Outfits for pregnancy: your guide to smart and affordable maternity wear
Staying stylish and comfortable throughout your pregnancy is easy with the right maternity wear. Most mums-to-be are very proud of their baby bump and want to show it off. Therefore, pregnancy fashion should be comfortable and stylish. It should also suit your personal style. We have gathered some tips on what to look out for when buying maternity wear and how to dress affordably during pregnancy.
At the beginning of your pregnancy you may want to keep your little bump a secret, for example, if you don’t want to tell your colleagues about your pregnancy just yet.
When should you start wearing maternity clothes?
The transition from normal everyday clothes to maternity wear is usually seamless. At the beginning everything will still fit, but at some point your waistband might start feeling a little bit tight and as your baby bump grows your T-shirts seem to get shorter.
The right time to get maternity clothes depends on your body type, your usual style and of course the individual changes your body goes through during pregnancy. Consider that not only your baby bump will grow during this time. Your hips get wider and your bust becomes fuller too. During the course of your pregnancy, your entire silhouette changes.
Affordable maternity clothes: tips for saving money when buying pregnancy outfits
You could purchase an entire new wardrobe during pregnancy but in most cases this isn't necessary. Most women want to save money on maternity clothes because they will only wear them for a few months. With a few clever tips you can get the most out of your maternity wardrobe.
Please note: You can buy maternity wear in your usual size. Quality maternity clothes will take your new proportions into account.
Outfits for pregnancy: how to combine maternity clothes
You will only need a few essentials in order to be well prepared for pregnancy. When you buy items of clothing, make sure that they can easily be paired with one another. Items in neutral tones without any bold patterns are a good choice.
Adding a few accessories such as scarves, shawls or necklaces, is a quick way to style your pregnancy outfit for any occasion. This is also a great way to give your outfit a personal touch. Muted colours and understated jewellery are stylish eyecatchers for everyday working life. From time to time, you might want to try a more colourful and eye-catching ensemble. With a few statement pieces such as a chunky neck chain, sparkling earrings or a colourful scarf, you can turn any maternity outfit into an eye-catcher.
You can combine maternity wear with your usual clothes as long as they still fit you. A cute jersey blazer is a great choice to style up a plain T-shirt and create an elegant outfit that also has a good fit.
Maternity wear that grows with you
Maternity clothing should adapt to the changing needs of your body during pregnancy. Make sure that the clothing you buy will grow along with your body so that you can wear it for longer. Tops often have a drawstring under the bust. This allows you to adjust your top so that it fits the shape of your baby bump and flatters your silhouette at the same time.
Sort through your wardrobe regularly during your pregnancy and store clothes that no longer fit somewhere else. This way, you only have items in your wardrobe that fit you. This ensures that they are ready when you need them and will help you avoid wasting time and feeling frustrated when getting dressed.
Maternity wear after your baby has arrived
When you purchase maternity wear, you should consider what you might still need after your baby has arrived. For example, instead of buying a maternity bra, you could get yourself a nursing bra. It will provide you with the same comfort and support that you need during pregnancy and you can simply continue wearing it after giving birth.
A lot of maternity tops and maternity jumpers can be worn whilst nursing. Not only is their fit perfect for pregnancy but they often have a hidden nursing function which makes it possible to nurse your baby without having to lift up or take off your top.
What size nursing bra should you choose? What are the characteristics of a good pregnancy bra? Check out our guide on how to find the perfect maternity and nursing bra for answers to these questions and more.
When you buy a maternity jacket, make sure it comes with a baby pouch. This is an extension that zips onto your maternity jacket. It allows you to carry your baby close to you while your jacket protects both of you from the elements. In this way, you can continue to use your maternity jacket after your baby is born.
Cardigans are another great option that you can continue wearing after your baby is born. You can wear them open over a T-shirt and trousers or over a dress. They go with many outfits both during and after pregnancy and keep you cosy and warm.
If you shop for maternity clothes and keep in mind what you might need after your baby is born, you will be able to wear your maternity clothes for twice as long and save a lot of money.
Pregnancy outfits with comfortable and practical maternity trousers
When choosing a pair of maternity trousers, comfort should be your top priority. Buttons that pinch or a waistband that is too tight are always uncomfortable, but especially if you are pregnant, you shouldn’t wear clothes that are too tight. This does not mean that you have to give up your usual style. At the beginning of your pregnancy, you can use either a button extender or a simple hair tie to make your trousers a little wider. At a later stage, when your baby bump is bigger it is worth investing in a good pair of maternity trousers. There is a wide range of styles to choose from, all of which have a comfortable fit.
If jeans are part of your everyday look, then you can stay true to your style during pregnancy. This is because maternity jeans are available with side stretch panels that end just below your stomach or with a soft, elasticated belly band. Which type you prefer is a matter of taste. Both types offer enough space for your baby bump.
How do maternity trousers with an adjustable waistband work? When you put them on or if you want to adjust the waistband, you can tighten the elasticated band on the inside of the waistband and adjust the fit at the waist. Then simply attach the elasticated band to the buttons on the waistband for a good fit.
Maternity trousers and jeans are available in a variety of styles: bootcut, culottes, boyfriend jeans or slim fit. Thanks to their clever design, you can also wear figure-hugging skinny jeans during pregnancy without them feeling too tight.
Maternity trousers made of lightweight fabrics are a great choice for summer. They don’t feel too tight and are light and airy so that you can still relax and keep cool on a hot summer’s day. Additionally, you can also wear them comfortably at home as loungewear because even your favourite pair of joggers won’t be quite as loose fitting during your second trimester.
Fashionable all-rounders for every pregnancy outfit: maternity T-shirts and tops
Your normal T-shirts will most probably fit you a bit longer than your trousers. Therefore, you can still wear them with your maternity trousers and skirts. However, from the second trimester onwards, your normal T-shirts and tops may start riding up over your baby bump. A belly band can give you some temporary relief but at some point you should opt for more comfortable maternity wear.
Maternity tops are longer and often go all the way down to your bum, so that they still cover your baby bump even during the last stage of pregnancy. The ideal maternity top is made of an elasticated, breathable fabric so that it gently hugs your figure and is comfortable to wear. That is why it’s a good idea to have at least 3 comfortable maternity tops made from natural, soft fabrics such as cotton or linen.
You can look good on every occasion with a clever cut and pretty designs. Carefully placed darts, frills and gathers not only ensure that maternity shirts and dresses fit perfectly, but they also flatter your figure. Faux wrap tops, cardigans and dresses are also particularly flattering and true all-rounders which adapt perfectly to your changing silhouette.
From smart to casual outfits for pregnancy: maternity dresses for every occasion
Whether you were a dress person before your pregnancy or not, a good maternity dress is the most important item of clothing for many pregnant women, especially in summer. Loose and flattering cuts make maternity dresses a fashionable everyday must-have. You can style your dress however you prefer –casual and sporty or stylish and classy, both are great options.
The advantages of stretchy fabrics are clear. Your dress can grow along with you, without a waistband that will get too tight or dig into your skin. A maternity dress gives you plenty of freedom of movement whilst still showing off your baby bump in a feminine way.
A well-chosen maternity dress is also very versatile. For example, you can use a plain jersey dress as everyday wear throughout the summer and with a few pretty accessories, you can style it into a business outfit or party dress. If the weather cools down, you can still wear your dress with maternity leggings and a cardigan. For extra warmth during the colder months, you can combine your dresses with a short jumper to create a stylish pregnancy outfit for winter.
Maternity wear for formal occasions: how to style elegant pregnancy outfits with a baby bump
If you have been invited to a wedding, a milestone birthday or a formal occasion during your pregnancy, choosing a dress can be a challenge. You could buy a beautiful, chic maternity dress and make your baby bump stand out. However, if you don't want to spend a lot of money on these rare occasions, you can simply jazz up a plain maternity dress with a few accessories.
Elegant make-up and an updo can also make a simple dress look very elegant. Add even more glamour with a bold statement necklace, a pretty hair clip or a chic handbag. If you still feel comfortable and confident in high heels, your most eye-catching heels can round off your outfit. Otherwise, you can also pair your maternity dress with cosy ballerinas or flat sandals.
You don't necessarily have to wear a dress to a formal occasion. A combination of smart trousers or a beautiful skirt with an elegant top is always a good choice. A stylish pleated skirt is particularly elegant and versatile and always looks great with a blouse, jumper or a cool T-shirt. With the right accessories and statement pieces, you can transform business fashion into varied and stylish outfits for parties and celebrations in no time at all.
Conclusion: style your maternity wear for every occasion
Pregnancy is a wonderful and exciting time in which your life and your body change in fascinating ways. Even if you no longer fit into your usual clothes, you can still look stylish in a wide range of maternity outfits. So enjoy this special time without a care in the world and show off your baby bump wherever you go.
