One of the most frustrating parts of the final months of pregnancy for me has been getting dressed. I've made it through the last seven months still being able wear a lot of my regular wardrobe (aside from regular pants) and now things are getting short. I really don't want to spend any more money on things I will only wear for another six weeks or so, however, so I've gotten really good at curating a limited wardrobe of non-maternity clothes (like the cozies I'm wearing above!) that I can also wear after the baby is here. I had a little time during our snow day today to do a quick post so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites - even if you aren't pregnant, these are great classics that you can wear for years!
Not surprisingly, a lot of my new staples are from L.L.Bean - I've found their things to fit generously and run a little longer than other brands, and as always the quality is top notch. Other pieces are from J.Crew, Lululemon, James Perse, and St. James. Some are a little pricey but I'm rotating about six pieces weekly at this point, so they've paid for themselves!
Vests: My saving grace!! I wear vests at least a few times a week - I can mix and match a maternity tee (I bought two from Gap Maternity and two from Target and am getting back just rotating them) and a vest and feel like I'm wearing something different every few days. I've got these on repeat:
L.L.Bean Mountain Pile Fleece Vest: I have this in both Kelp Green (c/o @llbeanpr) and Natural and wear them both every week. I got my regular size and can still zip it up at almost 32 weeks! I would keep your regular size if want to layer or are pregnant, and go down one size if you want a more normal fit.
Faux Fur Vests: I've been living in this one from J.Crew but it's sold out. I always recommend Poshmark if you're looking for something trendy that sold out, but Banana Republic also has some similar (and more neutral) options. I am on my second BR faux fur vest and the quality is great! They also come in Tall which is a great solution for getting a bit more length when you are pregnant. I love this one, this one and this quilted velvet one!
J.Crew Excursion Quilted Vest: I have this in gray from a few years ago and I've lived in it while pregnant. Not sure if it would zip or not but I've had no problem wearing my regular size. This is another classic that's easy to hunt down on Poshmark if you want to save a little money!
Sweaters, Sweatshirts + Zip-Ups: These can be tough to source in non-maternity without sizing up. All of the options below I purchased in my regular size and will get plenty of wear out of them post-baby!
L.L.Bean Signature Fleece Pullover: This fit on this is generous and the side zips ensure that it grows with me! It's nearly sold out online but check your local store. FYI, I found the cream one to fit drastically different than the black - the neck was super tight. Highly recommend the black!
Lou & Grey: I can't find my exact sweaters anymore but honestly most of their line works effortlessly for maternity! I stay true to size as their line runs big. The fabrics are soft, it's super easy to dress up or down, and all of the pieces I've bought will also be great for nursing. You can often hit a 40% off sale as well to make it even more affordable. This sweatshirt is next on my list!
Lululemon To You Tunic: I'm not sure this is the exact on that I have but I have one very similar. The abdomen has plenty of room and it's nice and long. I went up a size but I normally do in Lululemon sweatshirts as I find them to be cut more fitted.
L.L.Bean Quilted Quarter-Zip Pullover: This pullover is my ultimate favorite (I'm wearing it above!). It is SO SOFT and I love the fit! I got my regular size and it's still working for me. When I'm not pregnant, it will be nice and long so I can wear it with leggings for walks and with jeans etc. I am tempted to snag the gray too...
L.L. Bean Signature Cotton Fisherman Tunic Sweater: This is super long and has worked great while I've been pregnant! It also has zippers on the side that let me stretch wearing it into the third trimester. I'd highly recommend sizing down even if you're pregnant - this runs BIG!
Tees, Tanks, and Basic Layers: At this point I'm primarily wearing basic maternity tees as I mentioned above (these from Gap Maternity are my favorite, these from Target are ok but nice and cheap, and these tanks from Destination Maternity are a staple) but I have found a few regular pieces I will wear post-baby.
J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck T-shirt: I bought a few of these in a size up and wear them all the time under vests, blazers, etc. They might get too short in the next few weeks but I wear a maternity tank in the same color underneath and it does the trick. I'd probably size up even if I wasn't pregnant because I hate tight thin t-shirts and I like enough length to front-tuck. I wish they made these in tall!
Saint James Meridien Moderne Men's Breton Stripe: I live in these when I'm not pregnant but the women's ones are WAY too short to make it past the first trimester. They also shrink like crazy but I am the absolute worst at air drying. Therefore I buy these in men's in my regular size - they work with my belly but are perfect for front tucking post-baby. Bonus: if/when I dry them they are still long enough.
Leggings + PJ's:
Lou & Grey Zen Bounce Upstate Sweatpants: There aren't many sizes left but if they have your size, SNAP THESE UP. They are the only. sweatpants. I wear.! Unbelievably soft, nice and long, and I've worn them my entire pregnancy in my normal size. I wish I bought more. Also go check out your local store - they seem to make some version of these all the time.
Lululemon Naked Leggings: The only non-maternity leggings that I still find super comfortable. Even pre-pregnancy these leggings were my guilty pleasure. They are pricey so I only have one pair, but I wear them 2-3x/wk. They are SO soft, 100% opaque, and don't cut into you at all. They also wick sweat like no other, and as someone that hates being hot I've loved them for walking!
J.Crew Striped Waffle Legging: I just got these on Black Friday and highly recommend. I went up a size as I didn't want the waist to be tight, but I probably could've stayed TTS and been fine. I'm also weird about waffle fabric being too tight so most people would probably be fine in their regular size. I'm wearing these in the photo above - so comfy and will be cute post-baby while I am lounging around during the first sleepless weeks of mat leave as well.
My friend Amanda also told me that Abercrombie had a lot of versatile pieces she was able to wear late in pregnancy - I've been hearing good things about them lately in general so it's worth checking out. The only other regular item I bought was this black wrap coat during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I still have plenty of room and it ties nicely but will definitely be a nice staple after baby arrives as well.
I hope this was helpful - I will add to it as I get "closer to the end" if I pick up anything new. Feel free to ask any sizing questions etc. in the comments, and let me know if you have any recos!