Style: Maternity wardrobe basics

Shopping for clothes when your body is constantly changing can be challenging — and expensive. So we asked fashion stylist and mom Rachel Matthews how to put together a great-looking maternity wardrobe without spending a bundle. Her advice? It's all about six key pieces. Here's what to buy, how to mix them with what you've already got — and the secrets to reworking them over and over again. 

​Buy: Black pants
To go with: Your pre-pregnancy blazer

A well-tailored blazer shouldn't be stashed away for the next nine months. You can keep wearing it — unbuttoned — right through your pregnancy.
Where to Buy? Pants, KickMaternity.com
Blazer, BananaRepublic.ca 
Tank, OldNavy.ca
Shoes and bag, Winners.ca
Bracelets and necklaces, HM.com

Buy: A long cardigan
To go with: Your pre-pregnancy leggings

An on-trend cardi will take you through several seasons. Wear it like this now, and then layer over another thin sweater and add a scarf when the snow starts to swirl. 

Tip: No one will notice you're wearing the same pants on Thursday that you did on Monday. The secret to reworking your staples is wearing them in different ways using accessories, shoes and bags to transform your look.
Where to Buy? Cardigan and tank, Winners.ca 
Leggings, SevenWomen.ca 

Buy: A maxi dress
To go with: Your pre-pregnancy jean jacket

A dress made of jersey material doesn't need to be maternity because it already has built-in stretch. Just shop a couple sizes up at your usual stores.
Where to Buy? Dress and shoes, Winners.ca
Scarf, GapCanada.ca

Buy: Jeans
To go with: You pre-pregnancy oversized t-shirts

Skinny jeans can be paired with flats or heels, and they slip easily into a pair of boots. When shopping for classic riding boots, like the ones Amber is wearing, look for elastic panels and zippers to accommodate foot and calf swelling, and make it easier to get them on and off. 
Where to Buy? Jeans, KickMaternity.com
Burgundy t-shirt, ThymeMaternity.com
Green t-shirt and sunglasses, Winners.ca
Cape, BananaRepublic.ca
Boots, RonWhiteShoes.com
Bag, Tilley.com

Buy: A little black dress
To go with: Your pre-pregnancy cropped black jacket and heels

Add padded insoles to your pre-pregnancy shoes for extra cushion. In the market for something new? Opt for a style with a platform, which gives you the illusion of extra height. (This three-inch heel will really only feel like one!)
Where to Buy? Black dress, KickMaternity.com
Shoes, RonWhiteShoes.com
Bag, Winners.ca

Buy: A blouse
To go with: Your pre-pregnancy stretchy black skirt, tucked under your tummy

Transforms a simple style with accessories. Use bracelets, necklaces, scarves and belts to create different looks you can wear to work or for an evening out.

Get more tips from Rachel
Where to Buy? Top, skirt and shoes, Winners.ca
Accessories, HM.com