With each passing week, I’ve enjoyed watching my baby bump grow. It felt like overnight, at 21 weeks, my belly popped out! I went from, “Is that a baby bump?” to “Look at that baby!” The rubber band holding my pants up trick wasn’t working anymore, and my tees were too tight and too short to cover my whole belly. It was finally time to invest in some maternity clothes. I couldn’t push it back any longer. While browsing the internet, I wanted to make sure that I invested in pieces that would last my entire pregnancy and remain in style for future pregnancies.
14 Essential Maternity Clothes Must-Haves
After doing some major searching—and shopping—I have discovered the 14 essential maternity clothes that every pregnant mama needs in her closet.
1. Comfortable, Casual Dress
You want something in your wardrobe that you can easily pull off the hanger and throw on. We all have those crazy, busy days, and having some comfortable, casual maternity dresses is the perfect thing. This navy striped dress from Pink Blush Maternity has been one of my go-to’s. Slip on some sneakers, a jean jacket if it’s cool outside, and a cute tote bag, and you are ready to go!
2. Dressy Maternity Dresses
Trying to find something to wear when you’re pregnant when you have an event to go to can be a pain. I found this coral chiffon dress from Pink Blush Maternity and love it. I particularly love it because I can easily wear this piece after baby, too! Style your maternity dress with cute sandals or wedges and a statement necklace or statement earrings, and you will receive compliments all night. I certainly have!
I love the flowy dresses like the one previously mentioned, but I also like the tighter maternity dresses that show off that adorable bump. Because I have several events and baby showers to attend this summer, I needed a few nice maternity dresses I could wear. When I saw this lace dress in winter white from Ingrid & Isabel, I had to have it. I’m not going to lie, I’ll probably wear this bad boy with some stellar blue heels to my baby shower. 🙂
3. Maternity Jeans
As I said, the rubber band trick around the front button will only last so long. You need to have one or two good pairs of maternity jeans. These above are from Ingrid & Isabel. I like how they use high-quality denim and have a crossover design that will grow with my bump and keep my back cool. Summer is here, you know!
I also chose these white jeans below from A Pea in the Pod since it is summertime. They are so comfortable and really complete my summer wardrobe.
4. Maternity Shorts
I chose the wrong time of the year to be pregnant. 😉 Just kidding. But as the temperatures rise, I realize I will live in shorts. This is another staple to have in your maternity capsule. I like the brand 7 for Mankind, so I chose these cute and comfy jean shorts from A Pea in the Pod. They have already come in handy in this Texas heat!
But I do love wearing some white pants, so I also chose some white shorts. These are from A Pea in the Pod, too. I know I will wear both of these pairs quite often and through any future pregnancies. They are well-made, so they will last forever!
5. Cute and Casual Tees
I don’t have that many big, flowy tops from my pre-pregnancy wardrobe, so I had to invest in some new maternity tops. I’m all about celebrating and showing off our baby bumps, so I chose these fitted tees and tops. They are so comfortable and cute, I know I will wear them again. (Links are included below the photos to see where I got them.)
6. Good Maternity/ Nursing Bras
You’re about to get an eye full . . . sorry.
Quickly after getting my positive pregnancy test, my girls started growing. My bras weren’t cutting it, so I needed new maternity bras. I chose a few Natori nursing bras to help me out. Some women leak breast milk sooner than others, so I recommend carrying some nursing pads in your bag once you hit 6 months in case you notice any leakage.
Also, if you are already leaking, you might want to start wearing a seamless bra (below) when sleeping. I also love wearing it when I go to the gym.
7. Kimonos and Ponchos
I love me some kimonos and ponchos during pregnancy. It helps cover your hips and your booty and makes you appear leaner. It’s normal for our hips to widen when we are pregnant. Mine sure have. So, having a kimono or a poncho on helps me feel like I have more coverage.
This kimono from SheIn is a great, lightweight piece that is perfect for summer. I can wear this over my maternity bathing suit or pair it with a tank top, cute jeans, or shorts with sandals.
This poncho from Ingrid & Isabel is also one of my favorites since I can wear this outfit during pregnancy and after baby. Anything that can last after pregnancy is a plus. I can even use it as a nursing cover! Just put on some comfortable maternity leggings, a maternity tank, and adorable flats; the look is complete.
8. Belly Band
Rather than purchasing a whole new closet full of maternity clothes for your pregnancy, you should invest in a belly band instead. I have this belly band and love that it allows me to wear my pre-pregnancy pants unbuttoned a little longer, that it has extra length to cover my belly completely, and that I can use this after I have our baby boy. The stay-put silicone strip is the trick to keeping everything in place.
9. Comfortable Shoes
As our weight gains and shifts during our pregnancies, it’s essential to find shoes to wear during pregnancy that provide good support on our feet. But comfort doesn’t always mean that we have to sacrifice style. I have been wearing cute sandals from Tory Burch, these slip-on Converse, and these leopard flats. They have been great throughout my pregnancy.
10. Pretty Heels
Some of you may think I’m crazy for having cute pumps on my list, but a good pair of heels can pretty much complete any outfit. I have been rocking my heels and just added these amazing blue suede Christian Louboutin pumps to my collection. I am having a boy, after all. These are for sure going to be worn at my baby shower!
11. Statement Necklaces
Because I’m so short (5’1.5″—yes, the half-inch counts!), I feel like my bump is getting a lot more attention . . . and real estate. I don’t want everyone’s eye to always go straight to my midsection, so a good statement piece—I think—has helped. As you can see in most of my outfits in this article, I like to pair it with a good necklace. Here are two of my favorites.
This Kendra Scott piece is a fav.
And I also love pretty much all things Loren Hope, like this necklace.
12. Pajamas & Robe
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been rocking an oversized t-shirt and shorts that hug under my belly, but there is something about having pajamas that fit your new body. I feel so good when I sleep in this maternity and nursing chemise from Belabumbum and wake up and put on their matching robe. I also love how they have a matching onesie!
13. Leggings
Leggings are a girl’s best friend. I’m convinced. They perfectly stretch and adjust to your changing shape and can be worn casually around the house or dressed up cute with a fun top and shoes. These seamless capri belly leggings from Ingrid & Isabel have been wonderful. I am so grateful that they will last through my pregnancy and beyond. Every girl needs a pair. Especially maternity leggings in her maternity wardrobe.
14. Workout Clothes
We all know that we should be working out during our pregnancies! It will help us prepare for birth and have a faster recovery. My normal workout pants are not giving me the support I need through my workout, so I have now been wearing these active capri pants from Ingrid & Isabel. I put on my seamless maternity bra and a stretchy Lululemon top with these workout pants and sneakers, and I’m ready to get my booty in gear!
You made it! You made it through my 14 maternity clothes must-haves. These are the staples that I believe every pregnant mama should have. But let me know in the comments if I am missing anything. Was there a piece that you would add to your must-have list? I want to know!
Cheers to style from having your bump to beyond!
