10 Maternity Style Must-Haves for Every Season (With Real Picks You’ll Actually Wear)

Nov 18

I’ll be honest: dressing my ever-changing body during pregnancy has felt…hard. Nothing fits the way it used to, but until recently I wasn’t “showing” enough to justify a whole new wardrobe either. Now, at 26 weeks pregnant with my first, I’m finally settling into a more intentional rhythm — choosing pieces that feel good on my skin, that move and grow with me, and that I know I’ll reach for again and again, in every season.

These are the 10 maternity style essentials that have made getting dressed feel peaceful, effortless, and very me — along with a few styling tips for making them work throughout pregnancy and well into postpartum:

1. A Classic, Stretchy Maternity Tank

Use it as your base layer for everything. Pair it under oversized shirts, chunky sweaters, blazers, or even dresses that need a little extra smoothing. Tuck the hem into leggings for a clean line, or leave it out for a softer drape. Choose elevated neutrals — white, black, cream, charcoal — and you’ll never run out of ways to style them.

2. A Soft, Oversized Button-Down Shirt

Wear it open over a tank and leggings for effortless structure. Button it halfway and tuck the front for a French-tuck silhouette that highlights the bump without clinging. Roll the sleeves, pop the collar, or belt it over a dress for extra shape. You can wear this same piece postpartum for nursing-friendly layering.

3. High-Quality Maternity Leggings

Think of them as your style anchor. Dress them up with a long coat and boots or keep them cozy with an oversized sweater and sneakers. Choose full-panel for the smoothest line under fitted tops. A monochrome look (black tank + black leggings + black cardigan) is a pregnancy classic for a reason — it’s sleek, elongating, and instantly polished.

4. A Bump-Friendly Knit Dress

Let the dress do the work. Layer it with a blazer for professional days, a long cardigan for weekends, or a chunky sweater overtop to turn it into a “skirt.” Add tights and boots in winter or sandals in summer. A simple ribbed or linen dress becomes a year-round foundation piece that grows gracefully with you.

5. A Relaxed Knit Sweater

Go oversized in a way that feels intentional. Front-tuck it into a ribbed skirt, drape it over your shoulders for warmth, or half-tuck it into leggings to balance proportions. Choose one in a soft fabric that can stretch over your bump but return to shape later — your future self will thank you.

6. A Quality Pair of Maternity Jeans

Opt for classic cuts you’ll want to wear again postpartum. Pair straight-leg denim with a fitted tank and long cardigan for a polished everyday look. For dressier moments, add a breezy button-down and pointed flats. If full-panel feels too warm, try side-panel jeans with tops that hit mid-hip.

7. A Stretchy, Supportive Bra

Support = silhouette. The right bra gives your clothes their best chance of looking intentional and smooth, especially in pregnancy when everything shifts. Look for seamless styles you can wear under fitted tees, dresses, and knits. Soft neutrals blend under almost everything and keep getting dressed easy.

8. A Long Cardigan or Duster

Use it to create vertical lines and softness. A long duster instantly elongates your frame, especially when paired with a fitted base layer. Style it over dresses, leggings, or even jeans and a tank for an easy “pulled together” look. Bonus: it doubles as postpartum loungewear and a cozy nursing layer.

9. Comfortable, Stylish Shoes

Think comfort-forward with subtle refinement. Flat boots, soft leather loafers, and supportive sneakers are your best friends during pregnancy. Pair chunkier shoes with slimmer silhouettes (like leggings) and sleeker shoes with wider silhouettes (like flowy dresses or skirts) to keep proportions balanced.

10. A Soft Midi or Maxi Skirt With Stretch

Let it be your “dress alternative.” Style with a fitted tank and long cardigan, a tucked-in tee and sneakers, or an oversized sweater half-tucked for a cozy-chic look. The gentle stretch allows the skirt to sit above or below the bump depending on comfort — and it’s just as lovely postpartum.

Why These Pieces Work So Well

They layer beautifully: You can make the same outfit work for warm or cool weather with a simple change in outerwear.

They grow with you: Nothing here is overly “maternity.” These pieces stretch, drape, or adjust so you’re not buying for one trimester.

They transition effortlessly: Postpartum has its own season — and these pieces will support you through it with ease.

They help you feel like yourself: Pregnancy changes so much, but your personal style doesn’t have to disappear. These are pieces that hold space for your softness, your strength, and the beautiful in-between.

Some of my favorite looks so far that incorporate these pieces: