Where to Find the Best Maternity Clothes, According to 2 Stylish Expecting Moms
Most Wanted is a weekly series in which one Who What Wear team member or friend of the brand will share the top 25 fashion and beauty finds on their current wish list.
I'm really excited to be sharing this week's product picks from not one but two stylish ladies at team Who What Wear who are both currently pregnant. Christine Najjar Guida (pictured right) already has one little boy, so I'd consider her somewhat of a pro when it comes to pregnancy style and where to shop for maternity essentials. Jessica Zelvin Schwartz (pictured left) is due to have her girl any day now, so she, too, has had plenty of time (a full nine months, to be exact!) to learn how to dress her baby bump with both style and comfort in mind. Many of their recommendations are from some of the usual suspects, such as H&M, Shopbop, ASOS, Gap, Nordstrom, and Free People, and—exciting for those of us who are not with child—many are also not specifically maternity items.
Jess's Picks
A silhouette that has become the holy grail for pregnant dressing is the fitted midi dress. They are super flattering on the bump and don’t require purchasing a maternity-specific piece. This one is great for layering with a leather jacket or blazer.
If the material is stretchy, like this cotton-and-spandex-blend dress, I buy my usual size. Otherwise, I size up.
One thing I quickly learned when I became pregnant is that maternity jeans are a must. Even before I was showing, I was uncomfortable in all of my jeans. This straight-leg pair has definitely done the trick.
When I’m not pregnant, I live in turtleneck bodysuits during cooler months, layering them under everything from skirts to high-waisted jeans. I needed to find a replacement and have been wearing these ASOS tops for months.
Faux-leather leggings are perfect for a put-together look styled with an oversize sweater, blazer, or even a sweatshirt.
If I’m wearing anything a little formfitting, I always gravitate toward shapewear for extra smoothing. This bump-friendly version is amazing and not too restrictive.
A worthy investment during pregnancy is a good pair of white sneakers. I've worn them a ton during the past nine months when I didn’t feel like putting on heels, and I know they will still get plenty of use afterward.
The button-front detailing on this dress makes it a little less basic—plus it's only $14 right now.
One of the first things to change when I got pregnant was my bra size, and it has continued to change throughout my entire pregnancy. At a point, anything with underwire seemed unthinkable, but I still needed support. Enter this thick-strap, seamless bralette from Gap. Disclaimer: It also works as the ideal WFH bra option, whether you're pregnant or not.
Layering cardigans over fitted dresses and tops makes me feel more put-together. For spring, I’m particularly loving longer options that can be worn open or with the top few buttons closed.
One thing I’ve sworn by all pregnancy is this Bio-Oil product for avoiding stretch marks. I lather it everywhere at least twice a day.
Christine's Picks
I stocked up on a bunch of basics in neutral colors like this simple T-shirt.
I think it’s a must to have a good pair of black jeans, whether pregnant or not.
Like Jess, my go-to uniform for days when pants just don't feel comfortable is formfitting sweaterdresses.
I love these jeans paired with a casual T-shirt.
On days when I just don’t want to deal with a waistband, I love this versatile jumpsuit.
I am always searching for new blazers because they are one of the most versatile and maternity-friendly pieces that I've constantly reached for throughout my pregnancy. I love this soft-blush color and plan to wear it through the summer over dresses.
Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. I love my Veja sneakers because they look great with dresses, jeans, or leggings.
I’m a huge fan of this relaxed style, which has been in my weekly rotation. I prefer a full-panel waistband, but Gap offers several different options.
As the weather gets warmer, I am planning on staying comfortable in lighter, looser-fitting dresses. I love this one so much and can’t wait to wear it with cute, flat sandals.
On most weekends, I live in these leggings. They are so well made with fabric that is both sturdy and soft.
This dress is super comfortable on the days I feel like I need a little more room.
These are my all-time favorite pajamas. I sized up by one so that the pants are comfortable enough to wear under the belly and still fit post-baby.
Up next: 7 Comfy Staples My Fellow Fashion Editors Are Wearing Multiple Times a Week.
Michaela Bushkin is the fashion director on the branded content team, leading the strategy for our fashion and luxury partners. She specializes in content creation and styling for photo and video shoots, specifically across Who What Wear and Marie Claire. She spends her free time online shopping (or "researching" as she likes to call it), reading at the beach, and trying as many new restaurants in L.A. as possible.
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