Author
Based in Los Angeles, Kacy Byxbee is a brand new mother, costume designer, stylist, and owner of online retail boutique Byxbee Atelier.
The Pregnant Stylist's Guide to
Non-Maternity Pregnancy Clothes
By Kacy Byxbee
Shopping for great pregnancy clothes is almost laughable, and somehow we still don't have as many fabulous maternity options as we should. While we don't want to spend copious amounts of money on clothes we will only wear for 9 months, we also want to be comfortable during this beautiful time. Here are some of the best maternity basics and must-have's to make your 9 months of the ever-growing belly more enjoyable, comfortable, and fun!
1. Dresses, dresses, dresses, did I say dresses?
Perhaps the greatest go-to item for all of pregnancy: the dress. You may want to size up from your normal size when purchasing these non-maternity dresses, but not necessarily. Both form and loose fitting can work on the pregnant body, and it just depends on what you are most comfortable in. The more comfortable you are, the better you look. Also, remember that fabulous, less expensive options can always be found at Topshop and Forever21!
Alasdair Twist Dress
*optional belt makes this even more wearable pre, during and post pregnancy
Acne Avedon Printed Oversized Sweatshirt Dress
James Perse Skinny Tank Dress
Tracy Reese Waverly Cocoon Tunic Dress
2. Pants with room
If you want to wear jeans, the hair tie through the belt loop trick only lasts most of us so long. Your best bets are maternity jeans like the J Brand below or my personal favorite, sweatpants disguised as proper day wear (you can get away with a lot when you're pregnant!). The key to buying any pant is make sure they are LOW on the waist.
J Brand Maternity Jean
James Perse Skinny Sweatpant
3. Comfortable shoes
The key to pregnancy footwear is COMFORTABLE and easy to get on--especially as we head into our third trimesters where bending over is no small feat. We still want to feel and look great though, so a small heel is absolutely not out of the question! We are also beyond fortunate to be pregnant during the revival of the Birkenstock! Check out the collaborations with J.Crew and Barney's as well as different designers' take on the sandal. And one last tip, go see your podiatrist for a custom-made insole. They usually take about 2 weeks to arrive, and will be a blessing to those tired feet.
Isabel Marant Suede Dicker Boot
*these are available in an array of colors and go with absolutely everything
Isabel Marant Sandal
Birkenstock Stripe-Print Arizona Sandal
Converse Classic Chuck Taylor Hi Tops
*if tying up your high tops is getting way too tricky, take them to your local shoe repairman and have him add a zipper!
4. Small, easy purse
Lugging around any extra weight (besides your belly) is best to be avoided. It's time to downsize your purse and these are some fantastic and chic options.
A.P.C. Half Moon Bag
5. Going to the office?
Do not fret if you are working a corporate job and needing to be in business attire whilst pregnant! Though most of the aforementioned pieces are for casual dressing, both Vince and Theory have put out some great maternity collections, available at Pea in the Pod.
Vince Blouse + Dress
Happy pregnancies and happy shopping!
xx,
Kacy