5 Tips to Curate your Dream Pregnancy Wardrobe

Shopping can be daunting when pregnant. Many of your go-to brands may simply not have suitable fashionable options for your growing bump or comfort needs. It forces us to re-look at our whole shopping experience with fresh eyes but doesn’t need to mean that our style should falter. Read on for top tips to curate your dream pregnancy fashion wardrobe.

1. But First, Haul your Wardrobe

Before stressing about what you don’t have, haul your wardrobe for any old loves that may be able to make a comeback, creating a dedicated space for fashion maternity pieces as you go.

During pregnancy, it may appear more convenient to buy in those one-time purchases. However, that need not be the case. In the spirit of upcycling and reducing consumption unnecessarily, hauling the back of your wardrobe can also provide you with the joy of coming across old loves. Whether it is an oversize tee or flowy dress, don’t jump to purchase new straight away when there could be gems in your closet.

Using the opportunity to reorganise your wardrobe will allow you not only do a spring clean, but also the section for new go-to looks will help make your mornings easier. This is especially important on the tougher days when relying on trusted looks will help get you through.

2. Make a Fashion Must-Have List and Check it Twice

On a practical note, making a list of key items you’re likely to need for the duration of your pregnancy and initial months with your baby, will help to avoid buying too many of one thing or not enough of another. It can also contribute to any budget planning during that time, so it’s a win-win. It is tempting to panic buy items that pop-up in your social media feed, which is fine every once in a while. However, wise purchasing during this time is not only sensible, but it is also sustainable.

3. Plan for Any New Fashion Buys To Last until the Fourth Trimester (and Beyond)

Despite digging through your wardrobe archives and renting where possible, there may be some purchases that you just need-right-now. Like a good pair of high waisted leggings or white sneakers, these are fashion staples – preggo or not. However, for anything more particular, ask yourself, ‘would I wear this if I wasn’t pregnant?’. It’s likely you’ll be relying on your ‘maternity wear’ well into the months after giving birth as your body re-adjusts so it’s important to have clothes which continue to make you feel good.

For example, if you are planning on breastfeeding, its optimal to invest in nursing tops during pregnancy. There are plenty of button-down or zipped shirts and dresses that can see you through pregnancy and post-partum. In addition, comfort in every way really is key. Natural fabrics like cotton and cashmere are more breathable, lend themselves to layering and allow for adapting your body temperature to get it just right.

Of course, there are some items which are unavoidably pregnancy specific. Notably, don’t underestimate the impact to your underwear drawer! Nursing bras and stretchy panties that can accommodate your bump are key.

4. Rent for the Special Occasion

It’s likely there will be some sort of special event take place during your pregnancy. Depending on whether you can fit into any of your existing outfits or not, there are several established rental services that offer beautiful pieces for any occasion. This is a perfect time to experiment with this service when you’re stuck for inspiration. Benefits are two-fold; browsing through multiple designers without having to be put off by a hefty price tag, as well as contributing to sustainable fashion, it’s win-win!

The UK and USA is paving the way for such services with HURR, Rent the Runway and Front Row being a few of the leaders in this space.

5. Turn Shopping into a Memorable Experience

Pregnancy at times may feel endless, but it is temporary and many women later come to miss it. It’s a good idea to turn shopping into a memorable experience whether that’s with your friend, mum or bestie. If you can’t make a day of it at the shops, invite them over for an online shopping session. You don’t need to scroll endlessly or frenetically add-to-basket on your own, making the most of it with good company can do wonders for making you feel good.