I feel like it’s an unpopular thing to admit, but to my absolute surprise, I really am enjoying pregnancy, and almost all the things that have come along with it. And I haven’t wanted getting dressed, or I should say the struggling of getting dressed, to take away from that. Dressing a new and growing body is a challenge, so I hope that by sharing some of the styles I’ve been wearing repeatedly, I can make your own pregnancy journey a bit easier.
The goal: to be comfortable, feel as much like myself as possible, and look presentable enough. The things below have been helping me to achieve this. But my first piece of advice, would be to cut yourself some slack. There’s nothing wrong with wearing the same outfit almost daily, (if it works, it works), or playing it safe in leggings and oversized sweaters.
If you’re pregnant and reading this, congrats!! I hope you’re feeling good and not being too hard on yourself.
I want this post to be as helpful as possible (send this to a friend who could benefit!), and serve beyond this week, so I included winter pieces as well. More on maternity friendly dresses to wear this summer, coming soon.
Vintage Levi’s
One of the best things I did for my pregnancy wardrobe, and my sanity, was to purchase loose, low rise denim early on, and size wayy up. If you can, it’s best to go on an in person hunt, but if that’s not an option I would grab a tape measurer and head to Etsy.
I’ll wear them with a belt later or on, or get the waist taken in, but as someone who loves wearing jeans, I found that having comfortable, oversized denim from the start, kept me from feeling stuck or frustrated. I think this will be the case postpartum too.
Aside from vintage levi’s, these are the only other jeans that have worked for me during pregnancy. They have a similar appeal, but without having to put in the work to find them.
Button Downs
Button downs have been a huge staple these last few months, worn both open and closed. My absolute favorite are vintage Ralph Lauren, specifically the Andrew, because they’re extra soft and roomy. I’ll take all the room I can get, so I size way up. This way, they’re not too tight around the butt / hips.
Jenni Kayne / Almina Concept / Deiji Studios / Vintage RL
Perelel Prenatal Vitamins
I started with the conception support pack a few months before I hoped to get pregnant, and have stuck with Perelel since. I can’t say for sure that the anti-nausea blend is to credit for my lack of morning sickness, but I don’t think it hurt. The subscription system makes it one less thing to think about (at a time where it feels like there’s a lot to think about), and the individual packs are super convenient.
You can use Ilana15 for a discount on your first order.
Pants
Donni - My Donni pants from pre pregnancy are still being put to work. I wear the pointelle crop and rib scallop; I have yet to try the linen pant or the pop yet, but I would assume they’re just as great.
Khaite Harmony & Ronnie - These have a ton of stretch and look fancy…a win. I wear these weekly out to dinner with a heel/ boot + a fitted tank/ sweater + an oversized blazer/ trench. A go to outfit formula for nights out. The cropped silhouette would also be great for the office. You can also try The RealReal, new pairs are always popping up.
Ozma All Day Pant - If you’re pregnant this summer, you probably need these. They’re incredibly light weight, not too long, and can be worn high or low waisted, up to you. They’re exactly what I wish the Orseund Iris’s Lazy Lover Pant were (these didn’t work for me at all, they were SO oversized, and the material felt too heavy and stiff).
Hatch Crop Flare - The subtle flare makes them feel like a step up from leggings, but they’re potentially the most comfortable of the list? I found these to run generously, no need to size up.
The Row Gala - I maxed out my size S a few weeks into my 3rd trimester, but they carried me far.
Knit pants - I’m going to risk sounding like a broken record but…these pants saved me this winter, and my pre pregnancy size worked great. Sure we’re heading into summer, but they’re 30% off right now… These are also great, and depending on what month you’re in, would make for a great leaving the hospital outfit. I have the matching crewneck and cardigan and wear them both weekly.
Kate McLeod Mama Stone
I don’t know why I was reluctant to try Kate McLeod’s Mama Stone? Maybe it felt slightly gimmicky to me? Kind of like why would I use a bar when I could just use a typical formula? But I was so wrong. I genuinely LOVE this product. It applies so nicely and soaks right into your skin. The application is genius and the product itself is made from high quality ingredients. I also love the packaging and the way it’s stored - the muslin cloth and the easy to open lid for its little home. I have already repurchased for myself, and will be sending this to any pregnant friends in the future. All of Kate’s products are great, for all the non pregnant people out there too.
The Hatch Belly Oil is also nice and the large scale of the bottle and dropper make the application practical for a large surface. With Mother’s Day around the corner, Hatch is offering 20% off site wide with code MOMSRULE. On nights where I’m feeling lazy I go for the belly oil, and on nights where I’m wanting more of a luxurious, spa like experience, I go for the Mama Stone. Both make great gifts for a newly pregnant friend.
Jumpsuits and Overalls
I cannot stress how much easier one pieces make dressing when pregnant. Low, low effort, comfortable and easy.
If you’re pregnant and you aren’t wearing this every single day, what are you wearing? No, seriously, let me know. They’re supportive, full coverage, no fuss, and I’m not constantly checking to see if my shirt has ridden up or if my skin is exposed. I’ve said it before, but the extreme comfort and ease of this jumpsuit overwhelmingly overrides any annoyance of having to get half dressed to go to the bathroom. So. worth it.
I usually throw a henley or sweater ontop.
T-shirts
If you’re looking for a loose, slouchy fit, this t-shirt works great with a belly. However, I’ve found myself wanting a bit more structure and shape, which is a tall order when you factor in a belly and hips. Everything is short on me to begin with, so I had a tough time finding anything that covered my belly. Until… I cut Leset’s Margo Dress into a longer t-shirt. And I would do it again. The length is perfect now, covers my belly and doesn’t have too much drape.
Bras
In my past life, I typically stuck to bralettes, so I’m not exactly sure of my pre pregnancy bra size. But I do know that I previously wore a size 2 Lululemon sports bra, and 4 months in, had to exchange the size 6 I ordered for a 10 so...ya.
All that to say, I’ve been on a mission to find a comfortable, supportive solution, and finally landed on it. This bra is so incredibly soft, smoothing and lightweight; it truly feels like you’re wearing nothing, but manages to be supportive at the same time. I used to be the girl that immediately removed the cups from any bra the second I had the chance. That is no longer me, but if that’s you, this bra does have removable cups. The sizing feels forgiving - I wear the M and feel like it could still grow with me a bit.
This is the other bra I’ve been reaching for. It’s not full coverage, but it’s so comfortable and perfect to wear at home. I know I’ll be reaching for it postpartum as well. And again, in honor of Mother’s Day, you can use MOMSRULE for 20% off site wide.
Ophelia Sweater
This sweater is ideal for hiding in your first trimester, if that’s what you’re going for. I wore it religiously these past few months, and threw it on over my Beyond Yoga jumpsuit just this week. The barista at La Colombe asked if it was hand knit, to which I responded…it better be. In actuality, I don’t think it is… but love that it looks that way.
A lighter, and slightly more affordable alternative is this oversized crewneck, which I love just as much. Extremely soft and bump friendly. Speaking of, more classic pieces here, and an exciting feature with my friends over at Jenni Kayne here!