The last thing I wanted to do when I got pregnant was buy a whole bunch of clothes that I would never be able to wear again. And as I thought about getting pregnant, I started paying attention to the clothes that I already had and realized a lot of the dresses and sweaters that I had would probably last me for a long time. So I got to looking into all of my favorites as well as some bestsellers that could fit for at least the first two trimesters and maybe even after.
I was the most comfortable in dresses, as I usually am. And luckily most of the maxi dresses that I had still fit! I am officially in my third trimester now, but I am happy to report that I have not purchased one dress specifically for maternity, but I’m sure that’ll might change in the last months. My hope is that I can get away with a large sweater dress and maybe some maternity leggings this Fall, but the first thing to go for me was my jeans and jean shorts. While I wasn’t “showing” per se, I was definitely bloated and immediately got wider more than anything. I really only started to show around mid June, and early July was when I was starting to narrow down my wardrobe choices, but these dresses were a constant for me for comfort (and the heat).
DRESSES
Now, remember, everybody’s body reacts differently to pregnancy. So while these are all things that I’ve been able to wear the last seven months, I’m not saying they will or should fit everyone. These are just items that I felt were spacious enough to look cute but also give me room to grow. I did end up buying a few pieces from maternity brands like Hatch, Legoe Heritage, and Bodily but was super intentional about what I did purchase. Legoe has great knit pieces that you can build several sets out of and wear throughout your pregnancy spanning different seasons. They also have great dresses that stretch a ton and would be very comfortable to wear postpartum.
And once I started to really pop and my sweatpants started to tug on my tummy, I didn’t go with maternity pants. I ended up buying sweatpants from A&F in men’s large. I knew that I loved them because I had them in women’s and honestly I just wanted to be comfortable and feel a little normal. So far they have accomplished just that and I still have room to grow!
But my saving grace this summer when it was so oppressively hot and humid? Rompers! I found this delightful linen number and not only is it adorable but it is also the most comfortable thing ever, and has tons of room to grow in because it’s already an oversized fit. I got it in black and natural and wore them constantly. I also wore this Tuckernuck Romper a ton once I realized how much room it had, I was even tempted to get it in another color because it was a great comfortable option that still felt elevated and not too oversized or messy.
We had our annual family trip to the lake house and I chose to get a few more Hunza G swimsuits instead of anything maternity so that I could wear them after as well. I bought one of their styles last Summer and it was so comfortable I knew I’d want to get another one anyway, so I went with a black bikini and one piece and both were very comfortable and I felt stretchy enough to probably wear if I was even a bit bigger!
WHAT I PACKED
For our week at the lake.
I’ve found lots of styles that were just generally comfortable and forgiving as I grew in the first two trimesters that I wore a ton before I got pregnant and will hopefully be able to wear afterwards as well. Shop all my first/second trimester outfits here!
Going into my last two months as the temps cool off my focus is going to be anything that I can layer with leggings. I’ve only bought a few pairs of maternity leggings knowing that between workouts and everyday athleisure I’d wear them a ton. I can still layer some of the dresses I link above with sweaters and jean jackets for those nicer outfits, but you really can’t beat a leggings + oversized sweater outfit in the Fall. Even if you’re not pregnant! Below I’ve linked leggings that I got to grow into and hopefully wear through to the end and in the fourth trimester. I really started to need maternity leggings about a month into my second trimester, and these have been a huge hit.
LEGGINGS
I bought to grow into and through the 4th trimester.
I’m likely going to have to make some changes during my last trimester as I grow to the size of a house, but for now, all of the styles above have been amazing. Check out a list below of a few of my favorite things these last seven months of pregnancy!
MORE RECENT LOVES
that I wore throughout my first two trimesters.
Favorite Workout: A Peloton power walk! They have all kinds of classes and they still feel like a good workout
Favorite Pajamas: These SKIMS Sleep Set is not only incredibly soft and comfortable but I’ve had plenty of room to grow! I have worn my original set (bought pre-pregnancy) the entire time.
Favorite Belly Oil: I stuck with Bio Oil which I’ve used before, but I started using these on my thighs and belly week 4 and used it twice a day every day. I really think that’s why I don’t see any stretch marks!
Favorite Leggings: These Zella High Wasted Maternity Leggings are so soft and so stretchy but still supportive. I wore them mostly for workouts but they are great for everyday as well.
Family Photo Outfit: Mango Pleated A Line Dress
Favorite Maternity Undies: I really resisted this for some reason, but once I got the Bodily All-In Panty and realized how soft and comfortable they were? I bought another 3-pack!! I highly recommend
Favorite Slippers: I don’t know if it was swelling or just usage, but my feet started to really feel the pain towards the end of my sixth month. These were my saving grace!
