"It’s no secret that pregnancy comes with its own slew of excitements and challenges. And more often than not, these prospects are one and the same. Putting together your registry can leave you feeling giddy while simultaneously overwhelmed. A wave of morning sickness gives you peace of mind that everything is progressing nicely while also leaving you wishing time travel was a very real possibility. And dressing for pregnancy—an endearing undertaking theoretically—can actually prove to be quite difficult. Enter the maternity capsule wardrobe.
As someone who’s always had an interest in fashion, I was surprised during my first pregnancy to discover just how difficult maternity outfitting can be. I felt lost and discouraged, as the styles and silhouettes I loved most pre-pregnancy—from structured tops to high-waist jeans—became off-limits as my body changed week to week. In addition to feeling absolutely uninspired by what I was wearing (i.e., whatever I could find in my closet that would fit), I also remember spending more money than I wanted to on maternity clothing. I was rudderless. But that was before I was familiar with the concept of capsule wardrobes.
During my second pregnancy, I was much more prepared for the growing-bump road ahead. Once I cleared the first trimester, I began shopping for a handful of maternity essentials that I knew would get an exponential amount of wear between week 13 and the much-anticipated week 40 (or, in my daughter’s case, week 42). I needed pieces that were versatile, cohesive, and bore a quality that would hold up to innumerable washes as I reached for them again and again and again. A maternity capsule wardrobe was the perfect solution.
Why create a maternity capsule wardrobe?
Creating a maternity capsule wardrobe while you’re pregnant gives your closet a clear roadmap of “what to wear” for the nine months ahead. And, it saves your baby budget by mitigating “I have nothing to wear” spending. It can also boost your confidence as you stack your dressing odds with pieces you’ll actually enjoy wearing while pregnant. (I know your husband’s oversized bar T-shirt looks really tempting right now, but don’t do it. Trust me, just don’t.)
A capsule wardrobe is also an ideal outfitting strategy for busy women on the go, as it reduces the amount of time it takes to put outfits together—a particularly big win if you already have littles at home.
Everyone’s maternity capsule wardrobe will inevitably look a little bit different. As always, personal style and lifestyle should always be a consideration. For example, I worked from home during both of my pregnancies. I knew the second time around that I 100 percent needed both a go-to pair of maternity jeans and maternity leggings that I actually liked. I also knew that my feet were prone to swelling and was sure to have a few pairs of unrestrictive footwear lining my shoe rack (it was definitely not a time for Mary Janes). Consider pieces that will fit your lifestyle and see you through your entire pregnancy.
How I chose my maternity capsule wardrobe pieces
While most women probably don’t begin seriously shopping for maternity clothes until the second trimester, even the first trimester can call for a faithful pair of forgiving pull-on pants and an oversized sweater (I personally couldn’t fit into my jeans after week eight during both of my pregnancies). Comfy, casually-polished dresses have also been a favorite of mine during trimesters one and four.
To make the spend of your capsule more approachable, you might also consider pieces that can be worn into the fourth trimester and beyond. Open sweaters and jackets, comfortable footwear, and quality accessories that will elevate your everyday looks are all pieces you’ll be able to enjoy well after your baby has made their arrival.
Two final considerations that drive personalization are your geographic location and the seasonality of your pregnancy. Expecting in the fall? Plan to add a maternity swimsuit and a pair of slide sandals to your capsule. Rocking a bump over the winter in a frigid climate? Consider forgoing the trench shown below and opting for a maternity parka (and a pair of swelling-friendly snow boots) instead.
Should my husband and I decide to add a third baby to our family mix, this is the seasonless maternity capsule wardrobe I’ll be turning to.
Shop The Everymom’s Maternity Capsule Wardrobe
How to style the maternity capsule wardrobe
All of these pieces can be mixed and matched for outfits that are both comfortable and put-together. And by continuously trying out new combinations, you’ll have a wardrobe that will feel fresh over the course of your pregnancy. Chic, flat footwear can carry you from the office to doctor’s appointments to date night. And polished, oversized tops are just as suitable for Zoom as they are for much-needed days spent lounging on the couch. If you’re like me, a breezy dress paired with stylish accessories will quickly become your favorite maternity formula.
These pieces are for the new mom who may be feeling lost on what to wear and where to even begin between weeks 10 and 20 as much as they are for the experienced mom who needs no-fail items lining her closet as she keeps up with other kiddos during her pregnancy. Here are some styling ideas to get you started.
For playing at the park with the older kids
Shop this look: dress | button-up | sneakers | bag | baseball cap
Why You Can Count on Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Emilee Janitz, Contributing Writer
Emilee is an accomplished communications strategist and lifestyle journalist. She currently works on the content team at Enterprise SEO company Terakeet where she creates and executes reputation management strategies for Fortune 500 companies. She is a Contributing Fashion Writer for The Everygirl and has additionally been published on POPSUGAR, Motherly, MSN, and Yahoo.