The Only 8 Pieces of Clothing You Need While Pregnant

This little number will hold up your non-maternity pants in the early stages, when you’re just feeling bloated and gross and not like a full-on whale. 

Ingrid & Isabel ($28)

Wear it alone. Wear it with tights. Wear it with a statement jacket. One thing’s for certain: This workhorse will prove adorable and comfy through all three trimesters.

Mamalicious ($57)

Listen, we’re not usually “body-con” lovers either. But there’s something about a pregnant belly that looks so hot in a clingy little number. For optimal comfort, go for a specifically designed maternity dress with clever side ruching to flatter in all the right places.

Liz Lange for Target ($28)

On second thought, buy five of these. White, black, gray, striped, whatever. As long as you have a base layer for your belly, you can add on pre-pregnant clothes—like your favorite chambray button-down or crisp blazer—opened up.

Gap ($35)

This one’s an unavoidable investment (because as short as pregnancy might seem, you still have 200-plus days to dress for). Look for denim in a dark wash with a thick stretchiness (too thin and they’ll bunch around the butt). Then pair them with oversized blouses or that body-hugging tee we told you about. Yes, the price tags on these are steep initially but remember a little friend called eBay...either before or after purchasing.

Citizens of Humanity ($198)

Hi, your boobs are insane now, and you can’t expect to stuff the girls into the same 34C you’ve worn your entire adult life. Invest in a couple of underwire-free maternity bras designed to stretch but support—then parlay them into nursing bras once the baby comes.

Bravado ($49)

Swollen feet are no joke. Wait to see if yours go up a size (if they don’t, we’re officially jealous), then run to your nearest DSW and buy yourself a pair that are cute enough to wear every day and wide enough to accommodate your fluctuating tootsies.

Nine West ($80)

These are obviously seasonal, but if you’re going to be preggo in the depths of winter, make sure you’ve got a jacket that zips past your thighs. Heading to Maui in July? Invest in a maternity suit. Or just wear your tiniest bikini with confidence. You’ll look great, we promise! 

H&M ($40)