Since I’m about three weeks away from my due date, I decided to revisit the “Build on your Basics” theme with a focus on maternity style. I’ve definitely tried to buy as few maternity-specific items as possible, preferring to stick with some core items and adding versatile pieces around them. Often this is done with existing items from your normal wardrobe, but if you want to buy something new, remember that being 8+ months preggo doesn’t mean you need to shop exclusively in the maternity section.
But first – your maternity wardrobe building blocks.
I think it’s always best to start with a great pair of dark wash jeans. My personal favorite (I’ve bought several pairs of the same jean) come surprisingly from H&M (who knew they had a maternity line?). What I love is that they have belt loops and a finished waistband, making them look very much like normal jeans. You can also find a skinny version of these jeans, but both will usually tuck nicely into tall boots.
While I’m often wearing a black tank, for a photo shoot you’ll want to avoid black since the purpose of the session is to show off your bump – not hide it. Gap makes some fantastic layering tanks, but a good solid scoop or v-neck (you may be rockin’ some nice cleavage about now, so why not make use of it) will be a perfect base. Since you may be wearing pants with a panel, you need to be sure you don’t see the line or color of the panel through the white shirt. If you do, maybe throw on an extra tank underneath.
Now, let’s add to this.
Wraps, cardigans, and jackets are all pieces you can pull from your pre-pregnancy wardrobe. Sure, you probably can’t button your jacket anymore, but you don’t need to! If you want a little more shape to your look, add a skinny belt either over a wrap or under the jacket (always just under your bust). Bring color and texture to your outfit with scarfs, and don’t forget to add jewelry!
One last option – a blanket or throw. If you’re outside for your shoot and don’t want to wear a bulky jacket (or perhaps you’re like me and only purchased one all-purpose maternity jacket — nothing so special you’d want to wear in a maternity session), grab a coordinating blanket and wrap yourself up in it. It also works well when your partner is in the photo with you, as you can both wrap up in it together.
Before pregnancy, I dreaded what I would wear. But the options are much more diverse and enjoyable than I expected!
.jpg "What to wear to a maternity photo shoot - building on your basics")
SHOPPING GUIDE
BUILDING BLOCKS:
Scoop Top (White) – Isabella Oliver – $75.00
Artisan Tunic (White) – Boden – $88.00
MAMA Jeans – H&M – $39.95
TOPS AND JACKETS:
Short Sleeve Ruffled Maternity Blouse – Motherhood Maternity – $26.98
Amrita Cardi (Turquoise) – Anthropologie – $78.00
It Jeans Jacket – Destination Maternity – $89.00
ACCESSORIES:
Andaman Wrap Bracelet – Anthropologie – $48.00
Polaire Headband (Turquoise) – Anthropologie – $28.00
Illuminated Chignon Bobbies – Anthropologie – $15.00
Threadwork Scarf – Anthropologie – $48.00
Vintage Plaid Throw Blanket – Simple Thrift (Etsy) – $38.00
In Stitches Belt (Turquoise) – Anthropologie – $28.00
Culture Phit Ama Brown Boots – Zappos – $99.00
