Having mixed feelings about clothing when you are pregnant is totally normal. On one hand, it's not ideal to spend a ton of cash on clothes – considering you are not going to be pregnant forever – but on the other hand, you’re wearing the same clothes over and over again so it would be kinda nice if you liked them. There’s no right or wrong way to dress a bump but there are a few ways to make it easier and build a killer maternity wardrobe.

Many sites will tell you to go neutral and while this is sage advice, I think the key is to stay true to who you are. If you like black, white and grey – great. If you love pastels – wonderful. If you love colour and patterns go for gold!  If you’re trying to stay within a budget, it’s easier to go with what you are used to, rather than try to switch to a whole new style. 

You probably already own some great stuff that can easily make it through your pregnancy. Cardigans, loose t-shirts, maxi-dresses and sweaters will often skate through three trimesters. Pull these items out and either pack the non-fitting stuff away or put it in a separate spot. Anything you’ve outgrown will just clutter up your closet and/or be depressing – you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

This totally needs its own little section. Wearing yoga pants throughout your entire pregnancy and after is wonderful. Comfort is paramount during and after pregnancy and nine times out of ten, yoga pants fit the bill. Basics also fit into this category: tank tops, t-shirts, leggings, etc. are fairly inexpensive and go a long way to making you feel like you’re changing your outfit day after day. Even if it’s just wearing the yellow tank instead of the blue, it matters dammit! 

Bonus points if your purchases can take you beyond pregnancy! The loose cardigan or kimono is a great accessory when you’re breastfeeding- something I totally did not think about with my first child. Those beautiful dresses I wore through pregnancy got replaced with overalls and other handy items like shirts with a million buttons- if you end up breastfeeding boob access is paramount!

MATERIALS

In this we should touch on fabrics- fabrics can make all the difference to feeling super comfy or hot, itchy and sweaty - which is totally not ideal when you are already uncomfortable. It’s also what can make up the cost of an item. Here is a quick low down on some of the most popular fabrics used in maternity clothing- again it’s totally up to you and what you feel the best in.  

Cotton

Soft and breathes well, absorbs sweatiness and is biodegradable after use. Probably the most popular fabric, often has added elastane for stretchiness.  

Rayon

Fairly eco friendly, biodegradable, and moisture absorbent (wahoo) but the chemicals used in manufacturing are highly toxic. Can feel like cotton, or smoother and more like silk depending on which process has been used to create it. 

Bamboo

Super duper soft and breathable- very nice to wear against the skin. Again, not that awesome for the environment due to the amount of chemicals used to take something woody and turn it into pulp for fabric. 

Viscose

Lightweight, comfortable and basically a semi-synthetic silk. Viscose is really popular for maternity wear. 

Modal

Soooooo silky smooth, breathable and comfy- great for undies. Eco friendly-ish, biodegradable and generally cheaper than cotton! 

Polyester

Stronger, lightweight and soft, however this will make you sweat and it’s not great for the environment because it's plastic. 

Acrylic

it has a soft wooly feel, its colourfast and easy to clean but it’s itchy for some, and can be a bit sweaty if it isn't blended with wool or cotton.  

SPLURGE  ON FREQUENTLY WORN ITEMS

If you have some cash to splurge, I would put it towards a great pair of jeans (or tailored pants) over that gorgeous dress that you’ll only wear once to your cousin’s wedding. Pregnancy doesn’t seem long to the outside world, but putting on a crappy pair of ill-fitting jeans that are falling apart day-after-day for months can really get to ya after a while. 

UTILISE PRELOVED

Second hand everything forever! Take pregnant friends and relatives up on their maternity clothing offers. Shop consignment stores, Facebook Marketplace, eBay and op-shops. Things like jackets, blazers, and special occasion dresses are pricey and worn less frequently so you can find some second-hand gems. Stella has a Baby has a great range of maternity wear that has barely been worn, including basics, office-appropriate gear as well as special occasion dresses. 

ACCESORISE

Being pregnant doesn’t have to mean feeling frumpy or sporting clothes resembling sacks! It also doesn’t mean losing your usual sense of style. If your statement piece is usually a scarf, bold jewellery or colourful tops, there is no reason to stop just because you’ve got a baby on board.

There really are no rules when it comes to dressing your bump. Be creative, comfortable and let your beautiful self shine.

xox Stella