Create these flattering holiday looks by mixing maternity styles with pieces that are already in your closet.
The holidays are here and if you’re expecting, you no doubt find yourself in a lurch when it comes to dressing your burgeoning belly for the flurry of festivities marked in your calendar.
While a maternity dress used to mean oversize bows and too-large prints that left the expectant mom looking like a wrapped gift herself, maternity wear has evolved to become an extension of your regular wardrobe.
Read on for tips on how to create holiday-worthy looks by mixing maternity styles with pieces that are already in your closet.
This elegant maternity tube top can take you from office to evening by simply swapping one topper for another. For day, pair it with a blazer and straight-leg sateen pants. For night, switch out the blazer for this faux-fur capelet.
While it’s most likely necessary to buy the maternity version of certain garments like pants for instance, many women can get away with wearing regular, non-maternity blazers, sweaters, jackets, accessories, and even some billowy blouses, throughout their pregnancies.
Tube top, Thyme Maternity, $45; Stretch sateen pants, Thyme Maternity, $59; tuxedo jacket, Smart Set, $65; Faux-fur capelet, Joe Fresh, $39
A black tunic with faux-leather trim is just the ticket for a pre-holiday mocktail with your girlfriends. The addition of this mesh booty with a low-ish heel takes the look from stylish to uber-trendy.
Tunic, Motherhood Maternity, $54.98; Mesh booties, H&M, $59.95
If caroling is part of your family tradition, bundle up in this cozy maternity sweater dress. Add a layer of warmth and whimsy with a chunky knit cardigan from your existing wardrobe or this faux-fur vest from H&M.
It goes without saying that heels are a no-go for prolonged periods on your feet – pregnant or not. These biker boots from Gap are versatile and the soft suede will stretch to accommodate swollen feet.
Sweater dress, Old Navy, $39.94; Faux-fur vest, H&M, $24.95; Suede biker boots, Gap, $84.95; Toque, Gap, $24.95
Nothing says festive like a little bit of sparkle and shine. For a put-together family dinner outfit, pair this bold, cobalt dress with a slouchy, sequined sweater. Gold accessories complete the look.
Empire waist dress, Motherhood Maternity, $54.98; Sequined sweater, H&M, $59.95; Necklace, H&M, $17.95
Take in your neighbours’ light displays in cool, casual style. These skinny cargo pants are a maternity wardrobe must for their versatility. Pair them with a striped sweater layered under a military-inspired coat and topped off with a faux-fur scarf for a comfortable but polished look, pictured here.
Alternatively, wear them with a blouse and flats (or as high a heel as you can manage), for a night on the town. The possibilities are endless.
Cargo pants, Motherhood Maternity, $49.98; sweater, Motherhood Maternity, $49.98; Coat, Motherhood Maternity, $69.98; Faux-fur scarf, Joe Fresh, $29
Take a break from the holiday bustle and enjoy a date-night with your squeeze. For an effortless look, pair a printed maternity blouse with your existing leather jacket (florals and leather work well together). Finish the ensemble off with a statement necklace and a pair of in-right-now, jewel tone pants like these teal maternity cords from Old Navy.
Maternity chiffon blouse, Old Navy, $32.94; Rockstar cords, Old Navy, $36.94; Pleather jacket, H&M, $59.95; Necklace, Smart Set, $14
Lounging around and exchanging gifts on Christmas morning calls for something comfortable yet pulled together. A stylish stand-in for your favourite sweats, this jersey maxi skirt is just as comfy. Wear it with an oversize sweater you might already own like this poncho-style knit from Joe Fresh, and you’re good through all of the day’s festivities. If you’re making the rounds, simply slip on this sleek, flat boot-shoe and you’re good to go.
Maternity maxi skirt, Old Navy, $29.94; Poncho, Joe Fresh, $49; Booties, Aldo, $140
Here, we took some liberty with our little black dress. Choose a dark, neutral dress with a simple silhouette that will go with everything. This tone-on-tone, dark blue, striped version can take you virtually anywhere with the right accessories.
A last-minute invite to a tree-trimming party? Dress it down with a cardigan, tights, and colourful flats. Likewise when your BFF begs you to be her plus-one at a fancy holiday fête, layer on some jewellery, grab a sparkly clutch and run out the door.
Ruched dress, Motherhood Maternity, $49.98; Merino sequined cardigan, Gap, $59.95; Suede loafers, Gap, $39.95; Necklace, H&M, $17.95; Clutch, H&M, $14.95
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