Pregnancy is a journey filled with excitement, change, and—let’s be honest—a little wardrobe confusion. As your body transforms, so does your approach to fashion. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort. And, you can still stay true to your own personal style. Pregnancy fashion and maternity outfits have come a long way in recent years. Finding the right pregnancy styles doesn’t have to be difficult.
Whether you’re embracing the trends, curating a pregnancy capsule wardrobe or finding new ways to dress for each trimester, our Stylists here to guide you through it all. Let’s dive into the best ways to dress confidently throughout pregnancy and beyond!
Pregnancy Capsule Wardrobe: Staples + Smart Investments
Luckily, there are more options than ever when it comes to maternity clothing, and pieces that can correspond with your style. In reality, your maternity outfits will be a mix of staples from your existing wardrobe, and reliable maternity wear essentials.
When it comes to maternity fashion, a solid foundation is key. There are maternity styles that will make dressing for your new body so much easier. Some essentials? Stretchy and supportive maternity leggings, pants and jeans will be absolute lifesavers. These necessities adapt to your growing belly and will likely be on heavy rotation throughout your pregnancy.
Beyond the basics, think long term. We suggest investing in versatile pieces that work before, during and after pregnancy—like a classic denim jacket, flowy button-down or wrap dresses. Pregnancy is temporary, but your wardrobe doesn’t have to be. Choosing adaptable pieces ensures you’ll get the most out of your wardrobe, bump or no bump.
Stylist Dania’s tip: “Consider neutrals for leggings, jeans, t-shirts, tanks and so on.” Maxi dresses, oversized button-downs and breathable knitwear can also be styled in multiple ways, making them maternity friendly yet timeless.
Maternity Fashion Trends
Gone are the days of drab maternity clothes. Because, yes, you can still follow the trends! Your pregnancy wardrobe can still be stylish when you integrate a few key trending pieces. Here’s a few of our favorite outfits that hit on the recent trends:
That boho aesthetic you’re seeing everywhere? You can do that. “A flowy maxi dress gives bump-friendly movement,” says Stylist Michelle, “just add a denim jacket for dimension.”
For more of an everyday, athleisure look, Stylist Dania suggests this pregnancy-friendly outfit: “Stretchy maternity biker shorts and an oversized graphic tee with chunky sneakers and a crossbody bag give a laid-back, modern look with a sporty edge.” On trend, yet so practical.
Mix and match these trends with staple comfort pieces from your closet to maintain your unique style. An open blazer or a retro sneaker can tie your whole look together—baby bump and all.
“A flowy maxi dress gives bump-friendly movement”
-Michelle, Stylist
Embrace the Bump
Why hide it when you can flaunt it? Body-con and stretchy styles highlight your growing belly while keeping you ultra-comfortable. Stylist Michelle says, “Don’t be afraid to wear fitted tops and leggings to embrace the bump!” Wrap dresses, ribbed knit dresses and ruched tops can also be flattering.
Remember, confidence is the best accessory—so rock that bump with pride! When choosing fabrics, Stylist Michelle suggests, “Garments with stretch will be your best friend. As late spring and summer approach, opt for breathable materials. Natural fibers like cotton and linen would be the cherry on top.”
“Don’t be afraid to wear fitted tops and leggings to embrace the bump!”
-Michelle, Stylist
Wardrobe Evolution: Dressing for Each Trimester
Each trimester comes with unique challenges and changes, and dressing accordingly can make a huge difference.
- First Trimester Outfits: Comfort is key! A lot of your current comfy wardrobe staples will likely be utilized at this stage. Plus, you may have not announced your pregnancy to everyone just yet. Staple pieces like flowy tops, high-waisted leggings and empire waist dresses can accommodate your early body shifts. Stylist Dania adds, “For your first trimester, opt for oversized tops or a loose A-line dress.”
- Second Trimester Outfits: Your bump is making its debut! Stylist Dania continues, “As you start to show in your second trimester, reach out to maternity-friendly bottoms and tops with stretch.” Stretchy maternity jeans with elastic panels, ribbed midi dresses and wrap tops offer flexibility and room to grow.
Wondering what type of stretchy maternity jeans is for you? It’s really all up to personal preference. We’ve decoded the top three waistbands you’ll often find in maternity jeans:
- Under-belly waistband: An elastic band just at the top of your jeans that as the name suggests, sits right under the belly. This style helps to provide firm support.
- Side-stretch panels: These jean styles feature stretchy side panels on either side that expand with your belly. This style tends to look most similar to your regular jeans but sits a bit lower on the hips for optimal comfort.
- Over-belly waistband: Featuring a soft fabric waistband that covers over your bump—great for more snug belly support, and if you prefer your jeans to sit higher.
- Third Trimester Outfits: Prioritize function and comfort. Slip-on shoes, breathable maternity dresses and easy-on easy-off cardigans will be your best friends. Because, hello hormones—your temperature regulation can vary when pregnant. “As for your last, comfort will be key. This will be your time to focus on breathable fabrics and garments with stretch,” says Dania.
“Comfort will be key. This will be your time to focus on breathable fabrics and garments with stretch”
-Dania, Stylist
Postpartum Clothing: Dressing for the New You
Congratulations, you did it! Now, your body (and lifestyle) has changed again, and finding your style post-baby can feel overwhelming. It’s important to really give yourself a lot of grace and time during this period.
This is often referred to as the “Fourth Trimester” and it’s key to acknowledge your body is still undergoing lots of differences. You’ll likely still rely on those pregnancy style staples at this time: your favorite pair of stretchy maternity leggings or jeans and flowy, loose fitting tops.
If you’re nursing or pumping, opt for easy access tops such as halter necks, looser fits, button-downs, off-the-shoulder or wide-neck styles. Plus, having easy layers like cardigans, hoodies or wraps provide easy coverage when nursing in public.
When going back to work, try thinking ahead of what will make you feel good and comfortable. Having a plan or go-to outfit combination helps mitigate any style stress. As always, your Stylist is here to help. One of Stylist Michelle’s favorite postpartum work outfit?: “Wide-leg trousers and a looser blouse like a button-down offer comfort while maintaining a put-together look for meetings or office settings.” She continues by suggesting, “Add a lightweight cardigan to regulate temperature changes, loafers for comfort and a tote bag to carry baby items on the go.”
Whether you’re going back to the office or working on rediscovering your personal style, the key is to prioritize comfort while embracing pieces that make you feel good. And remember, your Stylist is here to help as you transition into this new chapter.
The Takeaway
Pregnancy style doesn’t have to be limiting—it can be an opportunity to redefine your wardrobe in a way that is stylish, comfortable and uniquely you. Whether you’re mixing in trends, building a capsule wardrobe or dressing for each trimester, the key is to wear what makes you feel confident. After a year of your body changing, you could have a new body than when you started. And no matter where you are in your journey, we’re here to make sure you look (and feel) amazing every step of the way!
Get your pregnancy style with Stitch Fix
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