How to create the perfect capsule wardrobe for pregnancy

Once your bump starts to show, you’ll need to figure out what to wear. The best bet is to look for versatile items that take you through pregnancy, nursing and beyond. You want easy pieces that grow with you, without sacrificing style.

Take stock of your current clothes first. What are your most worn, beloved pieces? Do you live in leggings? Jeans? Slacks? Use this as a guide when purchasing your capsule maternity wardrobe. These should be easy, interchangeable pieces that allow you to create a variety of different looks with a small selection of clothes.

While sorting through your closet, note any oversized pieces you already own such as boyfriend shirts, blazers, A-line dresses, duster coats, Rihanna approved low rise baggy jeans or cargo pants.

Highlight anything with room for you to grow into such as adjustable wrap tops and sweaters with side vents or zips.

Rent The Runway, a clothing rental system, is worth a subscription to get you through your pregnancy. They have a great maternity section that allows the flexibility of ordering different sizes as your bump grows. Pro tip — in the settings, tick “available now.” This will save you time looking at items that are unavailable.

A more sustainable approach to maternity shopping is thredUP, an online consignment and thrift store. They feature trending brands that include “New With Tags” sections. You can even sell your items back to them when you’re done.

Madeline Aaronson, thredUP’s brand director, recommends searching out Ulla Johnson on the site. “She’s a favorite among the expecting ladies at thredUP,” she said. “Peasant blouses and tent-style dresses make looking good a low effort endeavor, and these high quality items can be worn (or resold) again and again.”

She also loves Free People (“historically oversize, and their boho tops, jumpsuits and elastic waist pants make this brand a great option for pregnancy and postpartum”) and Lululemon, notably their beloved leggings which are great for pregnancy.

Need something more classy for a special occasion? “Norma Kamali’s signature fabric is light and surprisingly stretchy,” she said. “If you’re shopping for a wedding while pregnant, her dresses are a great option.”

When you’re planning your pregnancy wardrobe, don’t forget about your feet. Thankfully, Kizik has created a hands-free shoe so there’s no need to struggle bending over and tying laces when you have a big bump, and later, it will save you time when you’re chasing a toddler around. The Roamer has a roomy fit that you can slip on with ease. Plus, they are roomy and cute.

Add a little shimmer to the hottest color of the season with Pink Blush’s Red Pleated Halter Dress. $86 at PinkBlushMaternity.com

Rent the Matilde maternity floral shift dress by Pietro Brunelli. 10-item subscription plan from $144 per month at RentTheRunway.com

Seraphine’s elegant, ultra-soft, knitted maternity cape drapes beautifully, providing a flexible fit for every stage of pregnancy. Team with skinny jeans and boots. $115 at Seraphine.com

With a bodycon silhouette, exposed mesh sleeves and y2k print, Ingrid+Isabel’s super stretchy Icon Dress carries you from season to season (pregnant or not!) $108 at IngridAndIsabel.com

Treat you and your bump to a custom experience: JJ’s House offers over 50 color options for their chiffon maternity gowns. Allow 3 weeks for delivery. $109 at JJSHouse.com

Soft jersey longsleeve tee from maternity specialists HATCH will see you through pregnancy and beyond. $98 at HatchCollection.com

Stay stylish in Abercrombie’s Hold-You-In Stretch Denim Maternity Jean Legging. $79 at Abercrombie.com

Big bump? Holding baby? No problem, just slip into Kizik’s hands-free Roamer shoe. $149 at Kizik.com