fashion
Maternity wear, rewritten
Maternity style isn’ t about hiding your bump. It’ s about supporting your body and still loving what you see in the mirror.
By Teri Row
I’ m no longer in the baby stage of life.
These days, it’ s school lunches, sports bags, and trying to remember who needs what by tomorrow. But when I look back on my pregnancies and breastfeeding years, there are a few things I wish I’ d understood sooner, especially when it came to what I wore.
Maternity style isn’ t about hiding your body until everything goes“ back to normal”. It’ s about supporting the changes, staying comfortable, and still feeling like yourself. If I could go back and rebuild my maternity wardrobe, these are the pieces I would start with.
Maxi dresses are effortless, flattering, and perfect for our South African climate. Soft, breathable fabrics with stretch or wrap details grow with your bump and make getting dressed easy on busy days. I used to think everything had to be loose and floaty, but I later realised how beautiful a fitted, stretchy maxi can be. Bodycon styles don’ t work against your shape; they celebrate it.
Maternity skirts are another piece I’ d never skip. A stretchy pencil skirt can feel polished for work, while an A-line or softly gathered skirt is ideal for everyday wear. Pair with a simple tee or a tucked-in blouse and let your bump be the feature.
Maternity bras are something I truly underestimated. Your body changes quickly during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and proper support makes an enormous difference to how you feel and how your clothes sit. A well-fitted maternity bra reduces discomfort and gives you confidence under everything you wear. I wish I had invested in a few good ones earlier, instead of trying to“ make do”.
When it comes to bottoms, think beyond leggings. Just because you’ re pregnant doesn’ t mean you need to live in them. Look for pants with elasticated waists, soft stretch fabrics, or pregnancy jeans with a supportive band. These give you structure without discomfort and help you feel dressy, not just comfortable. A great pair of maternity jeans can be styled with everything, and they remind you that your personal style doesn’ t disappear just because your body is changing.
And then there are shoes. Pregnancy taught me that feet have a mind of their own. Swelling happens, especially in the warmer months, so comfortable flats with a bit of give are essential. Soft sliders, ballet flats, or supportive sneakers with some“ wiggle room” will carry you through long days without sacrificing style.
If there’ s one thing I’ d tell my younger, pregnant self, it’ s this: have fun with it. Not every outfit needs to be flowy. Embrace stretch. Try a bodycon dress. Play with maternity denim. Your body is doing something extraordinary; your wardrobe should celebrate that, not hide it. �
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