The building blocks of a great pregnancy wardrobe

Pregnancy can be a tricky time for your wardrobe – you have a new shape to accommodate but at the same time you’re only pregnant for a few months so you don’t want to buy lots of new things that you may never wear again.

If both my pregnancies have taught me anything it’s that it’s important to buy a few key basics that will work back with my existing wardrobe. I’ve found that armed with these, things like jackets, coats and vests are able to work throughout the entire pregnancy.

It’s important to remember that a growing bump doesn’t mean you have to drastically overhaul your wardrobe. You can still maintain your pre-pregnancy style but it’s just about getting creative with how to use what you already own.

I’ve honed my maternity shopping list down to a few key items and I guarantee that with these affordable basics you’ll be able to create multiple looks with minimum fuss. After all, you will have enough things to worry about during your pregnancy without throwing a wardrobe meltdown into the mix!

1. Long sleeve shirts

Perfect for layering under a jacket or vest. A jersey crew cut top andlong sleeved top both work perfectly with leggings for an easy fusion of fashion and comfort.

3. Stretchy skirts

The stretch waist is designed to accommodate all stages of pregnancy so prepare for it to become a key feature of most of your pregnancy wardrobe. I am a fan of this grey ribbed skirt which features flattering side ruching and a flat contrasting waistband that sits just below the bump.

4. Singlets

Another great layering piece is the good ol’ singlet which will work for every season. Just make sure you buy them in a stretchy cotton so they can accommodate your growing bump. You can team a singlet with pretty much everything whether it be a pair of shorts in summer or with a leather jacket in winter which makes it the ideal companion during pregnancy.

5. Leather leggings

Black leggings are one of the comfiest things you can wear during your pregnancy but sometimes they may not work too well when you need to look a little more dressed up. My dressy alternative is leather leggings. I have lived in them during my pregnancy as the stretchy waistband is perfect for my growing stomach, plus there’s something decidedly chic about them so no matter how I’m feeling I can at least guarantee that my outfit will looked pulled together. If leather is not your thing a pair of stretchy black pants works equally as well.

6. Dresses

I cannot tell you just how much of my pregnancy wardrobe comprised of dresses. I couldn’t survive without them! The best bit is there are so many styles to suit every taste and budget. I usually went with shift dresses because I found they worked for me and my shape for both pregnancies, but you could opt for stretchy maxi dresses or swing dresses or something that’s cut in an empire line. Either way, I found dresses to be one of my best friends during pregnancy.

7. Jeans

Jeans feature heavily in my regular wardrobe so I couldn’t imagine going through pregnancy without them. Luckily there are now some great options for maternity jeans which still look every bit as stylish as their non-maternity counterparts.

A lot of popular denim brands such as J.Brand and Paige have a great range in various washes and styles that can accomodate any growing bump. If you don’t want to go down the luxe denim route, then check out stores like H&M or Cotton On, which stock some very affordable options.  

8. Accessories

After you sort out the essentials, you can invest in a few key trend pieces that will work as maternity wear but will transition into your post-pregnancy wardrobe. Accessories such as a great pair of sunglasses or a lovely handbag can really elevate your look and keep it of the moment. And the best bit it is it doesn’t matter how your body changes, they will still work.

Photography: Sophia Athas, Adam Nalapraya and Danielle Castano