Your friends know you as the woman who shows up at brunch in a flawlessly accessorized jumpsuit every time. Your professional colleagues know you as the person whose intellect is as sharp as her outfits. Then the two pink lines popped up.
Maintaining your usual level of style while pregnant can be… tricky. Not only do you have a belly the size of a watermelon to contend with, but pregnancy weight gain and the exhaustion of the third trimester can make it difficult to pull on anything fancier than your fave sweats.
While you certainly won’t catch any judgment from us for wearing the same pair of PJs for the third day in a row — trust us, we’ve been there — we’re here to let you know that you DO have options.
You might not be able to fit into your go-to comfy dress right now, but that doesn’t mean finding maternity outfits that are both comfortable and stylish is completely off the table. In fact, we’ve put together a whole guide to show you that they aren’t!
Keep reading for our guide to the six designer staples you need to assemble the best winter pregnancy outfits ever.
- A Sweatshirt Dress
Sweatshirt dresses are a winter classic for a reason. Both cozy and stylish, these dresses can be easily layered with a long cardigan, denim jacket, or even a scarf to add dimension and textures while keeping you warm. We’re talking about the Ari Sweatshirt Dress.
A maternity dress will be snug and stretchy in all the right places, so you don’t have to worry about drowning in fabric or suffocating because it’s too tight.
The key to choosing the perfect sweatshirt dress (and all maternity dresses, really) is to invest in one made of high-quality fabric. We all know the horrible feeling of wearing a sweater that’s too scratchy and itchy. The best way to avoid that is by investing in a luxury or designer piece that will stand the test of time. Look for rib knit dresses made of high-quality cotton, Modal, or merino wool for optimal results.
Once you’ve found the perfect sweatshirt dress, don’t be afraid to dress it up with some accessories. A statement necklace, cardigan, or scarf can add a little extra flair to your outfit and keep you nice and cozy during the cold winter months. You might be skeptical now, but trust us – once you’ve found it, you won’t be able to take it off.
- A Reliable Coat
We get it: Choosing the perfect winter coat can be a weeks-long decision process. Not only does your winter coat have to keep you warm and snug through the winter months, but it’s also the key to your winter style. So as far as coats go, in our opinion, the higher the quality, the better.
When shopping for maternity outerwear, it’s important to consider a few factors. First, consider the material. You’ll want a coat made of warm, insulated fabric, perhaps with an inner lining to keep you snug as the temperatures drop.
Next, think about the fit of the coat. You’ll definitely want to invest in a designated maternity coat rather than just sizing up your usual style. If desired, some coats have an adjustable or elastic waistband, which will allow room for your growing belly.
Finally, think about style. There’s no need to choose something you don’t like when so many flattering maternity outerwear options exist, like an oversized blue plaid coat, perfect for the fall and spring. Or maybe The Emi Quilted Denim Bomber Jacket is more your taste.
Whatever the case may be, the designer maternity coat of your dreams is out there, and we don’t think you should settle for anything less.
- The Nadine Sweater
It isn’t officially winter until we break out the sweaters (in this case, maternity sweaters). Whether you prefer rib knit, polo cable knit, or classic wool sweaters, investing in a high-quality and luxurious sleek sweater is one of the best things you can do for your wardrobe.
Just like their dress form, sweaters are super easy to layer – you can easily dress them up or down with jewelry and other accessories, depending on the occasion. (Actually, there are so many different ways to style a simple sweater that we’ve put together this handy-dandy sweater-styling guide just for you.)
Sweaters come in many different fabrics, of course, but for the ultimate luxury feel, look for items made with cashmere, such as the super-soft Nadine Sweater. The boatneck cut and lush 100% cashmere material elevate this subtle silhouette into a guaranteed winter wardrobe staple. You won’t be able to keep this one on the hanger.
- The Airplane Cardigan
A soft, comforting cardigan might just be the ultimate winter wardrobe staple. Versatile, comfortable, and stylish, cardigans can be dressed up or down, making them perfect for both casual and formal occasions. When shopping for high-end or designer cardigans, look for a piece made of 100% cashmere, like in the Airplane Cardigan. This amazing material will keep you comfy all throughout your pregnancy, particularly during the colder months. Plus: It has pockets!
We especially love cardigans for building a maternity wardrobe because of how versatile they are. Cardigans can be worn open or closed and paired with a variety of outfits, meaning your creativity is really the only limit on incorporating this staple into your closet.
If it’s getting chilly out and you need to build up your maternity wardrobe, an upscale cardigan should be number one on your shopping list.
- The Mila Cable Knit Jogger
Have you heard the news? Cable knit isn’t just for sweaters anymore.
Enter the cable knit jogger, the newest type of elevated athleisure that arrived just in time for the winter months. What we love about this piece is that although the cable knit detailing may make it LOOK dressier than your fave pair of sweats, it’s actually an illusion. These pants are about as comfy as it gets, thanks to the wide waistband and cotton-cashmere blend.
We love joggers already, with their modern silhouette and everyday comfiness. Add in the extra warmth and style of this cable knit pattern, and we’re totally sold.
- The Edie Half Zip Pullover
Finally, we couldn’t conclude our list of winter designer staples without including a high-quality luxe pullover, such as the Edie Half Zip Pullover. Like a cardigan, pullovers shine because of their versatility. Pullovers can be layered on top of the rest of your outfit and dressed up or down, depending on your needs.
We especially love this pullover because of the luxe French terry fabric, which makes it both heavy and breathable. In other words, it’s going to keep you warm but not sweaty – exactly what we need from our winter wardrobe. The adjustable neckline and collar are also a plus.
The Wardrobe You Deserve
It’s no secret that pregnancy can be difficult. Growing a new little human is a lot of work, and you deserve every bit of ease you can get to make this journey just a little bit more comfortable, including building the winter maternity wardrobe of your dreams.
Enjoy your pregnancy style while you can — your little one will be here before you even know it. Then, it’s time for some Mommy and Me shopping sprees.
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