With both of my pregnancies, the first trimester has been for the most part uneventful in body changes. The second trimester is when the fun starts – and you can really start dressing like a pregnant person. I thought it would be fun to put together a post on what to wear during the second trimester.
When I was pregnant with Annabelle, I wore loose fitting clothing made for non-pregnant girls during my second trimester. Every time I look back through pictures I want to kick myself.
Why did I cover up my belly?
Honestly, I hid my body because I hated how I felt. The changes that were happening were not pleasant – my hips exploded, breasts swelled, and my midsection didn’t sport the adorable bump I thought it would. I felt gross. However, during this second pregnancy, I expected my body to transform as it became more equipped to carry our little girl. Granted I don’t love what’s happening, I accept and embrace it knowing we have a healthy baby growing inside of me.
Instead of hiding myself, I decided to be proud of my maternal figure and dress in what’s both flattering and comfortable. Here are some outfits I’ve worn on repeat (and remembered to take a photo of). Please don’t judge my awkwardness – I never claimed to be a fashion blogger!
one. shirred maternity tunic and side panel jeans
Anything “shirred” during pregnancy is a friend of my closet. I love the fact that shirred shirts are fitted and grow with your belly. The shirred tunic I am wearing is made to fit throughout the pregnancy and a bit big on my 19 week self, but I will be able to sport it until the end (as long as the weather permits of course). It is from Motherhood Maternity a few years ago, but here are some similar tops.
I prefer side panel over full panel jeans because I hate having to hike my pants up constantly during the day. These side panel distressed jeans are inexpensive and trendy.
two. white side panel jeans and non-maternity tunic
Aside from the fact that my J.Crew Toothpick Maternity Jeans are a bit too long, they are my favorite pair of actual pants right now. The side panel is so stretchy that I don’t feel constricted when I sit down. The button and zipper are functionable, so if I have a big meal I can unbutton my pants and relax a little.
I own a few popover non-maternity tunics from J.Crew Factory which hit above or below my waist and are great for a growing belly. My top in the above photo is from last summer and a little tight around the chest area, but fits great everywhere else. Here is a tunic they are carrying online that I am wearing today.
three. fitted dress and high waisted compression leggings
Two more staples in my closet are fitted dresses and high rise leggings from Lululemon. The fitted dress seems silly – who wants to wear something tight while pregnant?? Let me tell you – the freedom one has in a stretchy dress while pregnant is what matters. Plus, fitted dresses are flattering on everyone.
As for the leggings: invest in a good pair! The best leggings I own are non-maternity high times pants from Lululemon and while very expensive – totally worth the cost because they hold me in all the right places.
Ugh can I tell you that maternity clothes are my least favorite part about being pregnant? They rarely have good sales, and the quality in general is not very good (on top of them being expensive). I also have problems getting pants that fit right – I prefer the full panel b/c the underbelly tend to sit at the wrong place on me – but some companies don’t carry much full panel.
Most of my pants are the Motherhood brand sold at Kohls. My tops are either from there or Motherhood.
You look great! Glad you’re showing off the Bump this time around!
Ashley @A Cute Angle
acutelifestyle.blogspot.com
Oh I lived in side panel pants- I had a pair of jeans and a few pairs of dress pants. I couldn’t stand the over the belly ones- so the side panels were great!