How to Dress a Bump

First, let me just say that I’m not the most stylish pregnant lady out there.  Nor, do I consider myself an expert, by any means, on how to dress a baby bump.  But, I had some requests to put together a post of how I am using my current wardrobe and what pieces I have purchased during this pregnancy.  I am more than happy to share. 

So, I guess we start at the basics.  I needed to plan for work & fun when thinking about adding pieces to my closet.  See, at work, I have to dress very conservatively.  I’m talking about a suite, closed toe shoes, and knee highs (yes, I know….).  Anyway, I knew I wasn’t going to purchase any maternity suits, so I wanted something I could incorporate into my work and everyday attire.  Also, staying affordable and cheap were key to me.  I used to think of how exciting it would be to buy a whole new wardrobe when I got pregnant.  As soon as I got pregnant, my mindset totally changed and I wanted to purchase as little as possible for me because there were all these things I wanted for our new child!

First, I would highly suggest looking at what you have in your own closet.  Especially the first 6 months.  Any longer top or dress could take you through your first two trimesters.  Obviously, I was dressing this bump during the warmer months, so it could be different if you are doing the same thing during the winter.  Next, I purchased the basics when it came to tops and bottoms.



1) Long cardigans.  I stocked up on mine from the clearance section at Old Navy.  These were great to replace my suit jackets on most days and also when I needed some extra length.  Extra bonus- can wear afterwards!

2) Long Tank Tops. These are from Target and are $12.99.  I really wish I had them in every single color.  But, I purchased white and black.  During the warmer months, these were great to wear by themselves.  Also, any regular top that is getting too short, just throw one of these underneath.  Extra bonus- can wear afterwards!

3) Long T-Shirts.  These are also from Target and are only $9.99.  These were perfect for the whole pregnancy…up until now.  Honestly, because they do not have the ruching, they are getting a little short.  However, I will definitely make them last the whole time.  They are perfect for wearing under the suit jacket with a statement necklace, with jeans, or for lounging.  I have 3 of them!  Extra bonus- can wear afterwards!




First suggestion when it comes to bottoms, buy maternity asap.  I waited too long to buy them and was uncomfortable for a while.  Even though I wasn’t showing, my {everything} was expanding.  I did the whole hair tie trick for a while, which was fine, but honestly, maternity pants fit so much better!  I didn’t try the band, but some people have good luck with that.  Second suggestion is to buy what you normally wear.  Seems like a no brainer, right?  Well, I found some major steals & deals at my local gap and clearance store gap over the summer. 

Things like (1) jean shorts (most affordable and best I found was at Old Navy), (2) work pants (gap clearance center), and (3) jeans (love H&M fit) were what I bought.  And again, if you wear skinny jeans normally, buy yourself skinny maternity jeans.  I felt so much better when I was dressed like I “normally” would.

For everything else, I shopped at my favorite stores and sized up one.  This worked for a lot of tops and dresses.  All the dresses I wore for my showers/special occasions (here, here, and here) were from either The Limited or Kohls, just a little bigger.

These are the things I’ve found that have worked well throughout pregnancy.  Now that I have a serious baby bump to contend with, things are a little bit different.  I’m trying not to buy anything else since there is only about 6 weeks left.  I’ve added a couple of long sleeved shirts and hoping my winter clothes can help with the transition!

Let me know if you have any questions!