As I waddle my way into motherhood, I’ve become more intentional, more instinctual with my personal style. I’ve felt best wearing clothes that are truly in service of my own unique flair, the natural inclinations I’ve learned to tap into and let lead me through the self expression that is fashion.
That started with getting clear on how I wanted to feel along this pregnancy journey—comfortable, stylish, and considered, but always with a little edge—which, in turn, helped me clarify what I currently value most in my wardrobe.
It’s required reframing this whole moment from “dressing for” pregnancy to “dressing through” pregnancy without losing my point of view. It’s been enlightening and fun and a great way to stay connected to myself and my creativity as I transition to a new phase of life.
So, while last issue I shared the wardrobe pieces that have carried me through pregnancy, this week’s issue is more of a wardrobe edit—my collection of style philosophies through pregnancy, along with the pieces that brought those ideas to life. Some are old reliables I wore constantly, while others are things I’ve tried on, admired from afar, or are on my shortlist to try in the future.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, reflections, and recommendations, too, if you’ve got ‘em—see you in the comments!
Comfort that still feels intentional
Nothing like when a garment actually fits and feels good, looks good…
Elastic waistbands are having their big moment and my expanding hips and I are freaking here for it.
Donni baby rib scallop pant: A holy grail item for pregnancy, comes in many colors! Sized up once for this time, but think my true size would be better postpartum.
Tibi Light Weight Sweatshirting Winslow pants: Again, waxed poetic about these last time, but they really are that good. Modern, comfy, and modular. Sizing-wise, I’m 5’4 so got them in the shorter rise (XS-S fits me perfectly in pregnancy and I know they still will postpartum). One of the best things about these is their modularity; Tibi geniously put buttons on each hem with 4 options to crop the pants to your liking.
Comme Si silk or cotton pants: I’m reallllly in a camel mood (the color, lol) these days and have been wanting to try these cotton pants (with the matching button down, too). I’m also intrigued by the brand’s new drawstring silk twill pants and shorts in this pretty red.
Gimaguas track pant: Curious about the fit, but LOVE the colorway and versatility on these.
For the moments that require a bit more.
B Sides vintage reworked lassos: normally more mid-rise on me pre-pregnancy, but worked really well low-rise during! Unbutton it a few for an effortlessly-cool, low-waist fit ready to be dressed up or down
Gil Rodriguez adjustable LOU pant: perfectly slouchy, easy, and durable—fun colors, too
Aquarius Cocktail TUX pant: LOVE these so much, the navy is gorgeous and sleek; I’d recommend stopping by their Montecito studio to try on sizes (once I’m postpartum, it’s over for these…)
La Ligne Colby pant: These have been recommended by SO many people, but I’ve yet to try them. They’ve been branded “the airport pants” because they’re so elevated but easy. And they come in 6 different fabrics, and a multitude of colors!
I said it last issue, but this striped Deiji Studios Yoke mini dress has held it down for me in the most major way my entire pregnancy. One of those items that’s so easy to throw on and immediately look and feel cute (and free). The drape over the belly is just right (though I recommend sizing up once if you wanna avoid it feeling too short further into pregnancy). I got it on sale in black, too (above).
Cotton nightgowns: I love mine from If Only If. I feel classic and womanly in it. The texture is so light and soft. There are loads of vintage ones out there, too!
Free People rompers: They’ve got so many, in every style and fabric. Loose-fitting options like this, this or this seem perfect for pregnancy. Even something like this Norma Kamali jumpsuit could work for a more elegant (but still edgy!) look.
Silk: Plugging Comme Si again for their beautifully-cut, relaxed-fit silk blouses. Feels beautiful on the skin, drapes beautifully open over the bump.
Cotton: Haven’t tried them yet, but these cotton gauze button downs by All Three look so airy and ethereal, whether wearing normally, with bottom buttons undone, around the neck like a scarf, under the bust and over the bump like a belt, etc…
More refined: I’ve been loving a sculptural moment and it can really jazz things up in the best way (esp if you’re not feeling your best). The sleeves on this button down and this one, too, are just chef’s kiss—beautiful, subtle details that require nothing extra of you.
Don’t underestimate delight
Because tiny moments of joy matter.
It’s just psychology, babes.
I loved the look above I styled from Jake & Jones. Mixing different shades of blue (&Daughter cardigan / Pleats Please shorts) and then pairing it with its complementary color in the orange shoes, and then the pop of yellow (MNZ pouch)…it was just, well, delightful! I went maximalist with the scarf and sunnies and jewelry, too, and encourage you to do the same!
Suzie Kondi is making such fun, bright pieces of every color (LOVE this magenta) and pattern (and these bloomers). I’m dying to try! They seem to be a double whammy for comfort and color (and she’s got matching sets, if you’re into that).
Pleats Please: The epitome of whimsy with a side of sculptural chic. These pieces stretch with you, are machine washable, and offer such fun designs and colors! Pregnancy is arguably the best time to play with their shapes and hues.
Dresses: They grow with you. I recommend a sleeveless option like the one above if you’re in a warmer climate because these are polyester and can harbor some odor that might be exacerbated during pregnancy lol
Pants/shorts: So many styles and options. I found that these can bunch in a weird way under the bump UNLESS you roll them once, like I did in the photos above (the blue cardigan look).
Tops: Again, options here run the damn gamut! I recommend finding a color that complements your undertones well (Pleats Please offers so many shades, its worth investigating!) and, depending on the style of top, I’d experiment with folding above the bump and seeing how that drapes.
For example, in the outfit below, I found the Pleats top worked way better folded up for a cropped look rather than stretching all the way over the belly.
A pop of whimsy on the feet has kept me feeling alive.
Snazzy sneaks: You’re probably going on walks…do it in style. Loving my pop-of-orange Salomons, am also liking the look of these pop-of-green Asics and am so curious about Jamie Haller’s updated walking sandal sneakers…
Embrace the jellies: Have you seen these adorned flat jellies by Heavenly Jelly (I also saw them at Clic in Montecito…)? Very fun. Lately, I’ve been wearing these affordable and sleek jelly flip flops.
When all else fails, let the jewels do the work.
Local vintage finds: Over the years, I have found some of my favorite vintage necklaces—unique, beaded, and colorful—at Antique Alley downtown, The Blue Door in the Funk Zone, and Neighbor Neighbor on State.
Heirloom pieces: Been thinking about heirlooms a lot during this time.
I love the idea of wearing a nameplate necklace with our baby’s name on it, or getting her one of her own that she’ll always have. Haven’t found the right style I’d like yet, but I couldn’t resist linking this one—it is a majorrrrr investment lol but looks so pretty, maybe in my dreams….
My mother-in-law so sweetly gifted me a beaded birthstone bracelet that has mine, my husband’s, and our baby’s stones on it and I love it so much.
One day I’m sure I’ll have a “mother’s ring,” too, just like my mom and grandma (I just inherited hers—so, so special). We got my mom this one for mother’s day this year and it came out beautiful.
Dare for diamonds: My sweet husband surprised me with diamond earrings the other day (almost as beautiful as the card he wrote me along with them) and they blew me away. At the tail-end of pregnancy, this little extra sparkle put more pep in my step.
Something fun and easy: Kinda goes back to the delight piece above, but I’ve enjoyed slinging my little silk floral bag over my shoulder and heading out to run errands. I got it secondhand at NeighborNeighbor on State, one of those love at first sight moments that I didn’t overthink. Valesque has some amazing little wonders in fun colors and textures, too.
Finding your “mom bag:” Because with the right attitude and organization, anything can be a diaper bag! No offense to anyone who loves their traditional diaper bag, but I have my eyes set on something more like:
This raffia one from Sèzane (esp for my lil summer baby)
An LL Bean boat and tote (we already have a large one that I think will be perf — they’re also all over DePop, Poshmark, etc. in fun colors)
A really cool remade puffer tote by SUAY LA that seems to fit a lot
A pre-loved/vintage designer bag, like a Bottega Campana in a fun color (a dime a dozen marked down on TheRealReal) or Tory Burch’s quilted charlie that has a side pocket for your phone.
Or even an uber special (it’s pricey, people) “senior cords” option from Bode (or perhaps you tap your fave local artist to do up your own bag like this!)
Get in water
There’s something about channelling the weightlessness of water when you’re feeling anything but. Plus, it is summer and we do live in a beach town…
Caro Luna is killing it right now with their swimwear. I tried on their strapless one piece (above, sized up once from true size) and think it’s so cute for pregnancy!
I’m sure I’ll delve more into one pieces in the years to come, but I’m a true bikini girl at heart. Tropic of C makes my favorites, and I’ve been rocking this set all year (sized up once from true size).
Plugging Caro Luna again: their shorts (yellow ones at the start of this section) are so stinking cute and comfy. They also make fun tops and skirts that are a refreshing take on the coverups of yore.
Been wanting to try Chan Luu’s sarongs, but especially this wrap skirt.
I’ve loved wearing my Etsy sarong (below), a breezy romper, or a cotton nightgown to the beach or the pool.
Hats: For beach, pool, and neighborhood walks!
I’ve been so curious about the Bubbi hat by Rachel Comey.
Or one of Janessa Leoné’s hats (I love the Teagan for a classic bucket and the Waverly for a more whimsical take on a wide brim). She also recently came out with the Suni bucket hat, an option with an adjustable leather chin strap.
Then there’s always “The Best Hat” by YourStylistSays. I tried it and it really is beautiful, but I don’t think I’m a this-type-of-wide-brimmed-hat kind of gal. I need something a bit weirder. (But I did buy one of the colorful cords by her to fasten to my own hat once I find the right one.)
Scarves: Anytime I see silk scarves at a vintage or consignment store, I always take a look. They add so much color and texture and sophistication, which can sometimes be all you need to feel yourself a bit more while preggers.
Tie it around your hair
Wear it above or below the belly
Fasten it to your bag
Wear as a bracelet or necklace
Sunglasses: Where style and armor collide. Sometimes you just wanna hide behind some sunnies. Or have them do the heavy lifting when you just can’t be asked. For pregnancy and especially postpartum, I want a pair to feel sleek and elegant in, without having to do much more (esp when I just don’t know how I’ll be feeling…).
I’m so curious about these Khaite x Oliver Peoples 1967c glasses in black, but they’re always sold out!
Chimi has a similar pair—the Lilah—for much less and could scratch the itch justttttt fine.
For really oversized, these look so fun and come in green, too.
Buy less—and better
Like I’ve said, there’s nothing wrong with shopping maternity (it’s literally made for you at this time!), and there are some surprisingly good options out there that work for post-pregnancy, too!
Said it last time, but Légoe Heritage found me right when I needed it.
Bumpsuit has cute options, too, especially for events. A little less my personal style, but I did wear their Dahlia gown in powder blue (above) for my San Antonio baby shower back home. Its widely-adjustable built-in bra meant I could also wear to our friends’ wedding a month later!
Still haven’t tried Hatch, but they just released a very cute collab with Ciao Lucia that seems perfect for summer!
Whether maternity or not, let yourself acquire one thing you absolutely LOVE—it’s worth it to feel your best, especially if that’s been difficult lately.
That’s all for now! A special thank you to Katie Phillips for these fun film shots around town. Thanks for reading <3
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.