5 Maternity Style Ideas for Those Awkward 12 to 16 Weeks

PSA: Stretchy leggings are your best friend in life during pregnancy—whether you’re at 12 weeks or 28. Sure, at this early stage, you can still get away with regular jeans (plus a belly band to keep them in place), but leggings are less restrictive and are still acceptable in public for the time being. Add a roomy sweater (preferably lightweight so as not to add bulk) and striped tee peeking out, and you’ll be able to stylishly disguise your about-to-pop baby bump.

Get the look: Madewell sweater ($70); Everlane tee ($20); American Giant leggings ($79)

At 12 weeks, cotton with a bit of stretch will save the day. The best thing about a T-shirt dress is that it will maintain its shape but grow with you as your hormones, well, explode. For an ideal weekend look, pair your stretch dress with comfortable sneakers and a denim jacket (because, c'mon, you'll get cold later).

Get the look: superdown dress ($39); Madewell jacket ($118); Superga sneakers ($65)

As a rule of thumb during pregnancy, you never want to wear anything that puts unnecessary (read: uncomfortable) pressure on your waist. Adding a versatile dress to your wardrobe can create a number of one-and-done outfits. Throw on a bomber in a neutral hue, and you’ve got a cool-girl vibe that doesn’t even care if you’re pregnant.

Get the look: Free People dress ($168); UGG jacket ($40)

If you have to wear a massive button-down, it might as well be a cool denim one. Then add your favorite colorful clutch that typically stays hidden in the back of your closet. There’s a chance you can still get away with your everyday denim (again, praise be the belly band), but consider investing in a quality pair of maternity jeans by week 16.

Get the look: Gap maternity shirt ($50); 1822 Denim maternity jeans ($59); Rebecca Minkoff clutch ($104)

Like a blanket you can wear in public, this sweater style will become a maternity workhorse from 16 weeks on. Wear with a knit dress that expands with you (one with ruching or a swing shape is ideal) and you’ve basically got a fancy set of pajamas.

Get the look: Treasure & Bond poncho ($79); Michael Stars dress ($88)