MATERNITY ‘fits that fit
Adjusting to a growing belly has been a fun adventure for the past nine months! Here’s what I’ve loved, learned, and outgrown along the way as I’ve shopped my own wardrobe and evolved my bumpdrobe through the seasons.
First Trimester
Ah, the early days, I don’t miss those. Bloating, nausea, fatigue and lots of pasta washed down with ginger chews...survival mode was a glamorous combo! Tight clothes were instantly off my radar, so I shopped my own wardrobe. Luckily, I’m already a flowy-dress enthusiast! I did make a few smart early buys: maternity bras from Bonds (total game-changer) and a Boody crop that became my best friend, practically worn on repeat until it landed in my hospital bag.
My first maternity haul was an online H&M gamble that didn’t quite pay off. The belt expander? A “nope”—TikTok’s hair-tie trick was way better. Maternity jeans? Kind of need a real bump for those. The win was in-store shopping—I scored stretchy skirts at H&M and comfy, elastic-waist pants at Uniqlo. For special occasions (a wedding, hens party, birthdays), I chose flowy dresses from brands like Aje, Gorman, Alemais, Assembly Label and Mister Zimi that made me feel like myself—and will still work long after the bump!
Second Trimester
As I waddled into autumn/winter, my WFH style transformed into “Zoom-chic on top, cozy comfort on the bottom with a splash of low-key makeup.” Comfy pants became my uniform: Kmart men’s PJ pants (so soft!), Bonds maternity leggings, and Peter Alexander loungewear. For weekends and outings, I needed jeans that worked without a hair-tie hack, so I invested in two pairs from Bae the Label, including “on the move Mum jeans”, may as well start prepping for my Mum era! PS these are perfect length for a shortie like me.
On our babymoon (destination: anywhere warm!), shopping my wardrobe wasn’t going to cut it anymore, I needed fresh, fun maternity dresses that would work for by the pool, lazy days and date night evenings. The Iconic delivered with a day-to-night dress that can be worn as a halter or as a tie shoulder dress, a beachy slip dress that’s been growing with me, and a bubblegum pink knit that’s rocked everything from a fabric store opening, family pub dinners, beach days and park picnics. These three have stayed in heavy rotation, and I’m still loving them!
Third Trimester
As the bump reached full bloom (and the temps went up), I needed fresh tees. Instead of “maternity” tops, I sized up in basics from Kmart, Target, and H&M. When I needed more colour, Sportsgirl’s tees stepped in with fun, oversized styles that brightened the rotation. And for warmer days? Lululemon shorts (sized up—they’re so stretchy!) and Basikke lounge shorts (I accidentally bought them too big at a sample sale a while back, but have been game changers now!) have been my go-to staples for keeping cool and comfy.
On my last workday, I treated myself to a visit to an Aje outlet (because maternity leave deserves a little pressie, right?). I found the perfect dress that works now at 37 weeks and promises to be a winner post-baby, too. Aje’s baby-doll styles have been my secret weapon—ideal for covering an early bump and flattering a full one!
Now that we’re in full summer mode, I’ve spotted so many cute pieces that’d be perfect for spring/summer with a bump. Stay tuned for my “what I’d buy now” roundup of finds that are anything but basic or beige! Also already planning my post-partum wardrobe wishlist (don’t tell my wallet)!
