I am currently in the process of writing an entire post including all of my advice and tips for curating a maternity wardrobe with generalized suggestions can be applied to just about any aesthetic (you can now read that post here!). While I’m chipping away at that, I thought I’d also share a bit of a deeper dive on which specific items I chose for my personal maternity wardrobe in my second pregnancy with some additional detail on why I love them in case it’s helpful for anyone else in this stage of life.
I don’t normally utilize proper “capsules” when curating my typical wardrobe because I think that mindset can feel a bit too limiting for a full wardrobe, but the premise is actually perfect for applying to a maternity wardrobe. The way I have put this capsule together for myself is by choosing mostly basics that mimic items that I already own (but now fit my bump) and by staying true to my pre-pregnancy style so I knew I’d definitely get a lot of wear out of those items. I was also intentional about what pieces I chose because there would be so many ways to mix-and-match them, not only with the other pieces in the capsule, but also with all of the existing articles of clothing in my closet which would create an even wider variety of outfit options!
Because I’m a SAHM my wardrobe is pretty casual; that said, I try to choose elevated pieces to feel a bit more “put together” even if all I am doing is driving Sophie to dance class. 🤣 I would consider these pieces to be pretty classic and super versatile either in the fact that they can be styled multiple ways throughout pregnancy OR that they can be worn both with or without a bump (I don’t like to invest in clothing that will only serve me for a short period of time, if I can avoid it).
I’m certain that you’ve noticed this in my previous seasonal “capsule” posts, but I am very much in a neutral color scheme stage-of-life with my wardrobe. I know it may be considered boring for some, but it brings me so much calm (minimizing my daily decision fatigue) and it makes the process even easier to put pieces together so I don’t have to spend any more time or energy planning outfits than necessary. I also want to note that Baby Girl will be making her debut during the summer, so I will be spending my final months of pregnancy in warmer temperatures so you’ll see that reflected in my choices.
TOPS
Button Down Shirt
You can’t go wrong with a classic white button-down shirt. It has become my default when I can’t decide what to wear. This one from HATCH Collection has been a wardrobe mainstay during both of my pregnancies. and I actually prefer this looser cut even when I’m not pregnant so it’s gotten a TON of wear.
Oversized Button-Down
I also decided to grab this more casual shirt in black to give myself another option for variety’s sake. It can also work postpartum as a casual oversized shirt or as a pool coverup! I went with my pre-pregnancy size because I wanted it to be able to cover my bump BUT this shirt is super oversized so if I wasn’t specifically buying it for pregnancy I may have even gone down one size.
Fitted Crewneck T-Shirts
(White & Black)
I personally prefer a fitted t-shirt during pregnancy because I’m often layering them or wearing high waisted shorts / pants so the fitted makes them so much easier to wear. I chose both black and white because they’re the easiest to mix-and-match within my wardrobe.
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BOTTOMS
Légoe Heritage Shorts
I ended up buying a few different pairs: an ultra casual pair for wearing over a swimsuit, a pair made from a slightly more refined material for dressier situations, and another with a different fit + some texture and pattern! I totally could have gotten away with just one pair, but I felt like in the summer I wouldn’t regret having a few options to choose from (and to wear postpartum!).
Leggings
I feel like these kind of go without saying because they’re a staple in my regular wardrobe and if you’re a Millennial it’s probably safe to guess that it’s the same for you. 🤣 I recommend sizing up one size from your pre-pregnancy size, but the Align legging has incredible stretch so I wouldn’t go too much larger than that because they would likely be too loose.
Maternity Skinny Jeans
I think this item may be the only one in my pregnancy capsule that isn’t “rewearable” postpartum only because they’re made to accommodate a big bump with the over-the-belly fabric and that just doesn’t translate once baby arrives. I’m a skinny jeans fan and they’re a staple in my usual wardrobe. I was playing around with slim straight leg styles before I got pregnant and while I like them a lot my comfort zone is a skinny jean so that’s the maternity style that I bought because I know that I’ll actually wear them. Also of note: could have gotten away with a medium / light wash since it will be summertime, but they were all sold out in my size when I placed my order so I chose the classic dark wash.
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DRESSES / JUMPSUITS
Hill House Dress
I adore my Hill House dresses and the fact that I can continue to wear them throughout pregnancy as well as in my postpartum era is just the cherry on top. I’m a huge fan of a smocked chest, especially while my body changes size to accommodate baby. All Hill House dresses are amazing, but Ellie style has a particularly forgiving cut for a bump.
Fitted Ribbed Maxi Dress
Yet another great option for wearing throughout pregnancy as well as into postpartum and beyond. This style is fairly versatile as well, being able to be worn casually with slide sandals and sneakers, but could also be dressed up with an elevated sandal style or some block sandal heels. I adore the cut of this dress as well, the high neck and leg slit elements lean more elegant and the slit creates visual interest instead of completely cutting me off where the hem hits on my legs.
Bumpsuit
I wrote an ode to this article of clothing earlier this year. It’s easily become one of my favorite maternity pieces for both comfort and ease of styling. I have even more details about it and outfit ideas in my blog post, but just know that you won’t regret adding it to your maternity capsule.
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SEASONALLY SPECIFIC
One Piece Swimsuits
I prefer one piece swimsuits in my current stage of life and I feel so fortunate that there are so many cute options nowadays. I think the best route for purchasing a one piece swimsuit for pregnancy is to get one that can stretch with your body as it grows, but will adjust to work for your body postpartum as well. Fully smocked swimsuits are absolutely ideal for this situation.
I have both of the swimsuits pictured above that I purchased during my first pregnancy, but I found that they didn’t fit my body as well as I would have hoped, so I added one more for this pregnancy because I’m actually going swimming quite a bit (especially now that Sophie has swim lessons and we have a pool club membership!). I grabbed this smocked option for my second pregnancy and I personally love it so much better than the other two styles that I have because it’s so comfortable.
You could absolutely just size up in a two-piece swimsuit to accommodate any changes your body may have gone through (or get a smocked set for a range of sizes!). I’m just usually chasing around a toddler and prefer to have more coverage, but two pieces are even easier to wear — free the bump!
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FOOTWEAR
Kizik Vegas Slip-On Sneakers
WHAT A GODSEND. Designed with mobility concerns in mind, these shoes are truly hands-free; you just pop your feet in and out of them with no issue. The heel of the shoe just pops back up after pushing your foot inside and you’re good to go! They’re great for anyone struggling with mobility and for me, that’s pregnancy, and then eventually while healing in postpartum life. I first found out about this brand after having my first baby and I wished so badly that I had had them during my third trimester because trying to reach my feet was such a pain point for me (trying to tie my shoes would often end in frustrated tears) so I can’t tell you the level of excitement that having a pair of them has brought me during this pregnancy. I’m so grateful to have them!
Black Strappy Sandals
I love a sandal that can be worn both casually or a bit dressier and I think a thin strappy sandal is perfect for accomplishing this. I have a pair of St. Agni leather sandals and while the design is a bit on the sporty side, the slim profile and black leather give them the ability to elevate an outfit as well. I also really like the look of this pair of Olukai Tiare Strappy Sandals because they seem to be able to work both casually and for slightly fancier occasions.
Rothy’s Washable Slide Sandals
These look like they’ll be easy to slip on and off of swollen pregnancy feet [☹️], are ultra casual, but the lines are still chic so you don’t feel frumpy wearing them. The best part is that the fabric straps are made out of Rothy’s signature washable material so they’re super simple to clean.
Pregnancy is such a short season of life (even if it can feel like forever sometimes 😅), but there’s no reason why you should have to sacrifice your style or comfort along the journey!
Sending big hugs —
xx, Natalie
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