A couple of months ago I wrote about the benefits of having a “daily uniform.” Recently, a friend asked me whether I have a maternity-style daily uniform now that I’m with wee babe again.
I do!
Would you like to see it?
Sweater ~ Skirt ~ Leggings ~ Shoes ~ Headband ~ Earrings
As you can see, it’s nothing special but it fits my daily uniform guidelines (simple, comfortable, easy to wash, and makes me smile) so I’m a happy, happy camper.
If you’d like a few more details about the pieces in my collage, read on for a few quick notes…
First off, the skirt and the sweater come from Gap Maternity which is hands-down my favorite maternity retailer. The quality is good, there are almost always flattering pieces to be found, and the clothes don’t cost an arm and a leg.
I like the skirt because it’s made out of soft, forgiving jersey knit and is super comfortable. If I’m reaching for my daily uniform it’s probably because I’m sleep-deprived, sick, or emotionally unstable so comfort is a must.
Not pictured, but in heavy rotation, is my Bella Band. It is an absolute lifesaver and I am convinced that every woman should own one. Want more proof that it is a must-have? Just read the 200+ positive customer reviews over on Amazon.
Now for a confession: I don’t actually own the above sweater. It’s much like my favorite maternity sweater (which I bought years and years ago) so I used it as a stand-in. Isn’t the color gorgeous? When I’m having a daily uniform kind of day I like to add a splash of color to my outfit. It usually helps to lift my spirits.
I chose the earrings because they are simple, match the sweater (love!), and minimize the risk of small hands grabbing hold and torturing my earlobes (win!).
Leggings. I’m a leggings kind of girl. I love them and consider any casual outfit that cannot be improved by a pair of leggings highly suspect. This is even more true when I’m pregnant. (If I happen to encounter chilly weather I simply swap them out for a pair of tights.)
As always, my Mary Janes are a staple. But that’s just me. The nice thing about this outfit is that it could be paired with any number of styles of shoe. Just pick your favorite!
And last but not least, the L. Erickson headband. I’ve written about LE products before but for those who missed my reviews, here are my thoughts in a nutshell: they’re not cheap but they are super cute, unbelievably comfortable, and last forever! Seriously – I’ve had mine for over a decade.
So, that’s how I rock a daily uniform, maternity-style. It’s almost time for me to add to my maternity wardrobe so if you have a favorite piece (or outfit) I’d love love love to hear about it!
Take care, girls!
Hallie
P.S. Many thanks to all you lovely ladies who offered blogging ideas last week. I now have a lovely little list o’ inspiration. You girls are the best. Hopefully this post will help some of you who were looking for maternity fashion ideas.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m so boring – my maternity uniform is maternity jeans with a black t-shirt. You’ve inspired me to try to branch out! :)
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My pregnancy “uniform” is similar to yours. I wear a black shirt, with my favorite Pea in the Pod sweater over it.
Oops! Make that, “I wear a black *skirt*.” :)
This is kind of off topic, but I have a question for you. What do you think about shopping for maternity clothes at somewhere like Target as opposed to going to some of the more expensive stores? I used to think that Target was the way to go but then the clothes I bought tehre didn’t survive more than 3 or 4 washings. What are your thoughts Hallie?
Hi Tanya! I occasionally find cute things at places like Target (and I definitely prefer Target clothes over places like Walmart) but you’re right, it can sometimes be hard to find pieces that are well-made and worth even the discounted prices that they charge. I guess some of it depends on whether you want your maternity clothes to last through more than one pregnancy. Since I’ve always wanted a big family it’s always been my goal to find pieces that would last. I wrote about my approach to shopping for clothes here if you’d like to take a peek:
http://moxiewife.com/2011/05/building-wardrobe-comprised-of-high/.html
Hope that helps! Thanks for the question, love!
I was at Target today when I started longing to buy maternity clothes again. (Not pregnant) I had a few last time that I was quite happy with, but my favorite cheap and easy place to buy maternity clothes that hold up well is Kohls. They don’t have a huge selection, but I found most of everything I needed there.
ah. I’ve been debating whether or not to get a Bella .. would you go name brand or is a knock off good enough?
You don’t need to sell me on the name brand .. just curio if you LOVE it?
also … something something I forgot.
ah … I’m with Jen on the jeans and black t. bleh. need out of rut.
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Good question! I don’t know. I’ve never tried the knock-offs. I just know that I adore my Bella. It’s lasted through three pregnancies (plus postpartum) now with no sign of wear and tear (and I stretch it A LOT) so for that reason I give two thumbs up to the original. Let me know if you try one of the other brands! :)
Oh my goodness…I could live (LIVE, I tell you) in leggings. I have pairs I wear to bed, pairs I wear to workout (probably gross, but only the tv sees me), pairs I wear out and about. I la-huv them! Jersey skirt, too. Check, check. With this pregnancy, my uniform has been very similar to yours! With the exception of a lot of workout clothes on my off days…which have been most days ;)
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I think I have 3 or 4 jersey knit skirts. More than just for pregnancy, they are a LIFESAVER the first weeks after delivery. Life. Save. ER.!
Love the idea of a daily uniform, too.
Oh, and FWIW, I was never a fan of knock-off bella bands. I’m so short wasted that the unzipped jeans just fell right off my tush and the knock-offs weren’t snug enough to stay on or stay up or whatever they’re supposed to do. I’ve never tried the name-brand, but I’m guessing that would be an important difference :)
Dwija {House Unseen} recently posted..Things may have gotten a little out of hand…
My favorite piece in addition to what you listed was the maternity cami from Bella maternity. I am still wearing it to nurse and to be modest while running around during the day. I had a very large belly, since I had twins, and thus covered my unbuttoned jeans, let me wear my maternity tops until 38 weeks, and let me wear lower cut tops without being too exposed. It stretches to infinity and goes back to its shape. Only drawback was it turned gray. Thanks for a great post!!
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This is fantastic! I’m currently 8 weeks postpartum, but look about 6 months pregnant, and I have nothing to wear. My pregnancy uniform was pretty embarrassing, mostly yoga pants and t shirts. I’m trying to make a bit more of an effort now, so this is really helpful.
Love it, thanks for sharing! Being 32 weeks it’s all about comfort, but I still want to look cute as I go into the puffy big stage for me. :) I just featured a tons of maternity apparel on my site in our fall fashion event (with some sweet giveaways still going on) if you’re interested. :)
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about creating a well thought our wardrobe for myself and I am really trying to give it a go this pregnancy. I planned out some sewing projects and today I will be sewing up the McCall’s dress!! (http://sewfearless.com/2012/09/04/sewing-with-a-plan-a-semi-handmade-maternity-wardrobe/) If I like it I hope to sew up a second one.
The tricky thing for me in pregnancy is varicose veins. ugh. I hate that I am 29 and this is such a huge issue for me. But I guess it was bound to happen with my genes and 5 pregnancies. So, no cute dresses or skirts for me, except layered over leggings or skinnies.
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I wear this and I am not pregnant! Very cute!
Oooh, pregnancy fashion posts! Too bad these weren’t up a few months ago, really you must divulge when you’re planning to be pregnant next time so I can time my own pregnancy accordingly ;) I’m 33 weeks with #3 and this is very similar to my own daily uniform. I have a pair of gray leggings, dark red long sleeved shirt, and tons of cute earrings. Add a pair of knee socks and slouchy brown boots if I need to go out and I’m a happy camper. It’s super comfortable but I think the boots make things look a lot more put-together if I need to run to the store or rosary group or something. And leggings are wonderfully comfortable when pregnant, sooo much better than the stiff maternity jeans that just never fit quite right.
I’m wondering how many outfits you have in rotation by the end of pregnancy usually? I’m down to rotating 4 tops over and over since most of my other stuff is too small or constricting but it feels silly to buy maternity stuff when I’ll be back to normal in 7 weeks, kwim?
Didn’t realize until I read this that I have a daily “uniform” – but clearly I do! Pretty sure that my co-workers are tired of seeing the same black knit skirt with a variation on Coldwater Creek blouse and scarf at least 3 days a week!
Gaye @ Calm.Healthy.Sexy. recently posted..This Week, Live Healthier – By Eating More Whole Foods
Awesome post – thanks Hallie! I feel part of the in crowd to be preggo with 3 of my favs – Hallie, Jen, & Grace. :) This baby (#4) was the first time in my life I have bought leggings, and now I know why everyone loves them. They are sweatpants that make me look like I am hip (almost), and not a mom of four under six. :)
This timed perfectly! Thanks to your inspiration over the last 2 years or so, I’ve slowly been revamping my wardrobe and finding pieces that work for both maternity and non-maternity (my “trouble spot” is my stomach — a six-pack I will never have! — so I generally like those styles that are…um…forgiving!). Anyhow, at 23 weeks, I’m having FUN dressing this pregnancy…FUN! Not something I would have said in my pre-Betty-Beguiling-reading days! Thanks!
This last pregnancy I bought a few things from Shade Clothing. They have some really cute dresses. Also, I’ve tried the Bella band and the knock-offs. The real thing is definitely the way to go here, especially if you plan on using it for more than one baby!
You know, I was just thinking that it’s about time to get some maternity clothes. I’m in a pickle this time because my friend that I usually get the CUTEST clothes from….had her last baby four years ago. I wore those with Sonja and Sonja is amost three…*sigh* I got some jeans from Old Navy, but I got them a size too big. I also got a long jersey skirt to wear to Mass, but that is only gonna hold out *maybe* another six weeks. And I don’t have any shirts. I hate maternity shirts! I can’t afford the gap sweaters, as nice as they are…I do need to find some clothes that are in my price range and that make me feel pretty. I just feel fat right now…*lol*. I’m almost 11 weeks now. Is it just me or do you show SO much earlier at baby #6????
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Is the headband “pinchy” at all? Apparently I have a large head, because I have yet to find a headband that doesn’t pinch! I have a faux-suede wrap-around velcro one that I love, but it’s wearing out. The elastic ones don’t seem to want to stay in place. This one is gorgeous, and I love how wide it is! Thanks for all the fun ideas!