Dress Your Bump: A 2nd Trimester Guide to Feeling Good and Looking Chic
Believe it or not, you’re about halfway through your second trimester, mama...woohoo!! By now you’ve probably made the official announcement to family, friends, coworkers, the barista at your local coffee shop (he knew something was up when you switched to decaf…)
Now that the secret’s out there, it’s time to get your bump out there too!
Every mama, pregnancy, and body is different so you may have a barely-there bump or already be rockin’ the belly full on -- but whatever your silhouette, these style tips will have you looking (and feeling) mamalicious ;)
Make Sure You Stretch First
Forgiving material is a maternity wardrobe staple for a great reason: it highlights your new curves and grows with your belly, so one article of clothing can stick with you through week 40 and beyond! Ruched side seams and bodycon styles can be dressed up or down, and the stretchy fabric is soooo comfy.
Our picks: Hatch, Ingrid & Isabel, PinkBlush, and ASOS
Blue Jean Baby
Maternity denim comes in a few different styles -- under-belly waistband, over-belly waistband, and side stretch panel -- so try a few options to see what you’re comfortable in. Don ankle-length skinny jeans, a bright white tee, a pair of flats or stacked-heel boots, and a duster for instant elevated casual, or pair denim with a longer top and open structured jacket in a pop of color.
Our picks: Hatch, GAP, and Madewell
Take It To the Max
Let’s be real: when you’re growing a person, sometimes you just don’t wanna wear pants. Enter the maxi dress...insanely comfy, super easy to throw on with a few accessories for instant chic, and easy to dress up or down. More structured options draw a little more attention to your tummy, while flowy knits and silky fabrics give a more boho earth-mama vibe.
Our picks: Hatch, Baltic Born, Vici, and this major deal from Amazon
Layer On the Love
Cardigans, kimonos, dusters...layers are a preggo mama’s best freakin’ friend. They add polish to a casual outfit or tone down a formal one, they provide coverage for curves you may not be in the mood to flaunt just yet, and you can adjust your outfit throughout the day as those lovely pregnancy hormones play hot & cold with your body temp. Plus, layering longer looser pieces over your more fitted items of clothing can help you stretch your non-maternity clothing a little farther into your pregnancy.
Our picks: Kim + Ono, Free People, Anthropologie, Banana Republic
Think Outside the Maternity Box
Don’t despair; you don’t suddenly need an entirely new closetful of clothes once you pop...you can absolutely get creative with non-maternity options! Look for pieces with elastic or drawstring waistbands, tunic-style tops with a little more length and flow, and material with some give (peep Ashley Graham killing her mama look in a ribbed Free People dress/cardi combo and suede boots).
Our picks: Vici, H&M, Madewell, Free People
Mama Pro Tip → If you want to get a little extra mileage out of your maternity wear, look for items that will also be nursing-friendly once you hit postpartum...it’ll take a little while for your uterus to shrink so you’ll still be wanting clothing that can accommodate a little more “bump” in your belly area!
Don’t Forget the Foundation
Good maternity style starts with good underpinnings...plus, pretty lingerie always makes ya feel a little more special! Now’s a good time to size up in a couple bras (don’t completely restock, since your breast size will fluctuate a LOT between now and postpartum!), and to get some underwear to accommodate your belly.
Our picks: Hatch, Cosabella, Hanky Panky
Add In Some Athleisure
Whether you and your baby bump are actually headed to the gym or not, athleisure should definitely have a place in your expecting mama wardrobe...it’s comfy, it’s fitted, it’s casual without looking sloppy...and you’ll be able to fool everyone into thinking you could spring into a brisk jog at any moment (hey, a Target run counts as exercise, right?)
Our picks: Nike Maternity, Ingrid and Isabel, Gap
Cocoon Style
The Cocoon isn’t just a nursing cover...it’s also the perfect easy layer for pregnancy! Throw it on poncho-style over some leggings or skinny jeans, turn it into a cape for pre-baby date night, or drape it loosely around your neck as a cowl or scarf.
Finish the Look
Keep accessories simple but special: a ByChari Mama necklace or a pair of statement drop earrings (before those cute pudgy baby hands are around to grab at them!), and pare down to the essentials with a lightweight crossbody bag.
Go strut your stuff, sassy mama!
