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Style Guide Series

Maternity Collection

Mastering maternity style can be a bit tricky, especially in the final months. Between exhaustion and sickness, to all the changes your body undergoes during the second/third trimester ― there's a lot to consider when buying for nine months of stylish pregnancy. When you aren't feeling much like your normal self, feeling good in your clothing is one way to bring a positive confidence to your day.

I've broken it down into a few different categories, providing my most thoughtful recommendations based on my experience of purchasing for two pregnancies. My process looks similar to my usual wardrobe approach: invest in classic staples that will easily carry you through multiple seasons. Most all of these classics can be mixed and matched for maximum versatility. Ultimately, the goal is to help guide you to more comfortable, easy, stylish days while you're expecting!

Basics You'll Consistently Reach For ―

Notes By Trimester ―

First

While this period of time looks different for everyone, you'll likely want to prioritize comfort. Your body hasn't yet undergone any drastic physical changes that might change your clothing size, but most of the time you just don't feel well. I miraculously wasn't sick with Meriwether, but the second time around I struggled for weeks. When I was home, I found refuge in comfortable sweats (love these vintage soft and cloud light styles), cozy cotton blankets (favorite quilt shop here) and lightweight pajamas (I love these and these). I also reached for comfortable dresses while out and about, and I just sourced a bunch of great styles (scroll to Dresses Of Note below).

Second

I was able to make most of my wardrobe work in the second trimester (thanks to my oversized sweater addiction), but this is when I started to look for maternity jeans. The hair-tie trick should last you a good bit, but ultimately its just way more comfortable to buy a pair or two of jeans you can wear on repeat until the end. I tried expensive brands and less expensive, and found the less expensive option to be much more comfortable all the way through.

Looking back, I wish I'd purchased more of these cheeky straight in different washes! The key is the full panel that goes over your belly. When the jeans cut under, ultimately they'll dig into the underside of your bump, and it's really uncomfortable. The more expensive option was great during the second trimester and some of the third, but as our baby grew larger they became unwearable. Go with the less expensive ones (this is the style I bought) with a full panel and wear them until the end! For sizing, I found they ran a bit large, so I went with a size 27, but am usually a 28.

Third

During the third trimester is when you really need those versatile pieces to be working for you, especially denim and leggings. I've laid out a few of my favorite recent outfits below, all of which I've worn repeatedly in my third trimester. Note: the silhouettes on these pieces are versatile enough to wear all the way through, but have been especially perfect during the hardest part of pregnancy: the third trimester.

Most Worn Styles ―

outfit one

outfit two

outfit three

outfit four

outfit five

Brands To Browse ―

These are the brands and shops I found myself looking to throughout the entirety of my pregnancy. They have silhouettes that work before, during and after, which is most ideal. I aim to be a good steward of my money, plus I want my wardrobe choices to work hard for me. These are worth a browse, as they'll serve you well!

Shopbop - I found wonderful maternity pieces on their site. I recently shopped their dresses and snagged this blue one in a size Small. It fits me great in my third trimester and I know it'll be perfect for postpartum!

GAP - I ended up having such a good experience with the pieces I purchased from GAP. From the cheeky straight jeans to the sweatpants I've lived in, can't recommend enough!

Belly Band - I truly don't know how I went my first pregnancy without one of these bands, especially during the third trimester. It has completely saved me and I can tell a huge difference with aches and pains on days I go without it. Just trust me...get one. I also got these undies that were great paired with the band under dresses, because they covered my stomach and back area.

Hillhouse - If your second and third trimester falls in the Spring/Summer, these dresses will be your best friend. The smocking on the bust will keep you comfortable as you grow and the stretchy waist is key (especially when your rib cage expands). The silhouettes are flattering and you can easily wear a supportive bra with the wide strap. Whats more, you can wear them before and post pregnancy too!

LAKE - I've purchased several of their pajama sets in the past, and love that they offer maternity options, lounge and day dresses too. Loads of options for wear during pregnancy and beyond

Hatch - Their tops and knits proved to be the real winners for me during the Fall/Winter. They offer superior quality and everything is just so soft. They also have a selection of workhorse dresses that are perfect for the warmer seasons! Plus, their styles are designed to be worn before, during and after pregnancy which is great when you're spending more. I plan to wear all of the items I bought (aside from the jeans) post pregnancy.

I have: this cardigan, striped collared sweater, striped tee and regular tees (long-sleeve as well). I went cheap on tees during my first pregnancy and they were pilled and worn out after just a month or two of wear. I realized how much I truly needed some solid basics so this time around, I invested. I'm happy I did! I especially love that I can wear these beyond pregnancy.

Maternity Leggings - I have this style and they're totally fine (I wore them a ton) but I felt they could've been better. Also, this style which was great. Both served the purpose, but I did a lot of digging in this category for this guide and recommend taking a look at these styles (option 1 // option 2 // option 3) They have tons of great reviews!

COS - this store has loads of clean, modern, oversized options. The perfect place to snag styles for an event or workwear for the office. I also bought the perfect lounge set for postpartum. Find dresses, blouses and relaxed fit tees that will keep you comfortable. Definitely worth a browse for chic, effortless styles!

Summersalt - I lived in their loungewear during my second trimester ― love the French Terry and Cashmere blends.

Dresses Of Note ―

Maternity Self Care & Beauty Favorites ―

Full Maternity Collection ―