Figuring out what to wear while pregnant can be confusing. Your body’s changing rapidly, making those old tried and true looks you used to reach for no longer an option. This becomes even more of a challenge when you need pregnancy summer outfits.
Not only do you need something that can adjust to your body, but you also need something that’ll keep you comfortable and cool. (Without sacrificing style, that is.)
As stylists, we’ve worked with many professional women during their pregnancies (and after). We know what pieces make life easier while expecting, and which can easily transition to the postpartum phase. All while still looking polished and professional.
If you’re looking for a simple solution to your pregnancy style this summer, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for the five essentials you need and expert advice on using them to build easy breezy outfits.
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The Key to Nailing Stylish Pregnancy Clothes for Summer
Before we get into our five must-haves for summer pregnancy style, let’s cover the key to looking stylish at any stage. Whether you’re expecting, just had a baby, or not, you can look polished by:
- Using Color Intentionally: Make sure most of your wardrobe focuses on core colors. AKA: black, navy blue, white, and grey. These neutral, classic colors go with everything. They form the versatile foundation for any outfit. They allow patterns to pop and low-key looks to go together seamlessly.
- Prioritizing Fit: If something doesn’t fit your body just right, there’s no sense in wearing it. Instead, seek out pieces that fit your body at the size you are today.
- Investing in Essentials: Buy clothes you actually need. You don’t need hundreds of trendy pieces you’ll only wear once. Instead, invest in high-quality, responsibly sourced items you can wear daily. Invest in what matters most. Whether it’s a blazer for your job or the perfect pair of jeans you can wear 24/7.
Each of these guidelines makes up the Next Level Wardrobe Style System. This system is all about simplifying getting ready each day.
No more wondering what to wear each morning or staring into your closet at a bunch of clothes that don’t fit you or your lifestyle.
With this system, you can create a versatile capsule wardrobe that’s personalized to fit your needs.
The best part? You can use it to make summer maternity style more comfortable, manageable, and stylish too. That’s why we’re not giving you a long list of 50 items to buy and never wear again. We’ve selected pieces that are made to last and can transition to post-partum life as well.
The Only 5 Things You Need for Your Pregnancy Style: Summer Edition
A stylish work outfit for pregnancy starts with the right building blocks. Here are the five items your expectant mother’s closet should have:
1. Lightweight Summer Dresses
Product by Hatch Collection, shop here.
Need summer pregnancy clothing ideas? Look no further than an easy-to-wear dress. These are indispensable for expecting mothers during the heat of the year and fit a minimalist pregnancy style.
On a practical level, these are an easy-on, easy-off item. No fussing with buttons and zippers.
Plus, if you buy a dress in the right material, this will be your most cooling, comfortable outfit option. Seek out natural fibers like cotton or linen and looser-fitting silhouettes for maximum ventilation.
They’re also a one-and-done piece on a style level. No more worrying about perfectly coordinating your separates. Just throw it on and take on the day
This is especially true with a pick like this Hatch Collection tank dress. The navy blue is easy to dress up or down and wear as is for years to come. It’s not overly trendy, so you don’t have to think about looking dated or unprofessional.
The simple, chic cut also makes it an ideal, simple base. Add a blazer for a meeting, or a sweater for days when the office AC is full blast.
Want to add your pop of personality?
- Add some sparkle with a diamond pendant or simple bangle cuffs.
- For shoes, you can’t go wrong with flats, or a pair of espadrilles for a more casual look.
Best for: Casual dress codes
2. Build Pregnancy Summer Outfits with Jumpsuits
Product by Nom Maternity, shop here.
Do you love the look of separates but hate putting together outfits? Do you love the simplicity of dresses but prefer pants? Then a jumpsuit is your style soulmate.
Much like a summer frock, a jumpsuit is one-and-done.
But how do you find the right jumpsuit for stylish summer pregnancy outfits?
The number one thing to keep an eye on is fabrication. Since your body is growing and changing every day, you need something flexible. For most women, this isn’t the time for super-structured fabrics like raw denim or starchy polyester. Instead, you need something with a little bit of elastic.
A great example is this black option from Nom Maternity. It’s stretchy without feeling cheap or too thin. The black color helps it to appear more formal, and the cut flatters your figure.
Since this piece is so flexible, it’s also great for postpartum. The elastic waist gives your bump space while adjusting to your body after delivery.
Lastly, if you’re planning on nursing, this look is for you. The surplice-style neckline makes feeding accessible and quick.
Best for: Power Casual and Casual Dress Codes
3. Wide-Leg Pants for Summer
Product by Eileen Fisher, shop here.
Not all pregnancy outfits for summer have to be one-pieces.
If you prefer separates we recommend wide-leg pants. The wider silhouette allows for plenty of breathability while still looking put-together.
Similar to with dresses and jumpsuits, we also suggest sticking with natural fibers. Think cotton, linen, silk, or even summer-weight wool. On those extra hot days, a great pair of linen wide-legs will keep you feeling (and looking) your best.
While dresses and jumpsuits have the added benefit of being an “all in one” package, you can still easily build outfits with wide-leg pants. Take these white linen ones from Eileen Fisher, for example.
We generally associate lighter colors with warmer weather, so the white hue feels seasonal and current. But, since it’s a core color just like black and navy, it also goes with everything.
Since the pants are loose-fitting, balance them with a fitted top. This will keep your silhouette from looking shapeless or too baggy.
Go with a monochromatic white blouse, or add contrast with a grey top if you’d like.
Either way, feel free to embrace the playful vibe of summer with fun accessories. This is the season to add that bag in bold green, shoes with an accent print, or jewelry.
Best for: Casual Dress Codes
4. Embrace Summer Pregnancy Style with Breezy Summer Blouses
Product by Polo Ralph Lauren, shop here.
While we’re on the subject of separates, let’s talk about blouses for minimalist maternity wear.
When you’re not wearing your wide-leg trousers and a fitted top, another essential is a breezy blouse. Here, we recommend a slightly oversized look. This of course leaves room for your baby bump, but it also creates a cool, leisurely summer look
This striped long-sleeve cotton shirt from Polo Ralph Lauren is a classic. Even though it’s patterned, it’s still rooted in core colors so you can mix and match it in a snap.
You can wear this untucked with shorts on the weekend, for example. Or, wear it open over a white tank top as a layering piece.
You can even use it as a coverup over a swimsuit for pool days and beach vacations.
Like the other items on our list of pregnancy clothes for summer, this is something you can also wear postpartum.
The loose silhouette gives your waistline flexibility while the button-down front is ideal for breastfeeding.
Best for: All Dress Codes
5. Fun Sneakers
Product by Veja, shop here.
These days, most of our female clients don’t want to wear high heels for practicality and comfort. But, they still want to look put together and cute.
Especially when you’re pregnant, the idea of wearing heels all day seems like torture.
Because of this, we always recommend investing in a pair of sneakers. But specifically for our pregnant clients, we suggest slip-on sneakers.
No one wants to bend down to tie their shoes when there’s a bump in the way!
Skip tying laces with these trend-aware low tops from Veja. They’re easy to take on and off. And the velcro makes them easy to adjust if you’re dealing with swollen feet.
Plus, they work for a casual Friday at work or beach vacation days. You don’t even have to limit them to summer. Unlike sandals, you can wear these year-round without a question.
We like the white color for versatility because it plays into those lighter tones of a summer color palette. But if you want a pop of color, this is also a great place to do it.
Best for: Power Casual and Casual Dress Codes
Want More Pregnancy Style Advice?
Get your wardrobe of pregnancy summer outfits sorted with Next Level Wardrobe. Apply for our Women’s image consulting and personal styling services to work with a professional. We’ll upgrade your closet and curate the perfect, timeless collection of clothing to suit you while you’re expecting and after.
