My Maternity Wardrobe Essentials

There have been so many interesting and unexpected phases of this whole growing a baby process-- especially when it comes to getting dressed!  I wasn't even sure anyone was going to be interested in style posts once there was a bump involved, but so far you don't seem to mind so I will keep them coming as long as you keep reading them!  I have also had quite a few of you email or comment with questions about where I have had the best luck maternity shopping and what my favorite pieces have been, so I thought I would round it all up in one post here!  Here is what I have loved-- as well as what hasn't worked out so well-- in these last twenty two weeks...

ONE // Maternity Jeans. This one is inevitable.  People love to complain about spending big money on jeans you will only wear for six months, but you will wear them almost EVERY DAY for six months!  For me, the investment has been worth it.  There are two types of maternity jeans these days: those with the big stretch panel that pulls up all the way over your belly or the low-rise ones with stretch elastic panels on the sides.  Personally, I find the low-rise ones with the stretch panels to be much more comfortable, but it's totally a matter of preference.  Keep in mind, though, you can see the big over-belly-panel through lighter color shirts.  My favorite maternity jeans have been these J Brands from Belly Dance Maternity and these Verdugo skinnies from Paige.

TWO // Extra Long Tops.  I have a relatively long torso to begin with so this growing baby bump hasn't been easy on shirt hemlines.  I have found even some maternity tees to start inching up on me now that I'm at 22 weeks! (Personally, I have found ASOS to be on the shorter side for tees.)  I recently picked up these two tops (and a couple others!) from Pink Blush Maternity and am totally in love!  They are EXTRA long-- I can even wear a couple of them with leggings-- and super affordable.  Most of their tops are under $30.

THREE // Dressy Tops.  While I wasn't impressed with the fit of their tees, I have loved the dressier pieces from ASOS Maternity.  This coral scalloped top was less than $12, so no need to feel guilty if you only wear a few times!  I love the color and it's super easy to throw on with a pair of skinny jeans and a pump for dinner or an event.

FOUR // Statement Accessories.  Sometimes when you're not feeling you're best, you can't be bothered with fussy pieces or trying to look stylish.  My go to look for those days has been a fitted tee, my favorite jeans, and a great statement necklace to catch everyone's attention.  Super easy and no need to stop wearing this little gem once baby girl is born.

FIVE // I picked up this over-sized white button down at Madewell before I flew to New York earlier this month and love it for days when I want to look more stylish.  My favorite way to wear it is with my Isabella Oliver leggings (see #11), my flat riding boots from Coach, and my quilted leather jacket (see #10).

SIX // Flat Ankle Boots. I recently met Mara from M Loves M at a Land of Nod event last week.  When she told me she worked at the corporate HQ for Seychelles I had to tell her how I am overly obsessed with both pairs of Seychelles boots I have picked up this season.  These flat 'Lucky Penny' boots have become my fall/winter daily staple.

SEVEN // Active Pants. I think everyone's capacity for exercise during pregnancy is totally different.  Before getting pregnant I was up to running 3-5 miles  four times a week.  Running hasn't jived that well with my pregnancy but I have still been hitting the elliptical machine and spin bike at our local gym as well as a prenatal yoga class from time to time.  These Ingrid and Isabel active pants are super comfortable for the bump.  These NIKE pants were my favorite pre-pregnancy and actually work remarkably now even with this growing belly.  Who knew?!

EIGHT // H&M. I have had really good luck with the couple of maternity pieces I picked up from H&M.  This striped sweater is easy to throw on with leggings and boots for a casual day of running errands.  I think I missed my weather window on this bohemian white top, but I'm hoping we'll get some warm, sunny days between now and April and I can channel my inner Kate Hudson.

NINE // Bella Band.  For me there was about a three week window where I couldn't have lived without this little gem!  My old jeans were getting incredibly uncomfortable, yet there wasn't enough of a bump to start sporting maternity jeans yet.  This was a lifesaver and totally worth it even if I did only use it for a few weeks.  I have heard it comes in handy post baby when you're trying to squeeze back into those old jeans.

TEN // Quilted Leather Jacket.  I have found the key to pregnancy is to accentuate anything that hasn't rapidly expanded during this new phase of life.  For me that means keeping things fitted on top.  If a shirt is a little too drapey or billowy, I can throw on a fitted jacket like this leather one and it instantly becomes much more flattering!

ELEVEN // Isabella Oliver.  I have mentioned in an older post that I picked up a couple of pricier items at Isabella Oliver to wear over these next few months.  One of those things was this pair of maternity treggings.  To be totally honest, I'm not even sure what word is being mashed up with leggings here, but regardless, I am OBSESSED with these.  They are SUPER thick and flattering and the interesting seam detail makes them feel much more stylish than your average legging.  Comfortable.  Machine Washable.  (Sidenote of vanity: I wear them to all of my doctors appointments because I figure they weigh less than jeans when I have to get on the scale... just being honest!)

TWELVE // Tight, Stretchy Dresses.  Pre-pregnancy I thought I would be all about the drapey maternity clothes.  However, I feel so much better in things that are stretchy and fitted.  You feel pregnant, not just bigger than usual.  I have worn these Nom dresses from Belly Dance Maternity at least a dozen times each... Probably more!

If you're expecting or planning on getting pregnant in the near future, I hope this helps!  If you have any other suggestions, leave them in the comments!  I still have 18 weeks left to dress this bump!