No one has ever claimed that getting dressed while pregnant is easy.  Most days, I consider throwing on something similar to a potato sack.  Why?  Because it will fit, be comfortable, and requires two brain cells.  But I’ve learned that losing your fashion identity during a time when so much is already changing is not the answer.  Getting dressed as a (mainly) stay-at-home mom has become increasingly important for me to feel like the old working me.  So, how do you find your style when you have to search through brands, fits and styles that are all new to you?  Here are some of my tips:

• DON’T CHANGE YOUR STYLE  If you didn’t wear empire tops before maternity – don’t start now (PLEASE don’t start now!!) Babydoll tops are not on trend or flattering.  And make you look, well, very pregnant.

• FIND YOUR DENIM STYLE As long as it’s still comfortable for you, find denim that fits.  I, personally, dislike styles that pull up over my belly.  I’d rather have the elastic under my belly.  See these Madewell or Citizen of Humanity styles.

• OVERSIZED BLOUSES AND BUTTON DOWNS These are on trend and will look great paired with jeans.  They will also leave you room to grow, while keeping you comfortable.  The trend was practically designed for us pregnant ladies.

• LAYER You probably won’t have to buy new maternity jackets/cardigans.  Wear them unzipped/unbuttoned and even over basic tees to add back your personal style.

• SHOW OFF THAT BUMP! I have loved wearing a few non-maternity form-fitting stretchy dresses, which I bought knowing that I may stretch them out for good.  Personally, there is just something I like about wearing “normal” clothes.  And, if you are comfortable with form-fitting, it always looks great to show off your bump.

• JUST ADD SNEAKERS  The active shoe trend is still in and will add comfort and a cool street-style to any look.  Especially love them paired back with dresses.

• ACCESSORIZE Wear some lipstick.  Add a cute hat.  Throw on some earrings.  Do what makes you feel good and completes a look. Good accessorizing can turn a basic white tee into so much more.

  Look 1: While black is always slimming, I still love white denim – throughout the whole fall season.  Pairing denim with an oversized blouse or tee and then layering with a great “it” piece helps to complete any outfit.

Look 2: One of my go-to dresses.  It’s effortless and cute just on it’s own but the sneakers help make it an even easier piece, if possible.  And the bold lip helped pop the blue and white stripes a bit.

Outfit 1: Cardigan: Ryan Roche, Shirt: Zara, Denim: Slides: Zara, Hat: St. Tropez Palm Hat

Outfit 2: Dress: ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo, Sneakers: Stan Smiths for Barneys, Sunglasses: Illesteva Leondard (similar here)

In the last post, I focused on the more casual aspects of uniform dressing.  Here are some additional looks to add to your arsenal.  These will diversify your options and the end-uses for each outfit, as well as amp up the style quotient.

Sometimes, the addition of a blazer and a heel are all you need for a little fashion boost or to simply take you from day to night.  Don’t forget that you may need to update your denim silhouettes.  The fit is all about looser, cropped styles.  Mom jeans!

Photo: Mademoiselle Robot,  Pump: M.Gemi Penna, Bag: Chloe Small Drew Crossbody, Blazer: Sandro Valentine Blazer, Loafer: Gucci Brixton Loafer,  Denim: Redone Denim Blazer: J.Crew Blazer, Painted Denim: NSF Denim

I love dresses.  They take the least brainpower (it’s a top and bottom in one, duh!) to outfit, and always look put-together, with very minimal effort required.  Knit and sweater dresses are the perfect option for busy days; they will keep you cozy and comfortable.  This style happens to be flattering on all figures.  Luckily, at the moment, fashion isn’t about how tight you can wear your clothes: jeans are roomier, the body-con dress is passé, and cozy sweaters have been a trend for a few seasons now.  If you are going for a casual look, the sneaker is the perfect option, but this dress can easily be dressed-up with a boot of any height.

Photo: Pinterest, Sneaker: Adidas Sneaker, Bag: Chloe Faye Bag , Stripe Dress: Theory Stripe Dress , Gray Dress: Sandro Sofy Jumper, Leather Leather Jacket – Madewell,  White Sneaker: Eyty’s , Heeled Boot: Chloe Suede Ankle Boots, Dress: Raquel Allegra Jersey

My favorite daytime addition has been leather leggings or pants.  They have long been my nighttime staple, but they look perfect when paired  with the ubiquitous white sneaker.  And in these freezing temps, they are a winter blessing.  Leather leggings are such an easy item to transition to night – just add a heel and maybe an earring.  While they are an investment, you only need one (perfect) pair and you will wear them for years.  They will be well worth the money.

Photo: Pinterest, Sunglasses: Illesteva, Leather Pants: Vince, Coat: Club Monaco Daylina, Turtleneck: Acne, Button Down: J.Crew Chambray Shirt, Bag: Saint Laurent Sac Université, Crewneck: J.Crew Cashmere Sweater, Sneaker: Adidas Sneaker

Lastly, you don’t have to pack away your skinnies yet.  Layered tops and a blazer plus a heeled stiletto sandal immediately update your look and make it work-appropriate.  If the sweatshirt doesn’t work, sub in a perfect white tee or cashmere sweater.

Photo: Pinterest, Sunglasses: Illesteva, Denim: Acne Highrise Jeans, Sweatshirt: Madewell, Heel: Stuart Weitzman, Button Down: J.Crew Chambray Shirt, Blazer: Joseph Laurent Jacket, Sweatshirt: J.Crew

Feature Photos: Pinterest