Hi! I want to start this post about dressing the bump by saying – if you’re pregnant, you NEED to create a baby registry on Amazon. Not only do they have just about everything you could ever want, they offer free sipping on most items, free returns and the best part – up to a 15% completion discount on all items on your registry! Think about that… a discount on everything you registered for! Plus, Amazon is already the cheapest place to get most things for baby!
Now that I’m done being pregnant, I can honestly say that I will miss that bump of mine, if even juuuust a little bit. I mean, it was proving to be quite useful, as a table or hand rest. It’s been a really fun challenge dressing that bump, and I have gotten pretty good at wearing normal person clothes and working WITH the bump instead of against it, if that makes sense. I’m not a huge fan of maternity clothes in and of themselves (except for a few super cute dresses I got and of course my beloved Gap maternity leggings and my very favorite blanqi maternity leggings– life savers!) and thus just sized up in normal clothes and worked with items that flatter and accentuate the bump just so. I also have been able to wear my non-maternity Zella leggings (my all-time faves!) throughout my pregnancies, too! And I think I got it down. Maybe that means more babies to come! ;) But hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.
Today I want to share a few of my tips for dressing the bump, as I have been getting a lot of questions about it, and really just want to put it all out there. First off, let’s just say that I’m not a “maternity fashion” fan, really. I mean, most of the stuff if we’re being honest, ain’t that cute. Yes, it’s better than it used to be (not so many muumuus!) but still. Feeling cute is HIGH on the list of priorities for a pregnant woman, and sometimes the maternity section just doesn’t cut it. In no particular order, here are a few of my tips for dressing the bump!
1. Open sweaters and kimonos are your friends. Anything that just lays over your shoulders, and thus cannot be stretched out! I love pairing a loose flowy open kimono with a tight and long cami and some leggings or a cute dress.
KIMONOS I’M LOVING: HERE, HERE, HERE AND HERE.
2. Maternity leggings are a must. Blanqi maternity leggings are my favorite lightweight leggings. They are opaque and super soft and comfortable and provide support for that belly. At a lower price range, but still a great option, are Gap maternity leggings. I recently found these compression leggings that I’ve been LOVING for workout out! So if you need a good workout pair, these are the ones! Also great for lounging around, they fit true to your pre-pregnancy size. They go perfectly with the Hunter boots found here. I am so happy I made this purchase near to the beginning of my pregnancy. It’s one of the very few “maternity” items that I bought, and I am really glad I did. Especially since I was pregnant mostly during the colder months, I literally got SO much use out of these leggings. I would invest in a few pairs. I’ll be re-purchasing for my next pregnancy, for sure. Also, though, you can totally get away with just wearing regular leggings as well. It’s allll in that elastic waist. BIG THUMBS UP!
LEGGING LOVE: HERE, HERE, HERE AND MY FAVORITE LEGGINGS EVER HERE.
Related posts: Nursery Wish List | How to Start a Lifestyle Blog | Gift Guide for New Moms | Dressing the Postpartum Body
3. Size up! Okay, here’s my biggest and most favorite “secret” of dressing the bump: Just size up! Buy regular clothes, all in one or two sizes larger than you usually wear. Boom. Done. You can still wear cute clothes that are in style, and you can still feel like a normal person this way. Also, I stocked up on these camis, in size Large, and they were perfect for layering and wearing underneath any shirts that might not have been quite long enough.
4. Elastic waists are the bee’s knees. Shorts, skirts (maxis are the besttttt!), leggings, anything with an elastic waist is your best friend during pregnancy. I actually wore my regular leggings throughout my pregnancy, as they are nice and stretchy and still fit! If you find they cut off your circulation, please, do NOT wear them- this is why those maternity leggings are so great! For variety, get a few pairs of leggings that are a size larger (or maternity leggings at your regular size- see the legging section above!) and rock those!
Also, check ThredUp for awesome discounts on brands that you love! They are one of my favorite “secrets” to getting designer clothes at a fraction of the price- plus, you get a free $20 off your first order when you sign up via THIS LINK!
5. Don’t hide it! If you’re pregnant during the summer, show off that cute bump and rock a bikini! There is nothing cuter than a bump in a bikini, if you ask me. It’s all about confidence, mama! This picture makes me smile, as it was just a week before little man was born. :)
6. Accentuate it. Don’t hide your beautiful growing bump! Show it off! Be proud of the amazing things your body is doing! My favorite way to accentuate my bump is to tie a belt right above it. This works great with a pretty little non form-fitting dress. I also loved wearing a form-fitting dress or top to really pop that bump!
SOME CUTE BELTS: HERE and HERE
And there you have it. My top tips for dressing the bump. The best advice I can give is to have fun with it! And don’t try to hide your bump with frumpy clothes. It will not only make you look frumpy, but you’ll feel frumpy too, which is the LAST thing you should be feeling while pregnant! Flaunt it, little mama! ;)
Already had your baby? Check out DRESSING THE POSTPARTUM BODY!
xo
Aww love this! Such good advice :)
Yay! Thanks so much! :)
xo
It also helps that your bump was the perfect round basketball! You rocked all those looks and put my regular wardrobe to shame!
Aww thanks girl! :)
xo
I completely agree with all of your advice! :-) I am wearing some maternity tops but nothing that screams maternity. I don’t like tent tops! I wish I had bought more regular clothes and sized up. Cuter and honestly cheaper!
Yes, anything that SCREAMS maternity is just a big no-no! And I’m always for the cheaper route! :)
xo
These are great tips and I can’t wait to use them for myself one day! I love that last picture :)
Aw yay, glad you like them! :)
xo
First of all, I love all your outfits – so cute! Second, would you be able to tell me where your shirt and vest are from in the photo of you in your hunters? Thanks so much!
Aw thanks girl! My shirt is from Gilly Hicks and the vest is Old Navy! :)
xo
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, you are the cutest pregnant person ever!
Aww thanks Helene!! :) I kind of miss it, but only juuuuust a tad bit ;)
xo
Great ideas -I’ll tuck these tips away for the future. If I’m half as cute as you when I’m pregnant then it will be a miracle!
Awww you’re so sweet!! :)
xo
I really hope that I’m as adorable when I’m pregnant as you were!
Aw I know you will be the cutest!! :)
xo
You were definitely the most stylish pregnant lady I’ve ever seen!
Aww you’re so sweet!
xo
Great tips! I’m bookmarking this for when I get pregnant someday!
Yay!! :)
xo
These are awesome tips! The “size up” rule worked really well for me when I was preggers, you just have to remember that dresses will come up in the front because of your belly, so that can look a little crazy sometimes, haha! You were the cutest pregnant!
Haha yes, good tip there! You definitely have to watch the hem of those dresses ;)
xo
Pinning these tips for when I get pregnant. You look fabulous!!
Aw yay! :) Thanks lovely!
xo
So, I just showed my mom llymlrs for the first time and her older stuff too because I was showing her the ombre and my mom was like “wait, that’s Katie did what.” i know you’ve probably heard this a lot but even my mama says you look alike haha.
Also, I loved your pregnancy fashion you always looked adorable! You made being pregnant look easy!
Yes, I’ve gotten that a few times, and I love it! I used to really love her back in the day. :) I think it’s the hair. And you are so sweet to me! Thanks love.
xo
That black bikini is SO cute!
Target!! :)
xo
Definitely great and “easy” tips. Crazy how something so simple can make a big difference (like a belt…lol…) Maternity leggings really are the best. I didn’t buy any this time around because my regular leggings were fitting nicely up until about the last few weeks of cold weather, by that time though I was not about to waste $ on them knowing it would be getting warm very soon.
Aw thanks! I’m glad you like my tips :) Easy is how I roll! And yeah, regular leggings fit me until the end, too!
xo
The best tips ever!!! Could you tell me where you got your cute kimonos?! :)
Aw thanks! So sorry I’m a little late in my reply, but I just saw your comment! I got my black and roses kimono at Forever 21, the black kimono with the mint dress I got at Windsor. I also love Urban Outfitters for kimonos! Hope this helps :)
xo
Hi! I’ve repeatedly gone back and checked your page for advice and honestly, best advice ever! I’ve had a nightmare finding stuff that’s flattering and it’s so true, size up with tops and wear belts above dresses! You’ve saved me and I feel pretty again. Thank you! x
Awwww you are the sweetest! I’m so glad that my advice has helped!!! :) Your comment made my day, pretty girl! Congrats on your pregnancy!
xo
Hi there! Love all your stylish tips for pregnancy and can’t wait to refer back to this. I’m 19 weeks on my 2nd pregnancy and I wish I had known more of these tips for my 1st :) but yay, glad I found this!
Quick question: I clicked on your gap maternity leggings link and on the gap website, it just shows up as regular leggings it looks like, not maternity. Is that correct?? Just wondering what size I should order. You look about the same size as me and I carried the same way as you for my daughter :-) so if you wouldn’t mind telling me what size you ordered, I would greatly appreciate it :) deciding between XS and S.
Thanks so much in advance!
Kathleen
Hi Kathleen! Thank you so much for your sweet words! I’m so glad you liked this post! :) Congrats on your pregnancy!!! So exciting! <3 Those gap leggings are indeed maternity! Not sure why they don't say it in the description, but they definitely are! And they are AWESOME. I got a small and they fit great! I can even wear them now, not pregnant, since they're so stretchy! Hope that helps.
xo
Hi! That helps so much, thank you! I think I will order those in a small then :) I am much more excited about dressing up my bump this pregnancy since I came across your site…. Thanks a lot for all of this great advice!
Nice ideas for my daughter! She s expectante a baby for November!
Aww yay! Congratulations to your daughter- and to you! :)
xo
I love the kimono you’re wearing pictured above “kimonos I’m loving” where did you get it? :)
Thanks Haven! I got it from windsorstore.com! :)
xo
I love the kimono too! Would you suggest sizing up in a kimono too?
No, I’d go with your normal size, since it just drapes over you :)
xo
Ok, thank you!! Love your blog!
What about the vest size? Did you size up or wear your usual size just leaving it open at all times?
And I left it open! The bump wouldn’t allow for closure ;) haha!
xo
Would you suggest sizing up on the vest?
Stick with your true size!
oh my goodness I have never seen someone who dresses the same as me!!!!!! I love it and your style! I’ve been having super early pregnancy symptoms and I’m praying/believing I really am pregnant and this post really helped! Considering I have all this stuff in my closet already!! (Except the cute f21 loose pants)
This helped me so much, thanks for the advice!!!
Yay! So glad it helped, Ashlee! :)
xo
I appretiate your tips…but I cannot agree that confidence is in a relationship to “showing off” the bump. I do not think a woman who tries to cover her bump is not confident. My grandmother grew up in 40s, 50s and there was nothing wrong with being a little puffier. Still there was greater emphasis on modesty. Modesty and confidence can go hand in hand with good taste and give us beautiful pregnant mothers in decent clothing.
Oh absolutely! Hey, to each his own is my motto! Whatever you feel confident in, wear that. :) I was simply stating that you don’t need to cover it all up or try to disguise the bump if you don’t want to.
xo
Hey Katie,
Where did you purchase that black floral coverup? love it and want one!
it’s from Forever 21 a few years ago!
xo
i see that they still have it— can you tell me the size?
hmm.. are you talking about the rose kimono in the first picture? I found a similar one here, but it’s plus size: http://bit.ly/1T7BmbK
xo
I love your pregnancy style tips…love those boots too. I must say, i can hardly find some of these fashion accessories where i live…and shopping online isn’t my favorite thing. But i picked a thing or two from your post. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Glad to hear you found a couple of things!
I love all of your outfits! Especially the one with the denim shirt over the white cami. I will definitely take note for one day when I hope to rock the baby bump. I love when you said, “You can still wear cute clothes that are in style, and you can still feel like a normal person this way.” Pregnancy is such a beautiful time that should be celebrated.
Aww thanks Kelly!! :) And yes, I 100% feel that way! It is a time to be celebrated and to feel beautiful!
xo
Omg yes!! I just figured out that kimonos are like the best way to dress up and feel normal!! I’m now interested in these Blanqi leggings…I still have a couple months left