Let me just say that being pregnant at the same time of year as I was with Lilly has been a HUGE blessing! Other than buying maybe a handful of new items, I have pretty much been wearing the exact same clothes as last time.
While I am able to rewear most of the pieces I wore during my last pregnancy, there have been some differences between pregnancies in what is and is not comfortable (as well as what does and does not fit!). I’m not really surprised, as no two pregnancies are the same, even for the same woman, but for the MOST part, I haven’t had to purchase very many things.
This time around, I have been wearing a LOT of dresses, especially flow-y cotton dresses that are breathable, and the same goes for tops–the more loose-fitting, the better. One of the great things about loose-fitting dresses and tops is that they don’t necessarily have to be labeled maternity to qualify as bump-friendly! In fact, I think I only have one single dress in my closet that is labeled “maternity”, and the rest are just more loose and cut in such a way to accommodate my growing belly.
With that being said, if you have come here to read about the “5 best Maternity Pieces”, I need to clarify something–most of the clothes I wear and have worn are non-maternity. I have done a pretty good job of maximizing my budget and buying pieces that work both during and after pregnancy, as well as making my regular wardrobe work for me. While I have purchased a handful of items that are actually labelled “maternity”, the majority of my clothes are not, but I make them work for my growing bump. 🙂
So let’s get down to it! What are my must-have summer pieces to get you through your pregnancy? What pieces have I purchased that are maternity? What non-maternity items do I highly recommend for pulling double duty in both your pregnancy and post-pregnancy wardrobes? Check them out, plus what’s on my wishlist below!
Must-Have Maternity Summer Pieces
White Denim
White denim is something I wear a lot throughout the spring and summer months, so naturally it made sense for me to invest in a pair that would last. I’ve mentioned a handful of times about investing in a couple pairs of good quality maternity denim. My J.Crew pair is still holding up really well, as are my white and denim pairs of shorts from their maternity line, but I’m sad that they no longer sell maternity clothes, because I regret not buying a second pair! I have tried a pair from Target, but the shape stretched out after one wear and never really went back.
I have heard great things about Old Navy’s maternity jeans, as well as Articles for Society (still one of my favorite pairs of non-maternity denim!) and the higher end AG jeans.
Non-White Denim
I am still on the market for a good pair of dark maternity denim, and although I already have a couple of pairs from H&M and Jessica Simpson, something about the fits are a little off. My current pair from H&M doesn’t provide much stretch in the hips, which is where my body changes the most (besides my belly), and the jean material isn’t very soft. My pair from Jessica Simpson is too loose, and does this weird saggy/baggy thing right where the band meets the jeans, and I am constantly having to pull them up (even during the 3rd trimester with Lilly!).
What I might do is splurge on a pair by Paige Denim or 7 For All Mankind when the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale hits (BEST sale to purchase denim!).
Also, I’ve heard that LOFT has great maternity denim and leggings, so I just might pull the trigger on this preppy red pair of skinny jeans! Plus, they’re on sale for under $30 so I kinda can’t say no. 😉
Striped T-Shirt
As a preppy gal, there is nothing classier than stripes, and stripes go with everything. One thing I was afraid of losing was my sense of style during my pregnancy, but having a striped shirt in my arsenal was key! This maternity striped short-sleeve t-shirt from H&M (the 3/4 length version is what I currently have) were the best $13 I ever spent. Stretchy, soft, and comfortable, it held up amazingly during my entire pregnancy with Lilly. I probably wore this shirt at least twice a week, from week 12 all the way until delivery, and the only reason why I had to replace it, this year, is because it disappeared from my closet!
Trust me, you will not only feel comfortable but look great while wearing it! And with the price point, you could buy two or three (you know, in case one goes missing), and just meet the cost of a single maternity shirt from places like A Pea in the Pod or Motherhood Maternity. I have worn this maternity t-shirt with shorts, jeans, skirts, underneath a denim jacket, blazer, to work, running errands, hanging around the house, etc. If you want a looser fit, just size up one size from your pre-pregnancy size.
Day-to-Night Maxi Dress
I seriously can’t believe how tan I was, the summer that I was pregnant with Lilly! It was all spray tan, but DANG I had a glow!
A maxi dress that you can pair with sandals for running errands and then switch to heels or wedges (if you’re feeling game) for date-night is a must-have for the summer months! Remember, maximizing the wearability of a piece of clothing is the key to making your dollar stretch further.
If you want to stick with the non-maternity route so you can rewear it after your pregnancy, look for dresses that are loose and can be belted above your bump, or a dress that has an empire waist–meaning, cut right under the bust and then flares out to accommodate your growing bump. My Lilly Pulitzer Sloane Maxi is a great example of a maxi dress with an empire waist (and also the 3rd most-worn item in my maternity arsenal). I have been keeping an eye on other prints in the same style, on eBay, because the dress is that comfortable. If you also go the eBay route, I would suggest sizing up one size from your pre-pregnancy size, as it runs a little small in the rib cage and bust. And because I know Lilly P. lasts through lots of wears and throughout my entire pregnancy, I would not feel bad about splurging on another dress!
I have yet to purchase anything from Pink Blush, but I have heard great things from friends about their quality and price-point–and they also have a great selection of maternity and non-maternity dresses!
Must-Have Non-Maternity Summer Pieces
T-Shirt Dress
T-shirt dresses are a comfy summer staple even when I’m not pregnant, but they are especially great during pregnancy when I am in a pinch and need something I can throw on and go. I have a couple of dresses from Old Navy that I had loved throughout the years, and then I purchased this navy striped dress this past spring, right after finding out we were expecting again. Thankfully, I was able to stay in my pre-pregnancy size throughout my pregnancy with Lilly, but if you want to guarantee that the t-shirt dress will fit until the end, I would suggest sizing up one size.
Loose Dresses
Just like t-shirt dresses, my non-maternity dresses that are loose-fitting are GREAT during those hot and humid summer days–especially on the days when I’m particularly achy and uncomfortable but want something other than shorts and a t-shirt to wear. Don’t get me wrong, I rock the shorts and tee look most of the week, but when Mama wants to look pretty, dresses are my go-to!
Popover Shirts
Button up popovers are perfect for dressing up with the look of a button down, but provides room to grow as the buttons do not go all the way down. Besides dresses, popovers and tunics are pieces I have aplenty in my regular wardrobe, and they save me from having to purchase a lot of new clothes! In the fall, I am still able to layer (yay!) the popovers underneath sweaters and vests, so they are definitely worth having in your wardrobe. This bright pink popover from Lilly Pulitzer has caught my eye!
Tunics
Similar to popovers, tunics are loose-fitting and did a pretty good job of accommodating the bump throughout my pregnancy with Lilly. Which meant that I didn’t have to give up my Lilly Pulitzer pieces, and who would want to do that?! 😀 Elsa tops are perfect for accommodating the bump, which is what I am wearing in the picture above.
On My Wishlist
Adding more dresses to my closet is at the top of my list, as well as tops that are breathable and, of course, bump-friendly. Styles that have an empire waist or babydoll cut work best when working with a growing belly. Below are a few of the things on my wishlist!
Stay Classy!
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