Maternity staples to save you completely overhauling your wardrobe

Personally, I don’t really buy into overhauling your wardrobe for maternity wear as it tends to be frumpy, oversized and well… just not really me. But there are a few staples I really recommend for anyone who is pregnant. 

Nursing dress

Tiered Maternity & Nursing Dress, £159.90, CARI

Flattering and stylish, CARI isn’t your average throw-away maternity clothes look – i.e. frumpy, oversized, shapeless. The hidden features for breastfeeding are clever and will definitely be really useful once baby arrives. No other maternity wear markets itself as something you can use after you have the baby so I really like that it is dual-purpose and has an extended life.

Spanx leggings

 Spanx Maternity Leggings, €112, Brown Thomas

These are super comfy with an over-the-bump waistband that easily takes you from day to night and office to out. They’re especially good for autumn/winter pregnancies when you can throw an oversized jumper over them for a polished but effortless look. 

Lululemon leggings

Lululemon Align Leggings, €98, Lululemon

These super-high-rise leggings are my most lived-in and loved pregnancy item – they fit snugly over your growing bump and fit just so. They somehow manage to feel snug whether you are 12 weeks or 40 weeks. Even better, they are forgiving on a postpartum body and they are a wardrobe staple after pregnancy too. A must-buy!

Black dungarees

Black Maternity Dungarees, €59.50, Jojo Maman Bébé 

Nothing says mama-to-be like a pair of black denim maternity dungarees like these ones.  That Dulux ad from the 1990s of the woman painting her nursery with pigtails and dungarees must have embedded itself deep in my subconscious because whenever I want to channel a Susie homemaker vibe or do some DIY nesting, this is what I opt for. 

Birkenstock sandals

Brown Arizona Sandals, €106, Schuh

Birkenstocks are every pregnant woman’s best friend (especially in the middle of a heat wave!) as they’re about the only thing you can wear on your puffy, swollen feet. 

Nursing bra 

2-pack Mama Nursing Bras €29.99, H&M 

These seamless nursing bras are perfect for pregnancy when you are avoiding underwires and need something comfy. They’re also perfect for when baby arrives as they’re great for easy feeding or to wear under a nightie. 

Invisible underwear

Calvin Klein Invisible Thongs, €15, Calvin Klein 

These seamless knickers are great under any outfit and are generously sized to accommodate a growing waistline and bump.

Maternity swimsuit

MAMA Padded-Cup Swimsuit, €23, H&M

On holiday, I tend to let my bump out in my normal bikinis but as you get bigger, you can’t beat an H&M maternity one-piece. Ideal for sea swimming here at home… if you’re brave enough to face the icy waters!

Feature image via @karliekloss. We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site. 

This article was originally published in June 2023.