Several readers asked me to share my approach to maternity style, which is funny because I don’t consider myself a fashionable pregnant woman. I prioritize comfort, durability, and affordability. I’m the kind of mom who often has dog hair on her shirt and sometimes discovers half a sandwich stuck to the back of her leg, pregnant or not. That said, I’ll share how I make pregnancy dressing practical and relatively inexpensive—hopefully useful if you just want to feel comfortable and look put-together without spending a fortune.
My goal is simple: stretchable basics, a few inexpensive upgrades, and items that carry me through the entire pregnancy. Below are the essentials I rely on, plus a few small tricks that stretch my wardrobe and budget.
1. Old Navy maternity jeans. These are my top pick for budget-friendly maternity bottoms. I prefer the full belly panel styles because they support the bump and feel more comfortable for daily wear. One well-fitting pair lasted me from about 14 weeks all the way through delivery during my pregnancy with Clara. For this pregnancy I bought a fresh pair to avoid the “lived-in” stretched look, and they’ve performed the same. They’re affordable, durable, and easy to dress up or down—an excellent staple for anyone wanting a small maternity wardrobe.
2. A bra extender. This is a small, inexpensive fix that makes a big difference later in pregnancy. Many stores sell bra extenders—little tabs that attach to your existing bra hooks and add extra room around the ribcage. My ribs expand significantly while pregnant, and instead of buying multiple new bras, I use extenders to keep my regular bras wearable. Once my body returns to normal, I remove the extenders and keep my usual bras. It’s a simple, cost-effective solution.
3. Stretchy shirts. Soft, stretchy tops are a non-negotiable. I favor cotton v-necks because they’re comfortable and visually elongate a short neck, which I appreciate. I mix maternity-specific tops with regular larger sizes from stores like Target or Old Navy. Often the non-maternity tops in a larger size work just fine and are less expensive. Neutral colors and a few dark pieces make outfit coordination easy and forgiving.
4. Statement earrings. Big earrings are one of my favorite accessories during pregnancy and beyond. In the later trimesters, when my face feels puffier and I’m tired, a bold pair of earrings helps draw attention away from any puffiness and brightens my look. They’re an inexpensive way to feel more put-together without changing the rest of your outfit.
5. Slip-on flats and supportive shoes. I like simple slip-on flats for everyday outings—comfortable, easy, and more polished than flip-flops. For me this pregnancy the preference was leopard-print flats, and with Clara it was black patent flats. When I know I’ll be on my feet all day, I choose shoes with better arch support, like sporty sneakers. Having one pair of cute flats and one reliable supportive shoe covers most situations.
I also keep one or two maternity dresses for events when jeans aren’t appropriate. A comfortable maternity dress can be surprisingly flattering and feels like wearing a soft, roomy muumuu—perfect for special occasions or dinners.
Below are a few other practical tips based on my experience: pick items that are easily washable, favor neutral colors for easy mixing and matching, and prioritize pieces that can be worn both during pregnancy and postpartum. Small fixes like bra extenders, a well-fitting pair of maternity jeans, and a handful of stretchy tops can reduce the need for an entirely new wardrobe.
I probably missed some details, but these basics keep me comfortable and practical during pregnancy without spending a lot on temporary clothes. What are your go-to maternity wardrobe items? Do you have budget-friendly “cheater” finds that helped you get through pregnancy with minimal spending?