Nobody (or nobody who isn't a millionaire or who at least acts like one) wants to spend a ton on maternity clothes — they're just not going to be that useful for that long, right? And the truth is, there's no need to spend a ton on a whole maternity wardrobe. The trick isn't to buy a bunch of cool pieces that absolutely reflect an individual's personal style. (Those are staples that are worth rebuying after pregnancy, for sure.) Instead, the goal is more to choose just a few of the right pieces — items that mix-and-match well, and that can be dressed up or down, that can go to the office or off to brunch — and those will be all anyone needs for the duration of theipregnancy. We're big into focusing on comfortable clothes in simple styles that can be zhuzzhed up with a scarf, jewelry, a denim jacket or cool blazer, or accessories.
Although we've selected garments that can easily dress up or down to suit basically any occasion from a fancy dinner to a stroll to the farmer's market, they're probably not going to get anyone through a formal event on their own. For that, check out these maternity looks for attending a spring wedding. And for those with a bigger budget (or who just want to gawk and sigh over her amazing style), we absolutely recommend checking out Kate Middleton's maternity looks. Seriously, has anyone ever made pregnancy look more incredibly elegant, except for perhaps her equally gorgeous sister-in-law, who is just rocking it? And for moms-to-be who are looking for some items a little edgier or more punkish, check out these edgy celebrity maternity style ideas. These can also be mixed and matched into the excellent staples selected below.
Maternity Classic White Popover Shirt
We love a button-down — they're great for just hanging out, but they're also good in an office setting. They look so crisp and cool with jeans, but look totally professional with slacks. They can be worn in every setting imaginable. This is just a smart staple!
Maternity Classic White Popover Shirt ($30, Old Navy)
Maternity Bump Band Pack
Literally nothing makes it like a maternity bump band. They provide gentle support while also making sure nobody's showing off any plumber's cracks, even if they're wearing tops that are a bit small for them at the moment. Yes, please.
Maternity bump band pack ($29 for three, ASOS)
Maternity Wrap Dress
The classic wrap dress, innovated by Diane von Furstenberg, is one of those garments that is simply universally flattering — but it's known especially for being excellent for women with curves, including baby bumps.
Maternity Wrap Dress ($24, ASOS)
Maternity Plus Size Smocked Maxi Dress
We love a maxi dress, and believe that the "short women shouldn't wear them" axiom is a total lie. Short women should wear whatever they want, including a loose maxi that easily dresses up or down and is flowy and loose, which this is.
Maternity Plus Size Smocked Maxi Dress ($29, Target)
Maternity Full-Panel Wide Leg Career Pants
A pair of full-panel career pants is a smart investment for anyone who's pregnant who has to go into an office setting. These are neutral enough to pair with a ton of different-colored tops, look super professional, and are comfy. Yes, please.
Maternity Full-Panel Wide Leg Career Pants ($18, Walmart)
Maternity Twist Front Top
This top is so charming, it can be worn in basically any setting. Pair it with a maxi skirt and nice jewelry for an evening out, or with jean shorts and sandals for a neighborhood barbecue.
Maternity Twist Front Top ($21, ASOS)
Camel Solid Overlay Maternity Sports Bra
A good maternity sports bra can be the difference between working out while pregnant and absolutely not even thinking about working out while pregnant. That said, this one is comfy enough to be useful for those of us who think "cardio" means "getting up to grab a carton of ice cream from the freezer." (Yeah, we're guilty sometimes, too.)
Camel Solid Overlay Maternity Sports Bra ($22, Pink Blush)
Maternity Pull-On Jegging
A pair of maternity jeans is an absolute must, and we totally recommend these super-stretchy maternity jeggings. The dark denim means they can more easily dress up with a cute top and heels or down with a tee and slip-ons.
ASOS DESIGN Maternity Pull-On Jegging ($29, ASOS)
Maternity Side-Slit Maxi Tank Dress
This maxi tank dress is perfect for transitioning from day to evening, from casual to more formal settings — the kind of dress that absolutely makes it while pregnant. Throw a pretty scarf on it for a nice dinner or a straw hat for going to the farmer's market.
Maternity Side-Slit Maxi Tank Dress ($16.50 on sale, normally $32.99, Old Navy)
Ruched Maternity Sleep Shorts
We need our pajamas, right? Nobody wants to feel like they can't fit into the one thing that's designed to be nothing more than comfy-cozy. These maternity sleep shorts are the ticket to relaxing around the house.
Ruched Maternity Sleep Shorts ($28, A Pea in the Pod)
Maternity Fitted First-Layer Rib-Knit Tank
Finding a few layers that really work together is the way forward for mommas looking to not overspend. We are hugely into having a few tank tops around that can work easily under our regular wardrobe items to provide both coverage and comfort.
Maternity Fitted First-Layer Rib-Knit Tank ($6.50 on sale, normally $12.99, Old Navy)
Women's Maternity Calf-Length Skirt
This is another one of those pieces that can go absolutely anywhere when dressed the right way. Pair it with a fancy top and some pearls for a night out, or throw on a pair of ballet flats and head to the grocery store.
Women's Maternity Calf-Length Skirt ($29 on sale, normally $35, WalMart)
Plus Size Twist Front Maternity Shirt
We love the little detail on this twist-front shirt, which makes it go from being a plain, comfy tee to a top that can easily go with either jeans or a cute skirt. Pair with simple jewelry and a light sweater or blazer for a professional look.
Plus Size Twist Front Maternity Shirt ($27, Destination Maternity)
Plus Size Nursing Camisole
Investing in a few nursing pieces that also play well during maternity is such a smart, forward-thinking move. This camisole works in every context, including pairing it with a shawl.
Plus Size Nursing Camisole ($29.98, Macy's)
Maternity Shirred V-Neck T-Shirt
A classic, white, v-neck tee is like a canvas for any outfit. Pair with a blazer, statement earrings, a a pair of dark jeans, and heels for a look that can be worn to the office (and to dinner after), or dress down for a Saturday in the park.
Maternity Shirred V-Neck T-Shirt ($13, Target)
Maternity Mini Slubby Cami Swing Dress
A splash of bold color keeps us happy, right? Make sure it's on something comfy that can easily dress up or down, such as this cute swing dress, which is as perfect for a dinner out as it is a day at the beach, depending on how it's styled.
Maternity Mini Slubby Cami Swing Dress ($24, ASOS)
Maternity Animal Print Legging
We may not think of an animal print legging as a must-have basic, but the truth is, leopard print is a neutral. It combines black, brown, and tawny, which means it goes with literally any accessories or handbags, and we love a pant we don't have to think about.
Maternity Animal Print Legging ($26, ASOS)
Maternity Zip Through Hoodie
A cozy hoodie is a must-have item in all seasons, all climates, and all stages of pregnancy. This one is perfect for hanging around the house, but can look street style cool when paired with the right kicks.
Maternity Zip Through Hoodie ($29, ASOS)
Plus Size Fold Over Belly Maternity Skirt
We love a super comfy, stretchy maternity skirt that can take us from one trimester to the next and from day to night, and this is absolutely that skirt. It's a total wardrobe staple that can dress up or down with ease.
Plus Size Fold Over Belly Maternity Skirt ($29.98, Destination Maternity)
Maternity Nursing Crossover Bardot Top
OK, this shirt is basically perfect. It's comfortable and stylish for pregnancy, and it's comfortable and stylish as a nursing top. It's also impossibly elegant and classic and vaguely Grecian, and it would look just as good paired with jeans as it would a skirt. Absolute winner.
Maternity Nursing Crossover Bardot Top ($29, ASOS)
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