Roucha Sweater Set | Cuyana Cashmere Mock Neck Sweater | Grammar NYC Organic Cotton Poplin Shirt | Theory Long Length Stretch Jersey Tank

For someone in the fashion industry, the idea of maternity clothes conjures up images of oversized, unflattering moo-moos and elastic waist jeans. I couldn’t bring myself to invest in items of clothing that I would only wear for a few months. So what’s a girl to do? Here is my guide to avoid buying maternity clothes during pregnancy. To see some of my favorite looks, visit my Instagram highlight entitled ‘Pregnancy Style’.

SHOP YOUR CLOSET (AND YOUR HUSBAND’S)

You will be surprised how many knit dresses, oversized poplin shirts, long sweaters, boxy blazers and elastic waist skirts and pants you might already own. It’s also a great time to try on those trousers that you bought 2 sizes too big at a sample sale because the deal was just too good, but you never had tailored. They might just fit you now! During my second trimester, I lived in a rib knit skirt from Uniqlo U (no longer available, but similar here) and an oversized white poplin shirt, items I already had in my closet that were flattering and comfortable for my newly developed baby bump. Other go-to items I lived in (and still do) include vegan leather joggers (similar here), drop-crotch, elastic waist pants and long fine-knit cashmere sweaters. I also turned to my husband’s closet for sweaters and t-shirts that were long enough to cover my bump. While I would only wear his sweaters around the house or under an overcoat if going outside, the freedom of movement was so comfortable. You can also raid his closet for button downs if you don’t have any oversized poplin shirts of your own. Simply cuff the sleeves up and be on your way.

SHOPPING FOR TOPS

For me, I don’t like to wear anything tight around my belly, but I still want that extra layer between my sweater or shirt and my body. I had some great long tanks and long-sleeved t-shirts from Theory that worked wonders. The extra length of fabric accommodates the belly, without showing any skin, and the super soft and fine jersey stretches enough but doesn’t feel restricting. If you don’t already own these, it is worth the investment, as I wore mine long before I dreamt of having a baby. If you are looking to add a new sweater to your winter wardrobe, opt for fine-gauge knits with a longer length. The chunky sweaters only add bulk to your belly and don’t flatter your figure as much. You also tend to run a little warmer when pregnant (because of the increased blood volume running through your body), so chunky knits are not ideal for keeping cool. If you go for fine-gauge sweaters, they will slightly form to your belly without being tight. The longer length helps to prevent the bottom of your belly from hanging out. It’s also a great time to embrace matching knit sets – sweater and pant- I’ve been living in this set. So comfortable, easy to look pulled together and a great look to wear through postpartum. If you don’t already own a great over-sized poplin shirt, now is the time to invest. You can wear it open like a jacket over a t-shirt or dress, or buttoned up over a slimmer pant/skirt silhouette. I have gathered some of my favorite knit tees, fine gauge sweaters and oversized poplin shirts above.

Roucha Textured Pant | The Row Elastic Waist Trousers | The Row Joggers | Raquel Allegra Sunday Pants

SHOPPING FOR PANTS

I found my closet was lacking in elastic waist pants, or they were ill equipped for my belly, so I decided to invest in a few new pair. The key to buying elastic waist pants when pregnant is to keep in mind:

LOW-RISE: High-waisted with elastic just will not do. If you try to wear the waistband below your belly, it gives you an unfortunate crotch situation with too much excess fabric. I turned to The Real Real and searched for elastic waist pants by The Row. Knowing that they dress a slightly older customer, who loves an elastic waist, I thought this was a good place to start. The rises on their elastic waist styles were not only lower than the on-trend high-waisted variety, but The Row has also mastered the flat elastic waist: no excess gathers of fabric around the waistline. This also helps ensure a more tailored and put-together look. I found a super soft, stretchy straight legged pair of pants by The Row for just $85, similar here. This was far cheaper than the fashionable “maternity” styles I had been eyeing.

DROP-CROTCH: Another great resource for fashionable elastic waist trousers is Roucha. Almost half of their trousers are made with elastic waists and dropped crotches. The dropped crotch offers a more laid-back casual vibe, but the curved trouser shape or bowlegged pant feel fresh. I was able to get this pair for just around $80. Another pair that will fit seamlessly into my post-baby wardrobe.

POCKETS: One word of advice- most trousers have side seam pockets, which is ideal for function, but not so great for fitting around your baby belly. I simply basted the pockets shut on my new trousers until baby arrives. That way the pockets don’t gap open when worn with your belly, but you can simply open them back up post pregnancy.

&Studio Sustainable Wool Dress | Toteme Black Dress | Loulou Studio Cashmere Dress | Lauren Manoogian Alpaca Dress | Casasola Cotton Dress

SHOPPING FOR DRESSES

Most of the dresses in my closet are of the oversized variety, but I have found that the more fitted styles look better with my growing bump. If things are too oversized, you end up looking much bigger than you actually are. Bias cut dresses and knit dresses are great because they will form to your shape pre or post baby. Stick with lighter gauged sweater knits for sweater dresses and more structured jersey qualities for t-shirt dresses. My favorite t-shirt dresses are from Uniqlo U- they are heavy weight, but slightly structured, so you can see the baby bump without it being too form fitting. I’ve collected some additional favorites above.

Lauren Manoogian Coat | Casasola Double Breasted Blazer | Stella McCartney Asymmetric Blazer | Toteme Signature Coat

SHOPPING FOR LAYERS

Some of my favorite go-to layering pieces during pregnancy were already in my closet. DE SMET Boxy Blazers offer a double breasted closure which provides more room in the front. I rarely button my blazers anyway, but this made the blazer feel less formal and easier to wear. For winter coats, all of my favorite styles were oversized enough I didn’t have to buy new, but if you are looking for a new winter coat this season, opt for wrap and cocoon styles that not only allow room for your baby bump, but also for those chunky sweaters post baby.

As always, make informed choices when adding anything to your wardrobe. Longevity and versatility are key. When possible, I try to share pieces with you that are from some of my favorite sustainable and small brands. Buying second hand is another great sustainable shopping alternative. Aside from a few nursing bras, I have been able to avoid falling into the maternity clothing black hole. Have more pregnancy styling questions? Ask below.