This Is How to Master Pregnancy Style Without Any Sad Maternity Clothes

For many expectant mothers, solving the pregnancy style puzzle can pose a bit of a challenge—even for those who are innately stylish. Of course, there’s the option to shop for traditional maternity wear, but for women like content creator Tiffany Laibhen-Spence, the slim offerings never felt like an accurate depiction of her personal style.

"As a fashion lover, it’s important for my clothes to reflect my distinct identity,” she notes. Laibhen-Spence has embraced non-maternity attire that accommodates her growing bump to maintain her signature style during pregnancy. She’s part of a growing wave of women redefining pregnancy fashion and challenging traditional sartorial norms.

Yuri Mori, a model, digital creator, and soon-to-be mom, tells Marie Claire that regular clothes are the bulk of her maternity wardrobe. “I’m an outfit repeater who likes to put my pieces to good use—so I’d prefer not to invest in maternity wear that will only last for nine months,” she says. Mori’s style playbook resembles the ethos of It-girl moms like Rihanna and Hailey Bieber, who famously eschewed typical mat wear in favor of low-rise baggy jeans and cropped baby tees while pregnant.

That said, not every item of clothing can cater to an expectant mom's evolving body. For instance, stiffer, restrictive garments probably won't serve you very well. Content creator Hailey Drew Polk, currently in her third trimester, suggests opting for soft materials that prioritize comfort. “It’s extremely important to prioritize quality fabrics that provide enough mobility,” she says. These days, she's loving cotton and cashmere.

Maria Kragmann, founder of Danish fashion brand M-KAE, agrees that fabric choice is absolutely paramount. “When your belly enlarges over time, you’ll want to wear soft and stretchy materials that will move with you,” she says. Currently in her postpartum style era after recently giving birth, Kragmann recalls that dressing during pregnancy was made much easier by the cozy items she already owned.

All four women share a handpicked list of non-maternity pieces that have served them throughout their pregnancies. Scroll on to shop their style and discover their wardrobe-essentials styling tips, and nuggests of style widsdom. “Overall, the best part about styling non-maternity wear during pregnancy is that you have the freedom to embrace your changing body in a way that aligns with your unique style,” Polk tells Marie Claire. “Sure, your T-shirt might turn into a crop top, and your pants might sit lower on your belly, but having fun with this transformation is part of the beauty of it all.”

Loose-Fitting Sweaters & Cardigans

“Loose-fitting knit sweaters and cardigans are ideal because their spacious shapes can easily adapt to a developing baby bump,” says Mori. “Plus, they can be worn as relaxed, oversized tops during the postpartum stage,” she adds.

The options below from J.Crew, Madewell, and Everlane are all designed with premium wool fabric blends that are beyond durable. “If you’re looking to wear regular clothing during your pregnancy, prioritizing top-tier fabrics is an absolute must,” says Laibhen-Spence. “Given that your clothes are likely to stretch, it’s important to choose quality pieces that will return to their original form after washing,” she adds.

Flowy Dresses

There’s nothing wrong with showing off your bump in a skintight bodycon dress, but if you’d like extra breathing room, Polk recommends pieces with flowy silhouettes. “With unstructured dresses, there’s often no need to worry about sizing up,” she says. “I’ll often layer mine with hefty jackets and coats during the colder months—it’s a straightforward outfit formula that allows for ample styling options.”

Kragmann also co-signs this bump-approved style and consistently relied on roomy dresses during her last pregnancy. “I would specifically wear knit maxi dresses for an extra toasty feel,” she says. “Even now that I’ve had my baby, I’m still able to style those same pieces because they’re inherently versatile,” she adds.

Low-Rise Baggy Jeans

Although many denim bottoms are too constricting for pregnant women, some silhouettes actually work. “Low-rise baggy jeans haven’t failed me once during my pregnancy,” says Polk. “I love how I’ve been able to still wear non-maternity jeans by sizing up and choosing a low-slung waistband that hits right below my bump.”

However, if you stand by an anti-denim philosophy during pregnancy, Mori has an alternative for you. “Invest in sweatpant jeans, and you won’t regret it,” she says. “I have a pair from Rag & Bone, cut from soft terry cloth but look just like real denim.” She says her treasured pants are so stretchy that she didn’t even have to settle for a larger size.

Oversized Blazers

Give your maternity wardrobe an elevated twist with a tailored but slightly oversized blazer with a sharp and stylish edge. “A roomy blazer can make you look instantly refined while leaving enough space for your belly,” says Kragmann. For those still working while pregnant and haven’t yet transitioned to maternity leave, consider an oversized blazer an easy fix for pulling together any office-friendly outfit.

Flat Slip-On Shoes

Although flats can be considered more of a quintessential maternity shoe, Mori notes they're worth mentioning. She explains that throughout her pregnancy, she's found solace in cushioned shoes grounded in leveled soles. But Mori doesn’t go for just any flat shoe—she intentionally seeks out styles she can effortlessly slip on and off. “When you’re pregnant, the last thing you want to do is bend over and tie a pair of shoes,” she shares. “Lately, I’ve been loving Kizik’s Milan sneakers, which I can conveniently slide into without thinking twice.”

If you’re looking for a more formal alternative to sneakers, try ballet flats or loafers, which deliver the same slip-on function.

Stretchy T-Shirts

According to Laibhen-Spence, stretchy T-shirts check the “must-have” box. “Simply put, there are countless ways to wear them during pregnancy,” she says. “I have a rotation of T-shirts, which I usually style alongside wrap skirts, wide-leg jeans, and even tailored trousers."

Polk plays by similar style rules but prefers baby tees to standard or oversized silhouettes. “Of course, my pre-pregnancy tops fit a little differently now, but I adore the way my tiny tees show off my bump,” she says.

Flexible Pants

There’s no doubt that pants are tricky to style during pregnancy, but Polk has found a trusty workaround. “I barely have to expend any energy while slipping into satin pants,” she says. “They’re effortless, breezy, and I simply love how soft they feel.”

Another solution to the pants problem? Bottoms with elastic or adjustable waistbands. “These styles have saved me from taking the maternity clothing route,” says Mori. ”During the summer, I wore linen pants on repeat, but now that it’s winter, I’m leaning into knitwear pants that are nice and warm.”

As for waistline cuts, Laibhen-Spence recommends avoiding high-rise and mid-rise pants that cause digging. “Low-rise waistbands are great for pregnant women because they’re positioned at the base of the bump in a way that doesn’t lead to discomfort,” she says.

Billowing Button-Down Shirts

“I’m not sure what I would do without my oversized button-down shirts,” says Laibhen-Spence. “Not only do they fit well over an expanding bump, but they can transition seamlessly into any postpartum wardrobe because they’re easy to unfasten while breastfeeding.”

The content creator also explains that she uses her button-downs to feel polished on days when she doesn’t have enough time to spend hours assembling an outfit.

Slinky Slip Skirts

Swap your low-rise baggy jeans and stretchy pants for low-effort, high-impact slip skirts that look refined for occasions that call for upscale dress codes. “Slip skirts, especially those covered in satin, are sleek and comfortable,” says Kragmann. The style connoisseur mentions that she prefers to pair her pregnancy-friendly skirts with loose-fitting blouses and sweaters. “Use this uniform, and your bump will thank you."

Oversized Outerwear

Temperatures are swiftly dropping, meaning outerwear has officially entered the chat. Since dressing in multiple layers can be a chore for pregnant women, Labihen-Spence likes to make things less complicated with roomy coats and jackets that are easy to pull on and off. “I’ll usually wear them with fitted tops to balance out my outfits,” she adds.

Try oversized outerwear with the hardworking barn jacket trend (an undeniable nod to English country style), or champion other classic layers like trench coats and leather jackets.

Slouchy Overalls & Jumpsuits

As a self-proclaimed overalls lover, Polk shares that this utility-inspired style has worked exceptionally well during her pregnancy. “I just bought a new pair, and they hug my bump so perfectly,” she says. “And don’t get me started on the styling variations—I’ve worn them with T-shirts, tank tops, sweaters, you name it.”

If you’re partial toward one-piece garments, consider adding a jumpsuit into the mix, too. “Jumpsuits have become my go-to style for busy days when I don’t have the energy to look presentable, whether running errands or taking care of my family,” says Laibhen-Spence. “It’s the type of item that practically styles itself—not to mention, it provides extra support around my belly."

Spacious Sweatsuits

Setting aside time for rest is imperative during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. To do just that, Laibhen-Spence depends on her snug sweatsuits. “When shopping for loungewear, I specifically go for oversized sets that my bump can grow into,” she shares. So, whether you’re sprawled across the couch binging your favorite movie or indulging in an at-home spa treatment, slip into one of the comfortable pieces below to give yourself an even more relaxed vibe.

The Accessories

“If you decide to leave the house in your sweatsuit, zhuzh up your look with simple accessories like everyday jewelry or a baseball cap (which will come in handy if you’re not in the mood to do your hair),” says Laibhen-Spence.

Meet the Experts

Hailey Drew Polk

Hailey Drew Polk is a fashion and lifestyle influencer with a large following on both Instagram and TikTok. Polk's engaging content ranges from outfit videos to "how to style" tutorials.

Maria Kragmann

Maria Kragmann is a designer, creative director, and founder of the Danish label M-KAE. She is also a seasoned style influencer, sharing endless fashion content across social media.

Tiffany Laibhen-Spence

Tiffany Laibhen-Spence is a creative and digital content creator who specializes in style and self-care. She has gained a loyal following on several social platforms including instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

Yuri Mori

Yuri Mori is a model and content creator based in New York City. She is a proud outfit repeater who loves to share streamlined style inspiration.