I will be the first to admit: I was that person who said they did not need to invest in maternity clothes. And while, for the most part, I was able to use the majority of what was in my closet throughout my nine months pregnant, there are a few maternity style essentials that ended up being a must-have.
Here I outline my go-to maternity style essentials. Good to know: Only a handful are actually maternity specific styles, as my goal was to find items that would be useful for after as well.
Best for Everyday Wear
- This black maternity long sleeve from the Gap is at the top of my recommended list for a super versatile, easy, every day piece. I tried to get away with existing long sleeve options in my closet but the more I grew, the shorter those existing long sleeves became. Not a cute look! Maternity tops are intentionally cut longer at the front and with side paneling to support growth throughout all trimesters.
- An oversized turtle neck is another great everyday staple that is not maternity specific. They are stylish while being extra comfortable. I went one size up and it was perfect.
- A definite must for keeping any pregnancy stylish is a pair of maternity jeans (the Gap has a great selection) with the elastic band. I said I wouldn’t – but I did and am glad I did!
Best for At-Home & Lounging
- I came across Seraphine during my pregnancy and am extremely impressed with all of their products. This Seraphine Pullover is a great every day, lounge option during pregnancy. It is specifically designed for ease of breastfeeding with the cross-body cut, so really great for postpartum as well.
- The best non-maternity, maternity pants are lululemon’s Align 28″ Pants. These full length, buttery soft leggings are one of the most highly rated and recommended leggings out there for pregnancy. I went one size up (to a lululemon size 6) from my original size and they took me from day one until the very end. They are also a perfect postpartum legging because of their shape retention fabric and the soft, high waisted band that doesn’t put pressure on your stomach.
- Slip-on Sheepskin Slippers I found to be an at-home essential. Warm, comfy – but the slip-on aspect was the most beneficial in this case. You can never go wrong with a good pair of Uggs when looking for comfort & quality.
Best for Winter Weather
- I cannot recommend this Seraphine Eco-Down 3 in 1 Maternity Puffer Jacket enough! A winter jacket was an item I was convinced I could get away without purchasing – but by the 6th month, I was very wrong. It wasn’t cute to have to zip my existing jacket from the bottom up just so I could walk comfortably, nor was it warm! What I love about this jacket is that it has paneling on the sides to support growth, an elastic at the back to add shape and a zip in panel expander at the front for once the baby arrives.
- Similar to the black option listed above, this white Gap long sleeve is a great multi-purpose staple. Again, it is the length of these maternity-specific long sleeves that make the difference.
- lululemon 25″ Align Pants make another appearance as a go-to, except these are the ankle version rather than the full length. I found having both options of length were beneficial based on the weather. I also went a size up in these ones.
- Sorel Out ‘N About Boots were the find I didn’t know I needed. These waterproof, fleece-lined, velcro sneakers kept me walking in the cold until the very last moment of my pregnancy. And who knew velcro would be so convenient…!
Other Maternity Style Essentials
A few other maternity style options I discovered as pregnancy essentials are:
lululemon Ready to Rulu Joggers: one of the warmer lululemon fabrics, the Ready to Rulu Joggers kept me warm and comfortable throughout my entire pregnancy. I recommend going up one size from your normal size, as these are a great option to wear low on your belly.
Dorothy Perkins Maternity Band Joggers: another item I thought I could away without purchasing – maternity band joggers. Wrong! This lightweight option is great for late-stage lounging and recovery. Although I personally find the fabric to be a bit harsher than what I was anticipating, they are a good, reasonable option.
Allbirds Water Repellent Mizzles Sneakers: I found myself walking a lot during all trimesters, which meant I needed some quality shoes, that were at least somewhat weather resistant. I discovered Allbirds long before my pregnancy and have always been a fan of what they stand for as a business. The quality of their products are also top-notch and these water repellent sneakers were a great option when I wanted something a little bit lighter weight.
There are a few key maternity pieces that are worth investing in during pregnancy. I would recommend seeing how you can repurpose what you already own and then invest in those necessary pieces to keep you happily styled and comfortable throughout.
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