend jeans are a godsend in this case, as they offer loose comfort – yet their presence in the fashion world ensures no sacrifice of style.

6. A Striped Top

Top is ambiguous – it could mean a t-shirt or a dress. Stripes could be vertical or horizontal too. Horizontal stripes are known to make one look wider, but in your third trimester, this notion should not be a bother to you. Stripes are an easy way of adding pattern to your look without feeling overwhelmed.

7. An Asymmetrical Tee

Something shorter in the front and longer in the back. Target has a great selection of shirts like this – both in their regular and maternity sections. Not only is the high-low look flattering for your belly, the fabric won’t pull on your tummy as it gets bigger.

8. Overalls

Typically reserved to toddlers, overalls have been adopted by the maternity crowd by their wearability. These are super easy to throw on over a shirt yet still provide plenty of coverage over the belly. The straps can be loosened over time to accommodate a growing baby too.

9. A Slouchy Knit

A long sleeve sweater that’s cozy enough to eat ice cream on the couch in, yet can be layered over a button down with skinny jeans for a more put-together look. Get one in a neutral color to match multiple looks.

10. A Cheeky Text T-Shirt

Pregnancy is only 9 months, and only a few of those months show a large belly, so you might as well have fun with it! A cute graphic tee that accentuates your soon-to-arrive little one is playful and fun. Searching “pregnancy t-shirt” on Pinterest yields great options, like “locally grown,” “lé bump,” “we’re hoping it’s a mermaid,” and much more.

Accessories are also your best friend during maternity and they deserve a shoutout. You might outgrow your favorite top for a few months, but you certainly won’t be outgrowing your earrings.

All in all, pregnancy is a wonderful time where there are many changes happening, but you can still hold onto your favorite parts of yourself. Take it as a challenge and have fun with fashion in the same way you did before baby!