Maternity style from someone who hated being pregnant
What I wore, and what I'd buy if I did it again (I won't)
It was not so long ago that I was pregnant, and yet I have BARELY a memory of it. I’ve put off doing a maternity style thing for a long time, because honestly, that whole phase has totally disappeared from my mind.
What I do remember, is wanting to feel as much like myself as possible, to have as few people as possible comment on my body or ask me questions, and to be as comfortable as possible. I was not a pregnant girl in heels. With my first kid, I remember trying a little harder. The second time I was so tired, my hair was so awkward, and I just did not fucking care. Which is OK! You don’t have to look any certain way ever. I just remember really wanting everyone to leave me alone.
Also, so many people ask me for non-maternity maternity. And while there are lots of regular clothes you can wear while pregnant, there’s nothing wrong with buying some real maternity clothes. When you’re 34 weeks in, trust me you’re not going to want to do a cute styling hack to make your high school jeans “fit”. You’re going to want something soft and stretchy, and there’s no shame in that. I think this obsession with only wanting to wear non-maternity maternity is fine to the extent that it doesn’t make us feel ashamed if we can’t wear something that’s not constructed for a belly and boobs.
So! I hope you feel a little cuter and spunkier than I did, and here are some things I’d probably buy myself this time. Also, I have zero space to write here, so I’m going to be very brief in my item descriptions.
Button Downs
I wear button downs a lot in my day-to-day life, so I’d want a few that didn’t gap at my belly. I remember also wearing my maternity button downs for a long time after the kids were born and being really happy I had them.
1. I wore a version of this all the time. Also comes in blue! I still wore it for years after I had my kids. Old Navy, $37
2. I never knew how much I needed a black button down until I got one. This is great, and made for a belly. Gap, $50
3. Perfect, neutral stripe shirt, also made for a belly. Gap, $67
4. Not maternity, but this is my favorite men’s shirt. Get it way oversized and in the classic fit and wear it forever. J.Crew, $90
5. A fancier plain white button down, constructed for a pregnant person. Hatch, $178
Pants
Pants are, obviously, the real challenge. I spent basically my entire second pregnancy in these leggings (which are the best maternity leggings! So soft, not itchy, and made from recycled plastic bottles), but sometimes I’d wear other pants. I really didn’t fuck around with denim, too itchy.
1. Good old low-belly sweats! You will 100% need/want/wear these. Gap, $38
2. Great wide-leg trousers that go over the belly, which I found very comfy. Old Navy, $55
3. Stretch flare leggings - easy way to look like you’re wearing “Real Pants” but not have to. Hatch, $128
4. Ditto the above but in French Terry. Hatch, $128
5. I loved Tory track pants. They look elevated, somehow, and mega chic with a big sweater. Tory Burch, $129
6. Cute jeans! Finally! And over the belly. I found the seams on the ones with elastic inserts very uncomfortable. Hatch, $198
7. Cashmere sweatpants - you deserve them! Tory Burch, $498
8. THESE PANTS! FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! I bought my first pair while preg, and STILL wear them, and they’re perfect. I almost always write about these. You will not regret them. The Row, $550
Dresses
In my normal life I do not like to wear tight dresses. Before I got a belly my instinct was caftan or flowy but then when I was actually big I realized that the more something hugged the body the better I felt.
1. Sexy ass dress! Mango, $100
2. Another! Sexy ass dress! This, however, I probably would have worn to the office with riding boots or little sandals. Simon Miller, $235
3. A hot dress! It’s backless, so not easy with no bra, but this one might be easier. This is like a hot, horny pregnant lady dress, which is way better than “cute pregnant lady”. Mara Hoffman, $795
4. Helloooooo sexy. Sir, $420
5. And finally, treat yourself. You deserve Jil. The chicest dress ever, and one you’ll wear for years. Jil Sander, $1,730
Jackets
Both of my kids were born in winter in New York, but I was so hot I barely needed a coat ever. I felt SO GROSS, always overheated. Anyway, still, you can’t wear your cutie pie little tailored coat anymore, and most kind of slim blazers look really silly. Try these.
1. Excellent oversized denim jacket, I’d buy this even if not preg. Hatch, $218
2. A blazer sized to button over your belly, but also the right proportions if you want to wear it open. Hatch, $298
3. Fuzzy teddy bear wrap coat! Wrap coat is essential. Buttons are the enemy. Stand Studio, $398
4. Ditto here but a more minimal, sleek look. AYR, $695
5. Gorgeous oversized gray coat. A classic. Proenza Schouler, $1,396
6. Get ready for the Raey fest! This is not the most obvious thing for pregnancy but is a great styling piece. This is also a good time in your life to indulge in something stupid because it makes you feel good. I’ve wanted this vest for so long, this would be my purchase #1. Raey, $1,270
7. If you like prints! So good with a belly and those navy Gap sweats. Raey, $1,270
8. Black shearling, heaven!!! Raey, $1,975
9. The most perfect wool/satin wrap coat. Keep it forever. Giuliva Heritage, $2,389
Bras and Underwear
Oooooh maybe my favorite category of maternity, because JESUS CHRIST THE COMFORT. The most comfortable bras, the best, most granny of pannies. The second I got pregnant I couldn’t bear to not have a bra on, my boobs HURT. I slept in them from like, week 8 until 1 year post-partum You’re going to want something soft and without too many clips or fasteners.
1. Soft and stretchy! Kindred Bravely, $15
2. The most aesthetically pleasing IMO. 100% cotton, kinda retro. Oddobody, $24
3. Built to go under your belly so they don’t ride down! Knickey, $27
4. Perfect undies, perfect minimal nursing bra that comes in fun colors. This is a great bra forever, not just pre-and post-partum. Storq briefs, $28 ; Storq bra, $48
5. I’ve heard great things about these. Apparently V comfy and good for post c-section. Bodily, $38/three
6. If you enjoy a clip down nursing bra, this is it. I prefer a pull-down, but here you can do both. Hatch, $68
7. This material is SO SOFT. You will live in this nursing bra. Beyond Yoga, $72
8. Nursing and pumping bra in one - dirty secret, sometimes I still wear mine, it’s so comfortable. Hatch, $78
THAT’S IT! I’ll update this semi-regularly with new picks.
Congratulations!
I love you, your friend,
Laurel