Maternity Capsule Wardrobe – 20 Versatile Pieces

Looking back on pregnancy, it all seems so short-lived.

Mind you, while I was going through it, some days felt like they took forever. But, now that my youngest is 1.5 years old, I look back on each of my pregnancies with fond memories and the knowledge that only hindsight can provide: You blink, and it’s over.

Now, I could certainly write for days about the bittersweet nature of it all. But today’s post is about something a bit more tangible. A maternity capsule wardrobe.

You see, throughout my three pregnancies, without even intending, I developed one. It happened gradually and with a little help (see below!), but it’s definitely a capsule wardrobe. And you know what? Getting dressed throughout all of my pregnancies ended up being so much easier than I thought, despite a growing bump to work around.

Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

The gradual build of this wardrobe had been over the course of my three pregnancies and many years. In every one I’ve had the same mentality — I’ve found that depending on the item, there are really only 4 -5 months where you actually need maternity clothing in a pregnancy. So to spend a ton of money on a whole new wardrobe, only to have the baby soon and then not be able to wear the items again for the foreseeable future, has always been something that I’ve tried to find creative solutions around.

When it comes to dressing the bump, the most important thing for me has been to find clothes with the best value. Ones that will last (Multiple pregnancies has proved this important!), that I can mix and match with others, and that are of course comfortable!

So with that in mind, I thought I’d share my 20 piece maternity capsule wardrobe that has gotten me through my pregnancies. I hope these suggestions help as you’re dressing the bump! (And, don’t forget to enjoy every second, because it really does all go by so fast!)

A few important caveats before we dive in.

• My maternity capsule wardrobe was built throughout my three pregnancies. So you know these recos are tried and true!
• In my last pregnancy, my friend Jessie had her babies (twins!) a few months before I got pregnant. Once I found out I was expecting, she loaned me some of her clothing items. So, some of the items below are shared/hand-me-downs from her.
• Through buying smart purchases in prior pregnancies (all noted below), and with a few hand me downs from Jess, during my last pregnancy I only bought 4 new maternity items! Yup, you read that right. Only 4!
• I didn’t include shoes, accessories or things that you don’t need to have specifically as maternity-focused to wear in this list. Those types of items can so easily be mixed-and-matched to create great outfits in tandem with maternity wear! Work out gear, and sleep wear, was also left off.

Without further ado, these are my most worn maternity capsule wardrobe suggestions that can easily create a variety of beautiful outfits for your bumpin’ days!

20 Piece Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

Straight Leg Jeans

Definitely a closet must! Straight leg jeans are perfect to dress up or down, and especially in the winter, can be nicely paired with every sort of shoe including boots. They’re a staple without a bump and of course are one with a bump, too!

Suggestions to shop: Madewell Maternity Skinny Jeans + Hatch Nearly Skinny Maternity Jean

Boyfriend Jeans

I wear my Hatch Boyfriend Jeans all the time — similar to straight leg jeans, they’re versatile, and I love how my specific pair has an elastic waist band at the waist, as opposed to an over-the-bump band, that allows for me to tuck in tops when I want.

Suggestion to shop: Hatch New Boyfriend Maternity Jean – I have these in the color “Loved” and love them!

Black Stretch Leggings

Ohh my black stretch leggings. How would I do pregnancy without you?! The best thing about maternity leggings are that they grow with the bump, and the stretchy material is never uncomfortable or stiff like jeans can sometimes be. Plus, especially in cold-weather months, I love a classic oversized sweatshirt and leggings look with booties — I wear this look all the time because it’s easy and it just works!

Suggestions to shop: Spanx Look At Me Now Seamless Maternity Leggings + Hatch Before, During and After Leggings + Target Maternity Crossover Panel Pants + Essential Stretch Leggings

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings

Similar to standard black leggings, but with a rockstar twist. I love these for days when you want to look more chic than cozy. (With the benefit of them actually being cozy!)

Suggestions to shop: Spanx Faux Leather Maternity Leggings

Grey Leggings

Casual and sporty, my grey leggings are my go-to’s for pairing with sneakers and a T-shirt. They’re what I commonly wear around the house, on casual weekend days, or even for light workouts.

Suggestions to shop: Maternity Leggings

Black Jeans/Pants

Sometimes you need an option that’s not jeans or leggings, and black pants have been that option for me! I wear mine on occasions where I’ve needed to dress more professionally. They work great with heels!

Suggestions to shop: Madewell Over The Belly Black Skinny Jeans + Black Denim Ankle Skinny Jeans + Frayed Hem Skinny Jeans

Black and White Stripe Shirt

The top that works with it all! It works with nearly any bottom pairing, and can easily be dressed up or down. The more stretchy and lightweight the fabric, the better!

Suggestions to shop: Hatch Bateau Top + Hatch Longsleeve Tee + Modern Eternity Nursing/Maternity Tee

Maternity Blouse

I actually have a maternity blouse in black and white, but really, any style or color will do! A blouse is a nice option to wear with jeans, and is another one that’s super versatile!

Suggestions to shop: Pea In The Pod Maternity Blouse

Maternity Turtleneck

Especially for the fall and winter months, this jersey turtleneck has been amazing! I wear it on its own or layered, paired with maternity pants or even non-maternity elastic waistband joggers. **New this pregnancy

Suggestions to shop: Hatch Jersey Turtleneck + Maternity Turtleneck Sweaters

White, Black and Grey T-Shirts

Rolling these three items into one section. A classic t-shirt just works, always! I suggest to get one in white, black and grey, because those colors can so easily be paired with others.

Suggestions to shop: Hatch Crew Tee + Classic Maternity T-Shirt

Chambray Shirt

A chambray shirt is always a great option to layer or wear on its own. I love chambray on chambray, chambray with leggings, or even a chambray shirt layered over a dress.

Suggestions to shop: Chambray Maternity Shirt

Maternity Camis

Camis are great to wear underneath, well, anything! I found them particularly helpful to pair with a non-maternity cardigan or underneath a sweater. The more, the merrier when it comes to these! I have ones in white, black, grey and maroon — I also wear these to bed frequently!

Suggestions to shop: Body Cooling Maternity Cami + The Cami

Classic White Button Down

They call it a classic for a reason! Love a white button down on its own, layered under a cardigan, or with a blazer.

Suggestions to shop: Hatch Classic White Button Down + Classic Button Down Options

Black Long Sleeve Shirt

Another one great for layering! Lately I’ve been loving an all-black look and this is the perfect item to layer with and help make it happen.

Suggestions to shop: Black Maternity Top Target Options + Nordstrom options

Maternity Sweatshirt

In every pregnancy, especially as I neared toward the end, my maternity sweatshirt has been my best friend. I have a grey one and it’s great to pair over a t-shirt and with leggings! Perfect for all those cozy days nesting around the house.

Suggestions to shop: Maternity Sweatshirt Options + A Pea In The Pod Sweatshirts

Dressy, Head-Turning Dress

My belly was in full force over the holiday season, so I had a few dresses in rotation that came in handy many times! I splurged on a few for my past pregnancy because I knew there would be many occasions where it’d come in handy. Every mama-to-be needs a beautiful dress or two to feel beautiful in for special occasions!

Suggestions to shop: Hatch Maternity Dresses + Pea In The Pod Maternity Dresses

Floral Maternity Maxi Dress

You guys know how much I love a great maxi dress! I wore an ASOS floral maxi dress to a family wedding, and also wore it for every day wear because why not?! (This was one of the hand-me-downs from my friend Jess!) I love maxi dresses because they look beautiful, accentuate the bump, and are super easy to dress up or down. A floral option is a great offset to the expected!

Suggestions to shop: ASOS Maternity Dresses + Hatch Maternity Dresses + Pea In The Pod Maternity Dresses

Little Black Dress

A perfect little black dress was one of the items I added to my last pregnancy! I wore it to a few holiday gatherings. It’s flattering and I love how it’s form-fitting — it shows off the bump which is always fun!

Suggestions to shop: ASOS Maternity Dresses + Hatch Maternity Dresses + Pea In The Pod Maternity Dresses

Black and White Stripe Dress

This was actually my “splurge” purchase during my first pregnancy with Grace! (My exact dress is no longer avail but it was via Pea In The Pod.) I love this because no matter the season, I’ve been able to wear it. It looks super cute on its own or under a long cardigan and with boots!

Suggestions to shop: ASOS Maternity Dresses + Hatch Maternity Dresses + Pea In The Pod Maternity Dresses

Midi Skirt

If you’ve been following along for a while, you know I couldn’t leave my beloved midi skirt off this list! Truth be told, I’ve found that most non-maternity pleated skirts I own can fit over the bump, but it’s still nice to have an option that’s made for a bump for dressier occasions. This one works particularly well if you need to get dressed for a professional setting regularly!

Suggestions to shop: Hatch Juniper Skirt + Pea In The Pod Maternity Skirts

Of course, there are SO many clothing items that are non-maternity but can still work with a bump!

Things like blazers, joggers, or oversized sweaters. With these types of items in play, I’ve been able to mix-and-match outfits that bring in the maternity essentials while still embracing non-maternity things too.

Here are my most-worn non-maternity items that I’ve mixed and matched with my maternity capsule wardrobe! The below items easily work with a bump and without.

• J.Crew Sophie Open Front Blazer
• Oversized Chunky White Sweater
• Cozy Cardigan
• Free People Mock Turtleneck Sweater
• Everlane Oversized Blazer
• Sezane Sabrina Jacket (Tuxedo Blazer)
• Pocket Joggers
• Easy Street Tunic (Comes in a ton of great colors)
• Trench Coat (I wear it open!)

Want outfit examples? Here you go!

Here are a ton of outfits I’ve worn while having a bump that incorporate the maternity selections and non-maternity options, too. I hope these showcase how versatile an outfit can be while leveraging both! (Many were taken on my iPhone and in the mirror, so excuse ones with lower quality.) I went through my photo archives and even includes some photos from when I was pregnant the first two times — proof that curating great items will carry you far beyond one pregnancy!

I hope this maternity capsule wardrobe post was helpful for you, and most of all, I hope it helps maternity clothing to feel less daunting and overwhelming! When it comes down to it, I’m a big believer in the basics, and incorporating items that are non-maternity, to create a wardrobe that works for a bump and beyond.

What other items have you loved during pregnancy? Are you into the idea of a maternity capsule wardrobe? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

PS – 8 Hacks For Stylish Maternity Outfits + 10 Pregnancy Tips for Meghan Markle