By my third pregnancy, you would think I’d have a pretty killer maternity wardrobe — but it’s just not the case! My body has changed a lot (thank you, CrossFit!), and the clothes that used to fit now swim on me. Truthfully, I kind of hate maternity clothes — those belly bands are so itchy, and things never seem to fit right, so I always feel a little bit sloppy.

For this pregnancy, I finally gave up on maternity clothes for the most part and decided to focus on a few new basics, supplementing from the rest of my wardrobe. With a little bit of planning, you can do the same!

Non-Maternity Fashion for the Pregnant Belly - Boston Moms Blog (1)

Maternity Musts

Just like your everyday wardrobe, there are a few “musts” for a pregnancy wardrobe. Make the investment in these pieces (or borrow from a friend), and you’ll be in pretty good shape!

A good pair of jeans

I have yet to find the perfect maternity jeans, but I have an OK pair that is always good in a pinch. Maternity jeans come at all different price points, just like regular jeans. It’s worth checking to see if your favorite brand makes maternity jeans.

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A dress or a nice pair of pants

Assess your needs — do you go to a place of worship or fancy events a lot that will require you to dress up? Know your needs, but don’t drive yourself nuts trying to fill your closet.

A few maternity tops

I’ve stuck with mostly solid color maternity tops that I can mix and match with any bottoms.

Maternity camisoles

Tanks and camis are perfect for layering and covering that beautiful belly.

Raid Your Closet

Cardigans

I can’t get enough of my cardigans! Wrap style with a little bit of length will get you far, and the shape and integrity of the sweater won’t be compromised by your growing bump! A nice soft cashmere/cashmere blend cardigan is a great investment, it’s easy to layer, it looks great with a belt, and it’ll last you through more pregnancies.

Stretchy jeans/pants

Working out has made my derriere and thighs a lot stronger — and also bigger. Instead of constantly buying new jeans, some great pants with stretch have been a lifesaver as my body has become more muscular. Stretchy pants or jeans are also great for pregnancy, as they have give with your growing thighs and hips. The rubber band trick helps keep them up once you can’t button them up. My favorite brands are Liverpool (at Nordstrom) and Ann Taylor.

Leggings

Yeah, yeah, yeah… leggings aren’t pants. However, they are awesome, especially if you cover your tush. I wear mine year round, pregnant or not, and have found investing in a few quality pairs (I’m partial to Lululemon Wunder Unders) means they’ll last forever and will get me through pregnancy, recovery, and getting that body back!

Stretchy dresses

Yup, more dresses. I’ve become a big fan of dresses — they are so easy! Maxi dresses and dresses with some stretch can take you right through the end of your pregnancy. Throw a jacket on top of a sleeveless or short sleeve dress to stay warm, or add leggings under a dress when the bump makes it a little shorter than normal, and you’re good to go! Sweater dresses and tunics are also great options. As long as you properly care for them, the fabrics should bounce back to their original shape.

Maternity Clothes - Boston Moms Blog
A stretchy dress, military jacket, and comfy sneakers had me walking all day!

Accessories

As the kind of mom who buys the same shirt in multiple colors (let’s be honest, my wardrobe is “Garanimals for grownups”), it’s easy to get into a rut. Fun and bright accessories take the most boring outfit up a notch. Throw on a statement necklace, a beautiful scarf, or even a fun hat. Just because you’re in yoga pants and a black top doesn’t mean you can’t jazz things up a bit and take your look to the next level!

Blanket scarves and shawls

These are so in right now — and they’re completely versatile. If you don’t already have one in your closet (and you should!), you can find one in basically every store, in every price point.

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Footwear

Keep it simple. There’s no need for heels on a daily basis, but no reason to wear frumpy shoes just because they’re comfortable! A great pair of leather boots, with a slighter wider shaft, will keep your feet comfortable and give you a little room for swelling. I’m in love with Frye boots and have managed to find some great deals online. The Paige Riding boot is great dressed up or down, it’s beyond comfortable, and it’ll last forever (Frye makes a good boot). If you want a little bit of height, a wedge bootie will keep your feet steady and still look cute. You can also rock the Chuck Taylors — my favorites!

Frye Paige Riding Boot
Frye Paige Riding Boot

Morgan Sheena
Morgan came to Boston via New Jersey for college and law school and never left. She married her college sweetheart, Solomon, in October 2007. After years of trying to find themselves, they added three beautiful and energetic children, Aaron (October 2010), Olivia (June 2013), and Jesse (May 2016) to the family. They also have brother and sister miniature schnauzers, Rufio and Gracie. They live in Brookline and love city living.  Morgan is also a travel planner at Whitney World Travel and loves helping her clients find the perfect vacation for them. Loves: Exploring Boston, traveling, trying new restaurants, all things Disney, dive bars, blanco tequila, cooking elaborate meals, black coffee, dry red wine, working out, watching mindless movies (and quoting them) and getting lost in a good book. Can't Stand: when people snap their gum, cigarettes, loud chewing noises, cleaning floors and snakes.