A few readers asked me to write about my maternity style, which makes me laugh because I don’t consider myself particularly fashionable while pregnant. For me, maternity clothes need to be affordable, durable, and, above all, comfortable. I’m the kind of mom who inevitably has dog hair on my shirt and often discovers a rogue sandwich crumb stuck to my leg, pregnant or not. That said, I do have a practical approach that gets me through pregnancy without breaking the bank, so here’s a concise rundown of the maternity essentials I rely on.
I aim for low-cost basics that last, and I lean on a few reliable stores like Old Navy and Target. My strategy is simple: invest in a couple of versatile pieces that stretch with the bump, add a few comfortable shoes, and use small accessories to draw attention away from the tired, puffy pregnancy look. Below are the items I find indispensable.
1. Old Navy maternity jeans. My go-to are the full-belly-panel jeans because they give my bump gentle support and feel comfortable throughout the day. One pair carried me from about 14 weeks to delivery with my daughter Clara; they stretched but remained wearable the whole time. In this current pregnancy I bought a fresh pair and they’ve been just as dependable. For a budget-friendly maternity staple, these jeans are hard to beat.
2. A bra extender. This tip is simple and surprisingly effective. Target sells small bra extender tabs (usually found near shoe inserts and stockings) that clip onto your bra hooks to add a little extra room around the ribcage. My ribs expand a lot during pregnancy, and these extenders let me keep wearing favorite bras longer. When the ribs settle back after birth, the extenders pop off and the bras function normally again—an inexpensive alternative to buying an entire new bra wardrobe.
3. Stretchy tops. Soft, stretchy cotton shirts are my wardrobe backbone. I prefer V-necks because they visually elongate a short neck and feel flattering when things start to feel puffy. I have several in neutral colors, with black being my favorite for its slimming, easy-to-match quality. Many of these come from Target or Old Navy—some labeled maternity, others just size up from the regular section or snagged on sale from Gap or Banana Republic outlets.
4. Statement earrings. Big, bold earrings are a subtle trick I use to divert attention from a swollen face or tired eyes. During the last trimester I often feel puffier, and a colorful, eye-catching pair of earrings helps focus attention elsewhere. They’re an easy, inexpensive way to feel put-together and confident without needing a full outfit overhaul.
5. Simple slip-on flats and supportive shoes. A comfortable pair of slip-on flats is a must. This pregnancy my favorites have been leopard-print flats by Sam Edelman that I found at DSW, while with Clara I wore black patent flats by Steve Madden. Flats make me feel more polished than flip-flops, which I’m tempted to wear year-round. When I know I’ll be on my feet all day or walking in muddy conditions, I switch to sneakers with more arch support—Puma-style trainers are a good example for days that demand extra comfort and traction.
I also keep one or two maternity dresses on hand for events where jeans aren’t appropriate. Maternity dresses from Target can be incredibly comfortable—almost like wearing a roomy muumuu—while still looking put-together for a shower or a casual gathering.
Below are a few old bump photos from my pregnancy with Clara where I relied heavily on the same Old Navy jeans mentioned above. Most of the tops in those photos were regular, stretchy shirts from Old Navy or Target in a larger size, except for one dotted top from Banana Outlet and a pink maternity dress from Target. Those non-maternity stretch tops are often all you need for everyday comfort and style.
There are always little things I forget to mention, but these basics help me navigate pregnancy without spending a fortune on clothes I’ll only wear for a few months. Small hacks—like bra extenders—are lifesavers and let you get more mileage from pieces you already own. What about you? What are your favorite low-budget maternity finds or style cheats you rely on during pregnancy?