When I calculated the due date of my third baby, I realized that I’d be rocking a bump in peak summer. Trying to find cute outfits for an achy third-trimester body to wear in sizzling temps? The assignment felt impossible.
But now. Here I am, 32 weeks pregnant, announcing something on the internet that I never thought would be my truth: dressing a pregnant body in the summer has been fun. Instead of relying on overalls and turtlenecks, I can experiment with babydoll dresses and linen pants. It feels good to bare a little skin.
Curious to compare notes with a fellow mom-to-be, I turned to the always chic Erika Veurink. “Dressing while pregnant in the summer has been an exercise in prioritizing comfort,” she told me. “When something works, I’m keen on repeating it. Utilizing accessories, like a purse or sunglasses, makes me feel like myself, even if I’m wearing the same dress over and over again.”
Today, Erika and I share 11 pieces we’ve been wearing non-stop…
Drawstring skirt: “I got this J.Crew skirt when I wasn’t pregnant, but the stretchy waistband lets it double as maternity wear. I scoot the band underneath my belly, then fold the waistband over twice so the bottom of the skirt doesn’t drag on the floor. I pull it out on days when the wearing pants sounds like hell. You can snag a pre-loved skirt here, plus three similar styles: pleated, midi, and red.” — Jannelle
Men’s tennis shorts: “These shorts from the tennis brand Spence are so great, I have to hide them from my husband to avoid him stealing. Unlike other athletic shorts, they have a zipper and drawstrings, which have felt good on my growing belly.” — Erika
Babydoll dresses: “These days, my body is running hot. Babydoll dresses are a lifesaver since the majority of the material only touches my bust. The rest skims over my waist, belly and thighs. This pink dress was my mom’s, and I bought the denim Gap one (sized up) when I was pregnant with my son, Emiliano. Here are a few others I have my eye on: striped, floral, and gauze.” — Jannelle
Caftans: “I wanted to invest in pieces that could move through pregnancy and postpartum, just like this caftan. This dress is a blank canvas, but I feel pulled together even if it’s the only thing I slip on.” — Erika [Ed. note: Three more lovely ones: blue, peach, pink.]
Linen pants: “I’m obsessed with these Buck Mason pants because they’re crazy comfy and the material gets softer with every wear. I sized up so they would fit around my hips, which always widen during my pregnancies. To avoid an awkward bunch of fabric in the crotch area, I just roll the waistband over twice. The pant leg runs long on me (I’m 5’3″), but I plan on hemming them once I’m postpartum and have a better idea of where the pants land when I wear them high-waisted.” — Jannelle
White cotton pants: “Mine are vintage, but pretty much every brand is making a version for the summer. I like that these can feel fancy, if paired a nice top. And I tend to favor these with a bare ankle, making them summertime stars.” — Erika
FIVE MORE ALL-STARS:
Jelly sandals: “Sparkly jellies are the best thing I got all summer. They make every outfit 100% more playful. Over my three pregnancies, I’ve realized that wearing fun shoes makes my maternity outfits feel more like me.” — Jannelle
Compression socks: “I’ve been flying for work during my pregnancy, and my midwife was insistent on compression socks from the jump. I went for these because I can dry them in the dryer, and if I’m wearing a casual outfit, I’ll just scrunch them down once I land.” — Erika
Linen shorts: “For the past three years, these shorts have been my unicorn, because the fit is loose, they pair well with everything, and they feel good whether I’m pregnant or not. These also look really comfy.” — Jannelle
Body lotion: “There’s no limit to the amount of moisture my pregnant body can absorb. I want pretty much zero dry time before slipping into a nightgown, and this big $14 tub checks that box.” — Erika
Maternity pajamas: “I stand by my long-time recommendation. They feel so chic and good to slip into after a long day. The material is on the thicker side, but it feels nice on my bowling-ball-sized belly. Bonus: easy boob access for breastfeeding.” — Jannelle
What maternity pieces do (or did) you find yourself reaching for? Any recommendations? If you’re pregnant these days, how are you feeling?
P.S. Going from one to two kids, Erika’s (non-maternity) week of outfits, and a compelling essay: “I thought I’d accepted my body. Then I got pregnant.”
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