Is there anything a mama-to-be wants more than to be comfortable and confident? That’s where these staples come in. We asked Sandi Mele, founder of The Style Shop in Denver and the creator of Simplified Style, an online style course, to put together five go-to looks for expecting moms.
Build a Better Maternity Wardrobe
More women are opting to add non-maternity pieces to their closets during pregnancy, so they aren’t purchasing clothes they will only wear for a short time. We created this style guide to combine traditional bump wear with everyday staples. Mele believes that investing in a few quality maternity finds, like jeans, leggings, and a forgiving top is a must, while other essentials, like a denim jacket, cardigan, and flowy dress, can all be bought in regular sizes and adapted throughout and post-pregnancy.
Mix and Match
These five looks feature pieces that can be mixed and matched for different occasions. Pair the jeans with the linen circle tee, throw the jean jacket over the Maternity and Nursing Shirt Dress, or swap the mules for the sneakers for a more casual look.
Look 1: Date Night
Hatch The Classic Maternity Jean Jacket
“A denim jacket was my go-to layer during my pregnancies and every stage of my life. It layers so effortlessly over a dress for a date night, over a cotton top for a casual outing, or with a maxi dress for a fancier occasion. This style is super flattering postpartum, too!” says Mele. “A classic sandal with a low heel will elevate any outfit and provide a little more support than a completely flat flip-flop.”
Look 2: Playdate at a Friend’s House
Seraphine Coral Embroidered Nursing Top
7 For All Mankind Josefina Ankle Boyfriend Maternity Jeans
“I recommend investing in a good quality maternity jean, particularly to wear in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy,” says Mele. “I absolutely loved wearing a light-wash ankle jean during my first pregnancy and wore it dressed up with a blouse and heels for a date night or with a cotton top and sneakers for casual outings. A slip-on mule is a great option for running out the door and looking pulled-together no matter where you go.”
Look 3: At the Office
Seraphine Cotton & Lyocell Maternity & Nursing Shirt Dress
“A collared button-down dress will help you feel on top of things while still giving you room to breathe in the warm spring and summer months. I wore a collared sleeveless button-down dress everywhere during both my pregnancies and preferred it over slacks when the temps started to rise,” says Mele.
Look 4: Weekend Errands
Seraphine Sage & White Maternity & Nursing Dress
Hatch The Classic Maternity Jean Jacket
“If there’s one piece of advice I can give you about footwear during pregnancy, it’s to invest in a comfortable pair of sneakers that supports your growing belly,” says Mele. “During both of my pregnancies, my feet grew puffy for almost the entire third trimester, and I ended up purchasing orthotics to give my feet the necessary support.”
Look 5: Day at the Park
Hatch The Ultimate Before, During, and After Legging
“I know it sounds cliché, but you won’t regret adding a black legging in a quality material to your wardrobe during pregnancy. The trick is to look for a little structure and a lot of stretch,” says Mele. “A go-to casual look for an afternoon at the park is leggings, sneakers, and a breezy cotton top that doubles as a nursing top. You can also dress up the same pair of leggings with knee-high boots and a long silky blouse for a date night. Even in the summer, you can’t go wrong with black leggings.”
Add the Finishing Touch With Accessories
These dainty gold accessories from Lady Jones (locations in Denver and Vail), pair effortlessly with all five looks and are timeless staples you’ll have in your rotation for years to come.
Shop Local Staples
Three spots we love for scouting staples that complement a bump.
A Colorado Brand Dressing Mamas
Pact is an eco-conscious company that offers expecting moms organic and fair trade clothing. The online retailer offers neutral finds ranging from stretchy t-shirts to comfy wrap dresses.
Clothes You’ll Wear Even After Pregnancy
Lady Jones is the ideal place to find trendy wardrobe staples that will stand the test of time. The Denver and Vail-based shop has a mix of bright and playful pieces and neutral essentials.
Denver’s Shop for Mom and Baby
While the shop isn’t maternity specific, busy moms-to-be can find a variety of bump-friendly styles (hello maxi dresses!) at Lariat. The boutique, which is owned by a local mom, also sells baby clothes so you can get all your shopping done in one place.
