How To Master Maternity Style For Any Occasion, By 3 Chic Mothers
From the importance of accessories to the polished pieces that will serve you through pregnancy and beyond, these are the fail-safe maternity styling tricks tastemakers swear by
Maria Kragmann, digital creator
“Versatility was key in my maternity wardrobe. I sought out pieces that would be suitable for various occasions, especially considering my active lifestyle. Jeans, shirts and comfortable footwear, such as slippers or sandals, became my go-to choices, ensuring I could engage in activities like walking and playing with my kids. As my bump grew, I found cropped tops beneficial for ventilation and comfort, as they allowed my belly to breathe. During pregnancy, my focus shifted towards comfort without compromising on style.
“I found low-waisted straight-leg jeans to be particularly accommodating throughout my pregnancy, along with stretchy knitted dresses and breathable maxi skirts…
”
“Rather than investing in maternity-specific clothing, I opted to size up in regular styles to accommodate my growing belly; most of the pieces I wore during pregnancy seamlessly transitioned into my post-partum wardrobe, allowing me to maximize their value. I found low-waisted straight-leg jeans to be particularly accommodating throughout my pregnancy, along with stretchy knitted dresses and breathable maxi skirts that helped me to maintain a chic appearance while coping with the summer heat. For special events, I would slip into elegant yet comfortable ensembles – perhaps a flowing maxi dress paired with statement jewelry, or a tailored blazer over a fitted dress.
“Accessories that added flair and personality played a vital role in enhancing my maternity look. I favored classic cat-eye sunglasses and silk scarves in summer, along with layered bracelets for a touch of sophistication. NET-A-PORTER provided a couple of essentials, too – my spacious Loewe shopper bag and stylish Celine Eyewear sunglasses, which were indispensable for concealing tired eyes.”
Marisa Martins, digital creator
“Surprisingly, most of my existing clothing still fitted comfortably during my pregnancy, except for jeans and a few pants that needed to be replaced with a larger size – or with an elasticated waistband. Consequently, I only needed to acquire a handful of new pieces to complement my evolving silhouette during the final months. Overall, I found that my preference for oversized, relaxed styles allowed me to maintain my signature look, while embracing the changes in my body.
“Offering both style and versatility, blazers were a staple in my wardrobe during my pregnancy. I found myself gravitating towards both fitted and loose styles. One of my favorites was a double-breasted blazer from Toteme, thanks to the way it effortlessly elevated my look whenever I wanted to add a touch of sophistication. A pair of The Row’s wide-leg pants also became a staple because of their classic silhouette. Additionally, I relied heavily on ‘Fits Everybody’ tops from Skims. Not only did they effortlessly flatter my bump, but they also offered a comfortable fit throughout each stage of my pregnancy journey.
“When preparing for special occasions, I found myself drawn to fitted tops and dresses that elegantly accentuated my bump
”
“When it came to footwear, I opted for loafers and various styles of Maison Margiela’s ‘Tabi’ shoes, finding them incredibly comfortable. However, as my pregnancy progressed into the final months, I experienced some swelling in my feet. Consequently, I turned to the epitome of comfort: Birkenstocks.
“For my baby shower, I chose a stunning cutout turtleneck gown by Victoria Beckham from NET-A-PORTER’s edit, which made me feel exceptional. When preparing for special occasions, I found myself drawn to fitted tops and dresses that elegantly accentuated my bump. I feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced pregnancy, and showcasing my bump on special occasions was a delightful experience.”
Laura Roso Vidrequin, strategic fashion consultant
“I was pregnant during summer, so I wore a lot of oversized dresses that felt light and airy in the heat. My maternity style didn’t really change much because I was still reaching for key pieces that I wear daily now I’m post-partum: Dôen dresses, oversized shirts, white T-shirts, track pants and fisherman sandals. The sustainable element of a purchase that was going to be discarded or bought for the sole purpose of pregnancy didn’t sit well with me. If I needed to, I would buy something in a bigger size and either style it in a different way or plan to get it altered when I was ready.
“For me, it’s true that you look good when you feel comfortable – and it’s especially true when you are pregnant. You can’t afford to just look good, because your entire body aches. I had different aspects of my body that I felt comfortable sharing throughout each trimester – some days it was my legs, others it was my arms or bump. One silhouette I reached for often was an A-line dress, and ‘throw-on-and-go’ maxi dresses are a no-brainer when you’re pregnant. They work day to night.
“Accessories were a big thing for me during pregnancy, because I could add something new to my look without changing the recipe entirely
”
“There are a few tricks for wearing separates with a growing bump. Leggings and capri pants are easy, but for jeans, I would go for an extremely large vintage men’s pair – and wear them with a belt. I also bought some new jeans from Re/done and Toteme at NET-A-PORTER, in much bigger sizes, then altered them post-partum. You need to think outside the box when you’re pregnant. I remember making a beautiful skirt work for me with a strategically placed elastic band.
“Accessories were a big thing for me during pregnancy, because I could add something new to my look without changing the recipe entirely. I often wore the same two pairs of black and gray capri pants and quickly exhausted my styling options with striped shirts, tanks and printed tees. Throwing on a pair of earrings, a beaded necklace, a hat or sunglasses instantly updated the outfit and made me feel happy. I also wrapped a silky scarf around my bump, too, which I thought looked really cute.”
Discover our alterations service, powered by The Seam
Tailoring the size and fit of your clothes during and after pregnancy is now an effortless task with NET-A-PORTER’s repairs-and-alterations service, powered by The Seam.
“The Seam supports a future for fashion where clothes fit well, are cared for and made to last,” says Layla Sargent, founder of The Seam. The service is dedicated to encouraging a more conscious relationship with our clothes, supporting alterations, repairs or made-to-measure projects that will extend the life of our pieces so that we can treasure them for longer.
“The service allows customers across the UK to access repairs for their clothes, shoes and accessories, as well as garment alterations (currently available in London only). The technology we’ve built provides a seamless experience for customers to care for their items in just a few clicks,” adds Sargent.
Find out how to extend the life of your clothes and accessories with our Repair & Rewear service, powered by The Seam
MATERNITY MUST-HAVES
22 items
RELATED READING
The people featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown