I set out to create a small, versatile, maternity wardrobe of pieces that could help make my current wardrobe a little better for my growing belly. If any of you have even stepped foot in the maternity section of any store, you find out right away that maternity clothes are NOT cheap and it feels a bit overwhelming to know what you really want or need to last you 9 months. Sometimes it feels like you should just throw in the towel and wear sweatpants the whole time but even then, we can make those sweatpants cute right?
I decided to add 10 pieces to my current wardrobe. (20 if you count some of the things that I got multiple in that category) A lot of my wardrobe already works no matter what because I typically wear flowy/baggy shirts and button downs but I still found I needed/wanted a few pieces to supplement. Here is what I came up with:
**Don’t get too hung up on the prices. Many of the things on this list I bought off Poshmark or on sale!**
- Maternity Jeans: This might feel like the most basic piece for pregnancy but it has proven to be way harder than I thought. I originally ordered these off of Poshmark but they were a bit too short on me (I am 5″9′) and they definitely did not stay up. I was going to splurge and get some from Madewell but after reading the reviews it didn’t sound like they were very good. I ended up with these and they have been great– not perfect but great. (Dan says I am too picky about jeans. haha)
- Maternity Black Jeans: Just ordered these! Hopefully they work well!
- Maternity Black Leggings: I have been living in these most days while I try to hunt for my other things and they are super comfortable and thick enough to not be see through like many of the other leggings I have tried.
- Black Biker Shorts: Oversized t-shirts and biker shorts have been a great way to stay cool and comfortable through the summer. These aren’t maternity but I am hoping will last me through the summer months of my pregnancy. If you are looking for a maternity option, you could try these.
- Maternity Pencil Skirt: Whether for work, (if you aren’t working from home) a fancy party, church etc. This is such a versatile piece to mix and match with so many of my current pieces.
- White, Black and Gray T-shirts: These are GREAT for layering and work well for under sweaters and cardigans in the winter to make your current things work. I ended up ordering these TopShop ones to wear with biker shorts and leggings and hopefully still wear after pregnancy as well! They are easy to dress up and dress down. I have white and gray. Then I have a more fitted black and white shirts for layering similar to these.
- Maternity Long Sleeve Striped Shirt: I ordered this shirt as another potential layering piece that is very versatile!
- Maternity Summer Dresses (2): Dresses are a pregnant lady’s best friend! Seriously so comfortable and great in the summer! I have an olive green one similar to this one and I have been wanting to order this black one.
- Maternity Winter Dresses (2): I have this Roolee Mom Dress from last pregnancy that I am looking forward to wearing. They no longer sell it but they have lots of great dresses that you can nurse in and wear all throughout pregnancy and beyond! They are a bit pricey so if you can find them second hand— even better! I am hoping to find a cream maternity sweater dress but most of the stores don’t carry that yet so I will wait until it gets a bit closer to fall/winter. Send me your suggestions if you find any!
- Sweaters and Sweatshirts (2): I also am hoping for winter that I can find a neutral sweatshirt similar to this and then a less expensive version of a camel sweater similar to this.
So there you have it! My 10 piece Maternity Capsule Wardrobe. If I were to add anything else it would be an oversized denim jacket, chambray button down and lots of sweater cardigans. These were pieces I already have. I got a TON of use out of them last pregnancy.
Budgeting for maternity clothes:
How does this all fit in the budget?
As many of you already know, Dan and I actually don’t have a clothing budget currently built into our CAP. We just use our His/Her Fund ($25) and birthdays and Christmas for clothes. We allocated a small ($100) budget for maternity clothes and then the rest of the items I have been purchasing with my Her fund. It is amazing how much you really prioritize the things you are buying and how much you can get when you are smart and intentional about your purchases! Trust me, it is doable! You don’t have to blow the whole budget to build a wardrobe you love!
Good luck and happy shopping!