Building a Maternity Wardrobe Without Maternity Clothes

The fall pieces I’m buying now and planning to wear long after pregnancy.

Finding clothes that feel both comfortable and like me during pregnancy has always been surprisingly difficult — and this is my third pregnancy.

While there is plenty of maternity wear available, I rarely find myself drawn to it. I’m particularly not a fan of the wide elastic panels found on so many maternity jeans and trousers. Instead, I much prefer a lower waist that sits comfortably below the bump, or an adjustable waistband that can adapt as my body changes. Even better if the piece isn’t maternity wear at all.

This time around, I’ve been focusing on clothes I would genuinely want in my wardrobe anyway: beautiful fabrics, relaxed silhouettes and timeless pieces that happen to work with a growing bump, but will still feel relevant long after pregnancy.

Here are a few of my latest finds for fall.

Arket

Arket Satin Pants, Arket Wide Trousers & Relaxed-Fit Poplin Shirt

Satin PantsThese are made from 100% silk and feel much more elevated than your typical comfortable trouser. I sized up to give myself some extra room, and they work surprisingly well with a growing bump. They do crease easily, so a steamer is essential, but I love how effortlessly polished they look.

Wide TrousersThe relaxed silhouette and adjustable drawstring waist make these such an easy option during pregnancy. There’s plenty of room without them looking like maternity trousers — exactly what I was looking for.

Relaxed-Fit Poplin ShirtA crisp white oversized shirt is one of those pieces I always want in my wardrobe. I went up a size for an even more relaxed fit, leaving plenty of room for a growing bump. It works now with loose trousers and denim, and will be just as wearable afterwards.

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Cashmere Favourites

There are few things I reach for more than cashmere once the weather gets colder. It’s soft, warm and comfortable, while still making even the simplest outfit feel put together.

These are some of my newest additions: the Soft Goat Boyfriend Turtleneck, O’tay Abelone Sweater and O’tay Rubie Blouse.

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I deliberately chose relaxed silhouettes that work with my changing shape rather than buying maternity-specific knitwear. They’re the kind of pieces I can wear on repeat throughout fall and winter — and hopefully keep in my wardrobe for many years to come.

The Ribbed Maxi Dress

Toteme Cable-Knit Wool Maxi Dress

I came across this Toteme maxi dress on sale at Net-a-Porter and immediately fell in love with it. It’s made from 100% merino wool, and the soft, stretchy knit makes it surprisingly pregnancy-friendly. There’s enough give for a growing bump without the dress feeling overly fitted or restrictive.

I also love having a long dress to reach for on the days when even my most comfortable trousers don’t feel particularly appealing. Styled simply with boots and a coat, it feels polished and refined while still being incredibly comfortable.

And most importantly, it’s a dress I would have wanted regardless of pregnancy — which is exactly what I’m looking for when adding something new to my wardrobe.

I’m always looking for pieces that work during pregnancy without being limited to it. For me, the best maternity wardrobe is increasingly just my regular wardrobe with a little more consideration given to fit, fabric and comfort.

Hopefully some of these finds offer a little inspiration if you’re navigating the same thing. And if you’ve found any non-maternity pieces that worked particularly well during pregnancy, I’d love to hear about them.