A Being pregnant Capsule Wardrobe For The Maternity Minimalist
OK buddies — buckle up. Again after I first began this put up, I had three weeks left on ye olde being pregnant journey, and many to say about getting dressed this time round. As somebody who’s fairly sensible on the subject of investing in my wardrobe (and who’s nearly constructive that is my final time doing this?), I actually made an effort to maintain the variety of maternity-specific items I bought to a minimal…whereas additionally nonetheless sustaining some sense of…togetherness — and private type.
This put up has been up to date for the entire new & anticipating Mamas of 2023.
What’s that imply, particularly? For me, that meant investing solely in maternity-specific basis items that I knew I’d put on every day after which including in just a few different timeless, non-maternity-specific wardrobe staples to high off that cozy base layer. A few of them I already owned; a few of them I picked up throughout this being pregnant with the intention of carrying them nicely past.
tank (xs) | leggings (xs) | sneakers (dimension down 1/2) | jacket (xs) | bag
Sticking to forgiving silhouettes in a impartial coloration palette labored nicely for me, too. Not solely does my private type are inclined to lean moderately impartial within the first place, however something that helps me really feel even a smidge stylish as I try to squeeze into all of the elasticized being pregnant garments is value a re-examination.
(Bonus factors for additionally having a strong capsule of equipment to fall again on. For particulars on the handful I’m carrying probably the most, take a look at The 5 Timeless Footwear & Equipment I’ll Be Sporting Into Spring.)
So, beneath are all my most-worn objects from my newest being pregnant. All the pieces, basically, follows my unfastened maternity wardrobe system: just a few maternity basis items + a handful of versatile, non-maternity wardrobe necessities. The result’s cohesive, easygoing, and cozy. Plus, (properly, for those who ask me) it invests extra in items for being pregnant outfits that you just’ll put on long gone being pregnant.
And I plugged in a great deal of good ol’ OOTD and inspo images, too.
Maternity Basis Items: 1 (comparable) | 2 | 3 (comparable) | 4 (comparable) | 5 | 6
Non-Maternity Wardrobe Staples: 7 (comparable) | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 (comparable) | 17 (comparable)
My Fave Being pregnant Wardrobe Staples: The Basis
This checklist is fairly quick — just some, reasonably priced fundamentals that make up the inspiration of my “maternity” wardrobe. It needs to be famous that I do business from home, so whereas there are some alternatives right here to construct enterprise informal outfits from these items, nothing skews very enterprise formal.
If I used to be having to decorate for a proper workplace atmosphere, I’d take into account including a pair of trousers (I’d been eyeing these Stiletto Pants, really — they’ve nice opinions) and a timeless blouse to this capsule-of-sorts. You may additionally get away with simply carrying an outsized model of a non-maternity shirt, too, however the Hatch Assortment opinions are nice, and I like understanding that the bump would, certainly, be lined with out a peek of stomach.
1 | Maternity Tanks
2 | Maternity Leggings
tank (xs) | jacket (xs) | similar leggings (xs) | similar flats (tts) | bag | sunglasses
This pair of Z by Zella maternity leggings will get the job performed. Offered out, similar here. I purchased my pre-pregnancy dimension (XS) and the match is nice. I’ve these Zella maternity leggings as nicely, and I put on them interchangeably. So at twice the worth, I’d moderately have two pairs of the previous. Additionally, love these Gap full-panel maternity leggings (I sized as much as an S since they’re a little bit extra compressive). Love the pockets and the number of obtainable colours/patterns, too.
In all circumstances, the maternity panel is simply an extension of the identical cloth of the leggings, too, so you possibly can pair these with extra cropped tees and tanks and never really feel such as you’re exposing a portion of the garment that’s not meant to be seen.
leggings (s) | similar crop tank | crew socks
3 | Maternity Overalls
These maternity overalls may not essentially be stylish, and I do know overalls, generally, could be fairly polarizing, however I’ll at all times love their campy playfulness — and so they’re snug as well. Possibly much more so than leggings since there’s zero stress in your center — one thing that was tremendous beneficial to me through the first and second trimesters when my all-day nausea was at its peak. They’re enjoyable to type, too. My actual overalls are offered out, however this is a similar style in a different wash (I’m between a 0-2 and went with the two). Oh, and I simply discovered mine obtainable in a non-maternity version, too! Optimistically including these to the cart as we communicate…
overalls (s) | similar blouse
Giving these overalls a particular shout-out, too, as a result of though they’re technically not maternity overalls, I purchased them one dimension up through the first trimester and so they’re nonetheless one of many comfiest items I’m carrying. (Sizing on these is beneficiant; I’m often between an XS-S and the XS would most likely be my choice pre-pregnancy; understanding I wished these to final the entire time period, I sized as much as an S.)
4 | Maternity Denims
jeans (TTS; 25) | similar coat | sneakers (dimension down half)
I’m a denims woman by and thru, so investing in at the very least one pair of maternity denim made sense for me. My most-worn pair, arms down, are these Ankle Straight Jeans from Abercrombie, of all locations. I purchased my ordinary pre-pregnancy dimension, and so they look and put on like a well-broken-in pair of boyfriend denims: just a bit slouchy, and the distressing feels high-end and real. Actual pockets, too. I’m satisfied these are about as cool as maternity denims are going to get for beneath $90 — and I need to not be alone, as a result of inventory is working low. Right here’s hoping it is a perennial type Abercrombie intends hold round for an extended whereas.
left: jeans (dimension up one; 26) | jacket (past-season ALLSAINTS, attempt Poshmark or eBay)
proper: jeans (dimension up one; 26) | similar cardigan | similar hat
As an in depth runner-up, I even have Abercrombie’s Super Skinny Jean in the black and the Jean Leggings in the Dark Wash (actually extra of a basic medium wash, for those who ask me). Each are tremendous cozy, and arguably simpler to decorate up a bit due to the slim silhouette (the black ones, particularly, are nice with boots and a sweater). Each even have actual waistbands and actual back and front pockets, which I admire. Fairly good on the butt, too. Per opinions, I sized up one in these, and so they’re adequately slim with out the hips or stomach band being too constrictive.
5 | Maternity/Nursing Sweatshirt
similar sweatshirt | leggings (s) | crew socks
This might simply as simply be swapped for ol’ outsized sweatshirt however I picked this one up for the zippered entry that can make breastfeeding a breeze later. Love this hoodie, too, for the straightforward, discreet entry that doesn’t scream I’M A NURSING TOP. Additionally eyeing this set for postpartum.
My Non-Maternity Being pregnant Wardrobe Faves: The Help
This brings us to the garments I’ve worn most this being pregnant which might be NOT maternity-specific in any respect. That is the place I selected to put money into forgiving knits which might be cozy now however could have perpetually spots in my closet: stylish outerwear in a impartial coloration palette that’ll get year-round put on, and equipment (we’ve already talked a few handful of my faves on this put up).
1 | Cropped Tanks & Tees
In the event you’ve bought it, flaunt it. Not usually my MO, however a pregnant stomach could be the exception. I get burned out on each high and tank being tunic size throughout being pregnant, so so long as you’re carrying these full-panel leggings, you would possibly as nicely let the bump peek out from beneath a cute cropped graphic tee or a sporty tank that you just’ll put on long gone being pregnant. I’ve this Zella tank in just a few colours now, and it’s simply cropped sufficient for my liking when pregnant — and when not pregnant. Additionally love carrying my favourite graphic tees (Lucky Brand and Abercrombie are my go-tos), knotted simply above the bump.
2 | Knit & Cashmere Sweaters
I’ve developed a small obsession with high-end knits and cashmere. It’s a hazard of the job as many people right here at The Mother Edit can attest. (Many due to Shana for making us all see the sunshine.) However for good purpose — sweaters are most likely my second most-worn merchandise (solely after the tanks I put on beneath them), so it is smart to spend my {dollars} there and take time to seek out knits and silhouettes that can stand as much as years of damage.
NAADAM Cashmere
cashmere hoodie (s) | leggings (s)
At this level, nearly all of my cashmere is Naadam. When on sale, particularly, I discover it to be the highest quality cashmere for the worth. Sure, their loftiest sweaters strategy $300-$400, however their mid- and lightweight sweaters are my bread and butter. They’re all extremely delicate, and the mid-weight degree, particularly, presents luxe loft with out bulkiness — excellent on their very own or for layering. I’m between an XS-S and at all times put on an S in Naadam, although I’ve been toying recently with the thought of shopping for one thing a few sizes bigger and shrinking it ever so barely for a denser, loftier knit. (Is that this the cashmere hack we’ve all been lacking? Or a widely known hack solely I am lacking?)
cashmere turtleneck (s) | leggings (s)
My most-worn kinds this being pregnant are the Recycled Cashmere Hoodie (light-weight, tremendous delicate, simple to layer — a favourite beneath overalls); and the Cashmere Oversized Turtleneck. It’s by far probably the most luxe sweater I personal, however I’ve worn it dozens of instances already this fall and winter. (It’s not on sale in the meanwhile, however for those who can handle to attend, it’s often included after they have seasonal sitewide reductions.)
EILEEN FISHER Waffle Knits
left: dress (s) | similar sweater | bag | sunglasses
proper: similar sweater | leggings (xs) | boots (tts) | bag | sunglasses
I additionally simply picked up this Eileen Fisher waffle knit sweater, and it’s SO FREAKING LOVELY. It’s sadly offered out, however this one is basically comparable. It immediately makes me really feel stylish, whether or not I’m carrying it with leggings and hikers or a stretchy costume. The funnel neck is beautiful — as basic and complex as a turtleneck, however far much less constricting — and the sustainable cotton/Tencel fabrication makes it super-soft. Once more, an funding piece. And full transparency on this one, I might see the waffle knit being vulnerable to snagging when you’ve got pets that have a tendency to leap on/claw at you. (I hooked it on a rogue beaded earring and was in a position to shortly reverse the snag, nevertheless it’s not one thing I’d need to do repeatedly.) It additionally drapes actually fantastically, so it’s the proper candidate for carrying in its full, tunic-length glory OR half-tucking it to point out off the bump.
(My hack for the cropped look above, by the best way: I put a fitted cropped tank over the Michael Stars dress and tucked the entrance hem of the sweater into it.)
Elodie Cable Knit Sweater
similar sweater | leggings (xs)
As a far extra reasonably priced choice, this Elodie sweater was a brilliant nice shock. (Offered out, similar style option here.) It’s densely knit, plush, and delicate, and it hasn’t pilled with washing. And it’s completely cropped for simply displaying off the bump when paired with maternity leggings or a costume. I’ve been carrying it for the reason that holidays, and it got here with us on trip, too. Positively a chunk that exceeds expectations. Sporting an S.
3 | Versatile Joggers
I’ve managed to proceed carrying all my pre-pregnancy sweats and joggers (principally something with a drawstring waist) over the previous 9 months. Most of my normal leggings match, too, however folding down the waistband tends to place pointless stress on the bladder — as if I want extra of that.
similar sweatshirt | joggers (xs) | vans
In contrast to leggings, the waists on sweats and joggers are usually extra forgiving, and it’s simple sufficient to only allow them to trip a little bit low beneath the bump, topped off with a kind of beautiful maternity tanks I stocked up on. To maintain the entire sweats-as-daytime-clothes factor feeling a bit extra intentional, I stick to both a real athleisure vibe (these classic Adidas striped joggers are simply my most-worn pair, ever) or simply hold it simple with black and impartial hues.
4 | Knit Black Clothes
There are a great deal of black maternity attire on the market, however I’ve discovered that, fairly usually, the proper non-maternity knit costume has sufficient forgiveness to accommodate being pregnant whereas incomes a spot in your closet lengthy past. I’ve worn the heck out of three kinds, particularly.
Sleeveless Wrap Dress
I can’t say sufficient good issues about this Vince sleeveless wrap dress I snagged through the #NSale (yep, I used to be pregnant then. Anybody else really feel like I’ve been knocked up simply wanting perpetually?). (That costume has since offered out, however this one from Lululemon is basically comparable with a enjoyable again cutout.) It’s been my official date evening costume of this being pregnant, although I’ve worn it for informal, daytime-wear a lot, too. The trick is to ditch the little chintzy “belt loops,” and simply wrap the dang factor wherever it hits most flatteringly in your bod. Early on, I wore it wrapped a little bit nearer to my hips; within the third trimester, I wrap it proper above the bump and “shirt” the highest portion a little bit. Adore it with a sweater half-tucked into the belt, as nicely, as a solution to winterize it a bit (additionally makes it extra workplace acceptable). One in all my greatest buys of this previous yr, particularly now that it’s beneath $100.
Abercrombie Mini Sweater Dress
I’ve worn this mini sweater costume (similar here) each alone and as a layering tunic with leggings. It’s snug, on-trend with the half-zip factor and thick sufficient that it labored for wintry outfits. Sporting an XS.
Michael Stars Racerback Midi Dress
Scotti has really been raving about this Michael Stars racerback midi dress for some time, and I agree that it’s one of the crucial versatile attire I personal. The shirring on the back and front is flattering on the center (and permits loads of room for a stomach), and you’ll sorta scrunch it greater or decrease so the hem hits simply the place you want. Sporting an S.
5 | Camel Outerwear
I swear that sticking to a largely impartial coloration scheme — and making two of these colours black + camel, particularly — actually stacked the deck in my favor. For some purpose, black and camel nearly at all times look stylish and collectively, even when it’s only a pairing of leggings and fleece. Listed here are the three butterscotchy coats that helped all my fall and winter separates really feel extra effortlessly intentional.
Camel Wrap Coat
I’ve been eyeing camel coats for the previous couple of seasons now, so it appears uncommon that I’d select so as to add one now, at a time when my sizing is so in flux. However when Abercrombie provided to ship over a few issues earlier this yr (many thanks, buddies), I spied this wrap version, and the celebs aligned. (Once more, this one is offered out… however this one is critically comparable and is available in extra shades.) This has been one of many items I’ve reached for many these previous a number of months — it immediately makes no matter you’re carrying really feel collected and intentional, and paired with a structured bag or a giant fluffy scarf and a crossbody, its sings of fashiony, Pinterest-worthy vibes with verrrrry little effort. Which is my fave, gang. MY FAVE.
The match on this one is deliberately outsized, however not obscenely so. And the worth level is nice for the standard. It’s a wool mix, which reads fairly high-end. I’ve observed a little bit pilling right here and there the place my bag tends to rub repeatedly (nothing a lint shaver can’t clear proper up), nevertheless it’s value noting that I put on this coat so much. Three to 5 instances per week, I’d say. In the event you’re available in the market for a coat that may chicly develop with you — after which keep in rotation nicely past being pregnant — I can’t suggest it sufficient. Trying to put money into one thing a little bit extra luxe? THIS ONE. *drool*
Quilted Bomber
tank (xs) | jacket (xs) | leggings (xs) | similar flats | bag | sunglasses
This quilted bomber is newer to me however is such a straightforward piece to put on. And it’s bought some sudden options I actually admire: a zippered pocket on the sleeve (excellent for securing an ID or bank card); double hand hotter pockets; and aspect zips that will let you simply get out and in of the automobile with out unzipping the coat. (These are additionally kinda unintentionally excellent for accommodating an increasing center.) The bomber collar retains it feeling a little bit sporty whereas the quilting makes it only a tad preppier. It’s only a cool, versatile jacket — and in just a few different fairly colours, too, together with black. Sizing runs a little bit generously; I’m often between an XS-S and I’m carrying an XS right here.
Fuzzy Teddy Fleece
fleece (s) | similar turtleneck | hat
I spoke at size about this Patagonia Classic Retro-X Fleece Jacket on this put up, however the punchline is: it’s a lot extra than simply one other cozy fleece. Apart from the basic styling (I like the retro, contrasting chest pocket), it’s lined with a efficiency, windproof barrier and a moisture-wicking mesh lining, so even on our tremendous brisk, windy days, it’s single-layer heat with out numerous weight. And but, it doesn’t overheat. Which is what I’d hope for from a “fleece” that’s nearly $200, however I can completely verify that is a kind of situations the place you get what you pay for. Plenty of enjoyable colours to select from. Match is TTS if you need it to be nearer minimize; I wished it to not solely match the bump but in addition be barely outsized post-pregnancy, so I’m carrying the S right here.
6 | Stretchdown Puffer
puffer (xs)
I’ve bought to provide a nod to my Mountain Hardwear Stretchdown Puffer as a result of it’s seen me by this complete being pregnant. This has been a favourite puffer for nicely over a yr now (gifted final yr from Mountain Hardwear, a model I’ve lengthy beloved — thanks, workforce!) and it’s so well-designed. (Full disclosure, mine is past-season and has a barely totally different again panel.) A mid-weight puffer is just about important round right here, and I used to be so glad to not need to put money into a brand new one (or a dorky jacket extension panel) to put on mine nicely into my third trimester. I swear the Stretchdown development is to credit score right here. It doesn’t look stretchy, nevertheless it strikes along with your physique with none constriction whereas nonetheless providing the coziness and loft you’d need from a basic puffer. Pregnant or not, I can’t suggest this line sufficient, nevertheless it was a pleasing shock how pleasant it was for maternity put on. (In the event you’re searching for extra size, a buddy of mine has the parka and likewise loves it.) True to dimension; carrying an XS.
7 | A Pair of Supersoft Overalls
overalls (s) | black bodysuit (m) | similar boho blouse
In case you skipped straight to this part and missed the shoutout these acquired above, this particular pair of overalls — whereas not maternity — has suited me by the length of this being pregnant. (At 37 weeks, they’re simply now beginning to push it.) Tremendous-soft with a touch of stretch, these have been supreme for summer season and fall, and I can’t wait to put on them postpartum within the spring, too. (Sizing on these is beneficiant; I’m often between an XS-S and the XS would most likely be my choice pre-pregnancy; understanding I wished these to final the entire time period, I sized as much as a S.)
And that, buddies, is IT. Fairly actually nearly the whole lot I’ve worn throughout this explicit section of life — and I’m so happy that almost all of it is going to reside in my closet (and never the Sterilite bin marked “preggo stuff” within the storage) for , loooong whereas.
When you have fave maternity items (or non-maternity maternity items) you liked, too, be at liberty to share ’em, beneath. I’d like to know what made the minimize!
xo,
Em
Mates! Observe me on Instagram for accessible, simply adaptable recipes; sneak peeks of The Mother Edit content material (and gross sales!); and extra snippets of our life on the Northern California coast. And for those who really feel so inclined, pop over to my private meals + way of life weblog, The Pig & Quill, the place I share salty scribblings from my kitchen and residential life. Byeeeeee!
All skilled imagery by Carolyn Stockman.
This one’s for the Pinners!
