Your 2020 Maternity Capsule Wardrobe
Pregnancy isn’t just about the glow. You still want to maintain your personal style and feel good in your clothes. When your body is changing by the day, it can feel challenging to keep your wardrobe fresh. Creating a maternity capsule wardrobe will make dressing simple, whether you’re headed for the office or weekending with your BFF.
Capsule wardrobes are a collection of essential pieces that are timeless and can be mixed and matched throughout the seasons and years. Obviously, you’ll only be pregnant for 9 months, but investing in a few key pieces will keep you feeling fashionable well into the postpartum period. Many of the pieces we recommend will still be on point when you have more children, or can be passed on to other fashion-forward mamas when you’re done with them.
Online shopping favorites are ASOS Maternity, Pink Blush Maternity, and Seraphine. We couldn’t be happier with the way maternity fashion has come around in the last few years. You no longer have to sacrifice your personal style to grow your family!
When it comes to maternity fashion, there a few universal do’s and don’ts.
DO choose about 10 items that are neutral and can be mixed and matched to suit any occasion, day or night.
DON’T just buy regular clothes in bigger sizes. As your breasts grow and your belly expands, these items will just be awkward and frumpy or become too small.
DO keep embellishing pieces in rotation. Non-maternity blazers, jackets, scarves, and of course shoes (until your feet get swollen) can continue to be great pieces for you to add style to your wardrobe.
DON’T underestimate how much you will grow. If the maternity pieces you’re trying on at 12 weeks are form-fitting, they’ll be no-fitting at 35 weeks. Choose pieces with lots of stretch and a little bit of room to grow.
DO try to focus on two neutral colors throughout your basic pieces. Black, grey, or navy are great choices. You can then accessorize or add in some color with inexpensive tops, scarves, blazers, shoes, and jewelry.
DO check sizing charts carefully when ordering online and read any sizing recommendations. If you’re shopping in-person, get sizing support from the staff. They should be experts on the brands and their fit.
Okay! So now that you know what you should and shouldn’t do, you’re ready to make a shopping list and start building your perfect maternity wardrobe.
We recommend:
A LBD
Yes! The fashion staple Little Black Dress is still an important piece during pregnancy. Perfect for the office (under a blazer), date night, events, and even weddings. The Little Black Dress is essential.
Maternity Jeans
Like the LBD for your casual bottom half, maternity jeans are definitely an essential item. There are so many choices for maternity denim out there. We love the Good American: The Honeymoon Low Rise.
Keep it simple, right?
Leggings
You know what they say—diamonds were a girl’s best friend and then somebody invented leggings.
Leggings aren’t just for working out and lounging around. You can wear leggings and look seriously fashionable in 2020. Our favorites are the super supportive (just like our doulas) Blanqi SportSupport Hipster Cuff Contour Support Maternity/Postpartum Leggings.
A Blouse
Find a blouse you can dress up or wear to the office. We recommend choosing a soft fabric, because your skin can be ultra sensitive during pregnancy. We like the simplicity of this sold v-neck blouse from Pink Blush. There are a variety of colors available to suit your style and looks great dressed down with jeans or tucked into a pencil skirt for work.
A Pencil Skirt
So many options for wearing a neutral pencil skirt. Tucked, untucked, belted, dressed up or down. Gap’s Full Panel Ruched Pencil Skirt is amazing! Plus that price!
Trousers
Work with ballet flats or weekending with a rolled cuff and sneakers, a simple pair of classic black trousers are a key piece for your maternity capsule wardrobe. Seraphine Maternity has a classic pair of Tailored Black Maternity Trousers.
A Tunic
Keep it simple for lots of options. Dress up with accessories or down with your jeans. We love the Mamalicious Long Sleeve Swing Top available from ASOS. Wear it now and later because it’s also a nursing shirt!
A Tank Top
We highly recommend a nursing tank that will last you into postpartum. The Bravado Designs Classic Nursing Cami is consistently top-rated and super comfy!
A Bathing Suit
Smaller ladies may be able to rock a regular bikini throughout their pregnancies, but those of us with a little more junk in the trunk benefit from the support that maternity bathing suits offer. Check out this amazing list of cute swimwear by Healthline Parenthood.
Lingerie
Your ever-expanding chest will thank you for choosing something both supportive and sexy. A well-fitted bra also helps your entire figure look better. Maternity underwear will keep you feeling sexy without having your panties in a bunch. Cake Maternity is our absolute fave for maternity lingerie!
Accessories
Look for cute, comfortable shoes with low or flat heels. Add some pretty scarves and jewelry to mix things up, and don’t forget to treat yourself to a fabulous new purse that does double duty as a diaper bag! We adore Matt & Nat’s Raylanmed Diaper Bag.
By adding a few important pieces to your maternity wardrobe, you’ll be rocking that baby bump in style and comfort!
National Baby Co. helps families find individualized support, access to evidence-based information, and well-rounded, unbiased care through our birth and postpartum matching service. To find the perfect doula complete our online care questionnaire and our maternity concierges will match you with doulas in your area.