Pregnancy

Pregnancy changes a lot, but your sense of style doesn’t have to suffer. You don’t need a crash course in maternity fashion. Just a few smart swaps, some comfy layers, and outfit formulas that flex with your body (and your mood).  

This guide on what to look for when buying bump-friendly basics that go the distance is here to help you dress your bump in a way that feels good, looks like you, and makes getting dressed one less thing to stress about during your pregnancy.  

We’ve teamed up with fashion stylist Emily Davies (@emilyjdavies) to bring you expert-backed tips on dressing your baby bump. From practical outfit formulas to smart layering and second-hand finds, this guide is designed to help you feel confident, comfortable, and stylish throughout your pregnancy. 

Clothes that grow with you (and still feel like you) 

”Prioritise fabrics with stretch. Jersey and cotton blends will move with your body as it changes.” 

— Emily Davies, Fashion Stylist.   

The trick? Mix fitted and loose silhouettes, wear vintage jeans low and loose, layer smartly, and pick items that transition through every trimester and beyond pregnancy, too. 

Truthfully, there’s no need to buy a whole new wardrobe for nine months. Many mums nowadays are foregoing the old tropes of stretchy pregnancy jeans and classic maternity wear. Nowadays, pregnancy style isn’t about hiding your bump, it’s about showing up as exactly who you are, with confidence and comfort in tow.  

Let’s lean into the changes and dress your bump in a way that feels true, joyful, and just like you. 

Pregnancy outfit formulas that just work 

“Accessorise with earrings, a great bag, a scarf, your favourite sunglasses. These are simple ways to still feel like yourself and elevate an outfit during pregnancy, without buying anything new.” 

— Emily Davies, Fashion Stylist.   

When your brain’s foggy and your pre-pregnancy jeans are fighting back, maternity outfit formulas can save the day. 

Try this: bump-hugging dress + oversized shirt + chunky slides. Or stretchy leggings + longline tee + dad blazer.  

These go-to outfit combos make getting dressed (even half asleep) feel easy and put-together. You don’t need to overthink fashion maths, just keep a few no-fail combos on rotation, and dressing becomes one less decision to make before breakfast. 

Pregnancy swimwear that gets the assignment 

Whether you're hitting the paddling pool or heading on a babymoon, swimwear that fits and feels good makes soaking up the moment that much easier, and just because your body’s changing doesn’t mean your poolside confidence should. Maternity swimwear these days? It's cute and clever. Think bump-flattering one-pieces with ruching, supportive bikinis with adjustable straps, and buttery-soft fabrics that move with you. 

Quick tip: Pregnancy can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so wearing SPF is non-negotiable. Look for mineral-based, broad-spectrum protection and reapply often.  

First trimester outfits 

In the early days, you can probably get away with finding clever ways to adapt the non-pregnancy pieces already in your wardrobe that don’t scream maternity. Maybe you could create a Pinterest board full of pregnancy style inspo to help you plan how you’ll dress your blooming bump. 

Second trimester outfits  

Midway through? Bring in supportive, breathable fabrics (soft cotton, jersey, bamboo, or modal blends), and bump-accentuating (or baring) silhouettes that let you show off (if you want to).  

Dresses in soft, stretchy knits can be surprisingly comfortable and confidence-boosting, showing off your bump instead of hiding it can feel empowering, not exposing. 

Third trimester outfits  

Near the end, lean into comfort hero pieces. Think floaty dresses, sliders, sandals, or trainers you can slip into, and oversized button-downs and longline tees worn open over dresses, or layered with leggings. They’re breathable, stylish, and great for that "I got dressed but barely tried" look. Plus, they transition perfectly into the 4th trimester. 

Postpartum outfits  

“Remember some styles can carry over into the postpartum period, like button down shirts, fabrics with stretch, and all your accessories!” 

— Emily Davies, Fashion Stylist.   

Keep what works and ditch what doesn’t. It’s a style journey, and the 4th trimester is never a one-size-fits-all situation. Learn more in our postpartum style tips guide.