Converting Our Existing Wardrobe into Bump Friendly, Maternity Wear

When it comes to styling and dressing yourself in pregnancy, you’re constantly learning how to dress a new body and still look cute at the same time. Therefore, I kept looking up on Pinterest on how to dress my bump in different ways and still look cute. My first step was to start with existing pieces in my wardrobe. Now, I understand and acknowledge that maternity clothes have their place, especially in the second half towards the end. However, one can easily convert their existing clothes or nonmaternity wear to make it more bump friendly so there isn’t any need to splurge on a full maternity wardrobe. Quick disclaimer: I’m writing this blog as I wrap up the 1st half of my pregnancy. I’m trying to avoid buying a size up, and sticking to flexible pieces as my pregnancy continues. My bump has definitely grown, yet I’m still at a point where I can wear nonmaternity clothes: and here’s how.

Jeans: Whether it’s jeggings or skinny jeans, I’m still able to get them all the way up. However, I’m not able to button them now. I loop the button with the hair tie to create a more flexible belt line, and that has served me well. I’m able to do this with wear a longer sweater or top. Yet, I stopped doing this with my high-waisted stuff a few weeks prior because that is where I am the largest. However, you can easily use this hack to sustain you thru a good chunk of pregnancy. You can see how it’s done in this Instagram Reel.

Athleisure: Compared to jeans, athleisure clothing is extremely flexible. It’s more comfortable, and there is a lot more room for a growing waistline. Whether its joggers, leggings, hoodies, yoga pants, etc.; at this point, I haven’t felt the need to size up, and I anticipate these will be my go-tos postpartum as well.

Boyfriend Shirts/Husband’s Shirts & T-shirts: Another super flexible item: super lose button downs-whether they belong to you or your partner. In pregnancy, your partner’s closet is another closet for you to raid and borrow from ;). I haven’t actually borrowed from my husband’s closet yet, but I do have some very lose boyfriend style shirts in my existing closet. They can be worn super loose and comfy, and yet will still cover the bump or one can get creative and knot the loose ends to accentuate the bump! In other words, take advantage of the bump and have fun with it. Check out my version of it in this reel.

Oversize Everything: The oversize clothing trend is definitely one to take advantage of because those same items will keep you covered with the bump and can be used later in a nonpregnancy situation. Whether it’s an oversized sweater dress, hoodie, sweatshirt, you name it; it’s flexible for a growing body and can be used to be super cozy in later.

BodyCon Dresses: I love a bodycon dress to show off the bump. They can be worn before, during, and after pregnancy. The snug style of the dress supports the bump in a great way, and they’re prefect for any maternity photos or holiday dinners you might attend :).

So there you have it. A few ways to use any non-maternity pieces in maternity friendly ways. Thus far, I’ve enjoyed dressing my bump and learning about my body has been a fascinating process. For all my preggo moms out there, I hope this helps!