The Modern Mama: Your Complete Fall/Winter Guide to Trends in Maternity Wear

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Oh, to be pregnant during the fall. Standing on your puffy feet all day drinking O’Douls at tailgates just isn’t quite as fulfilling as you imagined it would be. Drinking decaf Pumpkin Spice Lattes doesn’t give you that one-two punch of caffeine and sugar that you’re used to. And leafing through your massive stack of September issues, you find yourself saying, “So cute . . . too bad I can’t wear any of it,” before giving up and tossing them all in the trash.

Shopping for a fall maternity wardrobe can also be less than glamorous. All stores carry the same basic pieces, and they don’t change at all from year to year. Walk into any maternity store, and I guarantee you’ll leave with: a pair of overpriced jeans, some ill-fitting black pants, a few empire waist shirts that tie in the back in an assortment of random solid colors, a drapey gray cardigan, and maybe something that involves stripes . . . because it resembles a pattern. Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. I am literally wearing 5-year-old maternity jeans and a navy striped tee as I type this.

But all is not lost! Cooler temperatures mean you can swathe yourself in snuggly sweaters. You don’t have to look at a single pair of maternity jorts (can I get an Amen?)! And jeans and pants can fully cover those compression hose! And with a little planning and Internet window shopping, you can have your pumpkin spice and drink it too. Even better, I’ve done most of the work for you! So go grab those September issues out of the recycling bin, and let’s break it down.

Start with the Basics

By investing in a few key maternity basics and adding in a few trends and non-maternity items from there, you can avoid the pitfall of wasting money on a closet full on uninspiring maternity store buys. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on these either. Gap, J. Crew, and Loft make great-fitting and affordable versions of your favorite jeans and pants. And you really don’t need to go further than Target or Old Navy for tanks and tees. For sweaters, you can probably get away with investing in more luxurious non-maternity pieces that you can wear again next year . . . just make sure they’re long enough. You may be shocked to find just how short seemingly long tops can become during the third trimester (unless you’re into showing maternity midriff)!

Maternity_F-W2014

 

Now Add in the Trends

There are some trends (e.g., crop tops, lace-up stilletos, and jumpsuits) that should be saved for after you’ve had the baby . . . or never, if you choose. But these handpicked trends are ones that are super easy to translate into your maternity wardrobe and beyond.

1. Grungy Plaids

“Plaids? For fall? Shocker.” <— is probably what you’re thinking right now. But the plaids of 2014 are more than a western-style plaid shirt and jeans (though that’s perfectly fine too). Grunge it up a bit with some black leather or rips in those jeans. Yes, maternity options are available! Still have a pair of Docs collecting dust in the back of your closet? Now’s the time to pull them out (not to mention how comfy those soles sound right about now)!

Grungy Plaids

 

2. Muted Pastels

I love this look for fall because it lightens up an otherwise dark wardrobe. It’s also an easy way to play with basics and mix in existing items from spring/summer.

Muted Pastels

 

3. Native Prints

With a single statement piece, you can easily take maternity basics from boring to fashion forward. These oversized layering pieces can also be worn in a variety of ways, so don’t think that you have to wear the exact same outfit over and over. Play with it!

Native Prints

 

4. 60s Swing

Most of the trends listed here involve separates, so it’s refreshing to add a feminine dress into the mix! If you want to keep purchases to a minimum, buy one in black to dress up or down, depending on the occasion. If you will be wearing them more often, or just like dresses, there is a wide variety of options available. I love Hatch Collection for everyday staples and Asos for nights out.

60's Swing

 

5. Cozy Knits

You mean I can be stylish AND comfy? Yes, please!

Cozy Knits

 

6. Oversized Coats

Oversized coats are a blessing to pregnant women everywhere because who wants to spend a ton of money on a maternity item you won’t be able to wear next year? For beautiful and affordable non-maternity options, look no further than Benetton and Zara. If you will be spending a lot of time out in the cold and can’t quite manage to button these up, this brilliant BellyFit Panel allows you to expand your own coat during pregnancy (and baby wearing)! H&M also has some great, affordable maternity options.

Oversized Coats

 

7. Pregnancy-Friendly Kicks

It’s time to trade in those Uggs and ballet flats for some new basics to complement your maternity wardrobe. Luckily, there are more fashionable flat options than ever, and the heels (whether stacked, wedge, or lug soled) are practically orthopedic!

Happy Feet

 

8. Bold Accessories

Accessories are pretty much the best thing that ever happened to a pregnant person. Not only can you still wear them after the baby is born, but you can also get away with wearing the more boring maternity outfit and still feel pretty. Play with statement jewelry, scarves, hats, makeup–whatever makes you feel good! And if your husband complains about your purchases, point out that at least you can get more than a few months’ use out of your newfound treasures. It’s an investment! (I’ve found that crying also helps.) For more inspiration, check out how the Excessories Expert does pregnancy.

Bold Accessories

To see more looks and pieces than the ones featured here, and to see how you can incorporate other trends into your maternity wardrobe. Follow my maternity boards on Pinterest and sets/items on Polyvore. I will *try* to update them on a regular basis. 🙂

How are YOU planning on dressing your baby bump this fall?

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Helen
Helen met her husband, Devin, while attending grad school in DC. The Maine native willingly moved to Fort Worth, Helen's hometown, in 2009 to settle down and start a family. They have three beautiful girls, Clara, Charlotte, and Milly. She is an independent human capital management consultant (don't ask), which helps provide that much-sought-after rainbow unicorn known as "work-life balance." She can be found working "from home" at Avoca Coffee, practicing and teaching at Indigo Yoga, and running laps around the house with her girls. Her neglected blog covers everything from mommyhood to vocabulary to current events.

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