How To Shop For The Bump (And Beyond)

Can you believe the baby is due next month?! When you first get pregnant, 9 months seems like such a long time (especially if you’re suffering through morning sickness in your first trimester like I did – pregnancy seems like it will last forever), but in reality it flies by. I’m now well into my third trimester, and I’ve made it this far without investing in very many maternity pieces. So often they’re just not chic, and you feel a bit silly buying something you’ll only wear for a month or two, especially when you realize how quickly your pregnancy actually goes by.

I’ve talked about Nine in the Mirror before on the blog, and it’s one of my favorite maternity sites for a few reasons – not only do they have a really fashion-forward selection of clothing (which is honestly so refreshing for maternity wear), but they also curate items that can be worn both during and after pregnancy, so you feel like the investment is totally worth it. I got their advice on how to dress the bump and look for pieces that you’ll wear again in the future – read below for their tips!

5 Tips On How To Shop For The Bump

1. Look for details that turn non-maternity styles into bump-friendly pieces. Dresses and high-waist pencil skirts cut from stretch fabric will enhance growing curves while an elastic waist transforms polished trousers (like the ones I’m wearing here) or A-line skirts into pieces that comfortably fit under a bump.

2. Know that pregnancy is not a limitation to dressing in line with trends. Just look at actress Kerry Washington who pulled off a crop top and full skirt when expecting. Simply consider how to adapt a look for your belly. For example, buy into this season’s suiting trend with a sleek double-breasted blazer – worn open.

3. Don’t be afraid of color and print. An eye-catching design can create a clever optical illusion to conceal a bump (ideal for the first and third trimester).

4. Go oversize, but beware of your proportions – an A-line silhouette is universally flattering and perfect for expectant dressing. But it’s all about balance. Team voluminous tunics and dresses with slim-line trousers or bare legs and the highest heels you can wear.

5. At a time when your body is changing month by-month, jewelery, shoes and bags offer an easy way to tap into trends. Whatever your trimester, statement accessories can take a look from simple to standout, and you don’t have to worry about whether they will fit!

Pregnancy Essentials That Every Woman Needs

Maternity Jeans: These are a style savior for when your regular pairs won’t stretch over the bump (they are also ultra-comfortable). You don’t have to stick to just skinny jeans either – there are now many cute kick flare options that are perfectly on-trend. It’s also important to note that maternity denim comes in two different designs, over-the-bump or under-the-bump. Over-the-bump designs have an elastic panel at the waist that stretches over and covers a bump, while styles that sit under-the-bump have elastic tabs either side of the waistline.

Maternity Lingerie: Supportive underpinnings are extremely important in pregnancy, as your bust is rapidly changing in size. That’s not to say that you can’t wear pretty lingerie when pregnant. Many labels are now offering maternity lingerie that is as stylish as it is comfortable, with feminine details like delicate lace trim. If you are planning on breastfeeding, invest in bras that feature cups that can be unfastened at the straps for nursing, as you can then wear your lingerie into motherhood too.

How To Look For An Item You’ll Wear After Pregnancy

The key to investing in pieces that will endure in your wardrobe long after pregnancy is to stick to pieces that you would wear even if you weren’t pregnant. Don’t change your personal style. Think of it as adapting your style to suit your shape, rather than completely altering what you wear. If you’re anything like me, by the third trimester you’re tired of wearing dresses all the time. Some alternate silhouettes that work during and after pregnancy are low waisted pants (like these leather joggers), and extra long tops that cover the belly (like this super soft turtleneck). I’ve also been repurposing my baggy, low-sitting boyfriend jeans, which button just below the belly. You have to pair low-waisted items with longer tops and sweaters to cover the belly of course. This has been a failsafe combo for me over the last few weeks! Thankfully, most of your outerwear and accessories work whether you’re pregnant or not, so go for fun statement pieces like this printed cardigan, and punchy accessories like these oversized earrings and velvet heels. Just because you’re heavily pregnant doesn’t mean you have to wear nothing but kaftans! All it takes is some creativity. What are you guys doing to stay stylish during pregnancy? Tell me in the comments!

Shop The Look:

What I’m Wearing: Cardigan by Gerard Darel, Turtleneck by American Vintage, Trousers by Joseph, Heels by Jimmy Choo (sold out, similar here), Earrings by Gas Bijoux (earrings here)

xx,