Words by Cimon Vozzo

Stay true to your style

When you’re pregnant, it’s easy to feel the urge to buy a whole new wardrobe full of maternity-specific pieces. I’d advise against that! My best tip is to stay true to your personal style. It sounds simple, but so many people panic and think they need to completely overhaul their wardrobe. Trust me, you don’t need to buy maternity jeans or anything labeled “maternity.”

All I did was buy a couple of sizes up from my regular clothes, and this carried me seamlessly through both my pregnancy and the early postpartum phase.

Embrace elastic waistbands

Elastic waistbands are your best friend during pregnancy and postpartum. They’re not just practical but comfortable too. Whether it’s leggings, skirts, or pants, anything with an elastic waistband will give you flexibility and room to grow (or shrink) after giving birth. This will help you avoid constantly adjusting your clothes while still looking stylish.

Create a pregnancy capsule wardrobe

Instead of investing in a huge maternity wardrobe, create a pregnancy capsule wardrobe. The idea is to focus on a few key pieces that work for both pregnancy and postpartum. These items should make you feel comfortable, stylish, and confident. When selecting your capsule wardrobe, aim for pieces that you can mix and match easily.

Fitted tops, loose bottoms

For me, I love oversized clothing, but during pregnancy, I had to adjust my usual style. I found that wearing more fitted tops worked better to highlight my baby bump, while I paired them with looser pants or skirts. This balance allowed me to feel chic and comfortable while showing off my bump.

You don’t need to hide your pregnancy – embrace it! Think of fitted tops with elastic waist skirts or pants as a chic yet comfortable option.

Don’t shop in the maternity section

Here’s a secret: avoid the maternity section. Instead, shop your own style but just buy a couple of sizes up. This allows you to retain your signature style and avoid the overly frumpy maternity clothes that are available. Look for stretchy fabrics, elastic waistbands, and loose-fitting options that accommodate your body’s changing shape.

Hospital chic

When I was preparing for the birth of my son, I wanted to look chic, even at the hospital. I remember buying a gorgeous maroon-coloured tracksuit for the hospital, not only to be comfortable but also to feel put together when visitors came by. The key here is to keep it simple, comfortable, and stylish – after all, you want to feel great, especially during those first few days after birth.

Postpartum essentials

After giving birth, you might find that it’s difficult to return to your pre-pregnancy body immediately. Give yourself grace and time. During the postpartum period, comfort is still essential, but you’ll want pieces that help you transition back to your usual wardrobe. High-waisted leggings, tunics, and soft blouses that give you a flattering shape are perfect. Opt for clothes that are easy to nurse in if you’re breastfeeding. That way, you’re not compromising your style for practicality.

Pregnancy and postpartum are times of great change, but your style doesn’t have to change dramatically. By staying true to your personal style, shopping smart, and focusing on comfort, you can still feel chic and confident. Remember, the most important thing is to feel empowered by your body and the changes it’s going through – and with the right wardrobe, you can do that while still feeling stylish.

• Buy a few sizes up: Instead of investing in a whole new maternity wardrobe, just go a size or two up from your regular clothing.
• Elastic waistbands are key: They offer comfort without sacrificing style. Look for skirts, pants, and leggings that have stretchy waistbands.
• Embrace fitted tops: Wear more form-fitting tops to highlight your bump while pairing them with looser pants or skirts.
• Choose a capsule wardrobe: Focus on versatile pieces that will take you through pregnancy and beyond.
• Shop your own style: Don’t fall for maternity clothes that aren’t ‘you’. Buy regular clothes in a larger size and experiment with layering and accessorizing.
• Feel chic at the hospital: Invest in something comfortable but stylish for your hospital stay – it’ll help you feel more yourself during this busy time.
• Breastfeeding-friendly options: Opt for clothing that’s easy to nurse in but still makes you feel stylish and confident.

Follow Cimon at @cimon.vozzo