Fashion by Trimester

Dressing for pregnancy can be a serious challenge. An ever-expanding basketball-shaped middle isn’t the easiest to fit or flatter, but on occasion you’ll have to get out of your yoga pants and put on real clothes. Whether you’re on your first pregnancy or your third, there are a few essential maternity products you’re bound to need. We’ve enlisted zulily.com’s in-house maternity fashion expert, Robin Otto, to share her top product must-haves that no stylish mommy should be without for each trimester! Plus, we’ve added a few of our own.

Fashion Tips for Each Trimester

First Trimester: Maternity tunics and leggings are always made with stretchy fabrics, so in the early stages they have a nice drape, but later they have the ability to grow with you.

Bonus FBM First Trimester Tip: Buy a belly band. They are essential when your pants get difficult to button and will buy you some time before you have to hit the maternity pants 24/7.

Second Trimester: Layered pieces and stripes are a great way to look trendy and also flatter your bump. Look for open cardigans and fitted tops to layer underneath, and don’t be afraid of stripes! They pull around the belly which gives the illusion of a waist.

Bonus FBM Second Trimester Tip: Think versatility! Focus on maternity staples that you can dress up and down and that work across multiple seasons, particularly if you’re planning on having more than one kiddo.

Third Trimester: Maternity pajamas and a nursing bra are a must because at this point you’ve probably grown out of your pre-pregnancy wardrobe. Nursing bras are typically made with Spandex, so they have room to stretch and grow as your size fluctuates.

Bonus FBM Third Trimester Tip: Dresses. Particularly in warm-weather months. Dresses, dresses, dresses.

Bonus! Post-Baby: A nursing cami is great to wear at night when you’re waking up frequently to feed your baby and the clip down mechanism provides easy, one-handed access.

Bonus! FBM Post-Baby Tip: Buy a pair of pajamas that will fit you after delivery. There’s something so nice about having a new pair of PJs to wear when you’re lounging around in those first few days with a newborn. Also, this is where I’m required to remind you not to expect to fit into your pre-pregnancy clothes immediately. Give it plenty of time!

What fashion tips would you give expecting moms? Mine is comfort first, fashion second. Ha! —Erin