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)

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After turning 30, getting married, getting pregnant, and becoming a mom, a big challenge for me has been figuring out what I am going to wear – or not wear.  It may sound silly or trite, but having worked in the apparel industry for over ten years and being confident in every outfit I wore, I suddenly felt like most of my closet no longer represented who I was.   It was a bit of an identity crisis.  Who was I?  I needed a fashion rebirth.

As a new(ish) mom who is trying to find her new path, I want to show a modern sense of style that can go from a meeting to the playground, all while being comfortable.  Practicality is now a must.  I’m a little older now and don’t want to dress like a 25 year old.  I also want to invest in fewer, higher quality pieces that will last for a few seasons.  It was time to find some new looks, flush out and streamline my closet, and focus on adding in some new essentials.

It turns out I love a little bit of a uniform.  I cycle in a few different looks with some variations on the pants, shoes, accessories, which makes the look feel new or transition it from day to night.  This focus gets me out the door faster and allows me to quickly layer or add on when I want.  These looks aren’t earth-shattering, but the honest truth is that they look good on just about anyone (that’s why they are photographed!) and fit in perfectly to fashion right now.  Looking put-together doesn’t have to be so difficult.

Look 1:

Photo: Fashiion-Gone-Rouge, Coat: Rag & Bone, Boot: No. 6, Bag: Mansur Gavriel, Scarf: J.Crew, Sweater: J.Crew, Sneaker: Common Projects, Pants: Nili Lotan

A major key to getting these looks down is basically cutting out prints (not include stripes…).  Prints are tricky.  Tricky to coordinate into a look, tricky to wear well, and, a little secret, it’s tricky for most retailers to even design!   If in question, it’s a probably not.  Leave your printed loves for days where you have more time to think about your look.

Look 2:

Photo: Lucy Williams, Hat: J.Crew, Sweater: Iro, Scarf: J.Crew, Boots: Acne, Bag: J.Crew, Coat: Woolrich Bros Literary Parka.

Also, cut down on the color.  Neutrals play best – but of course a pop is always fun.  Proportions are always key.  Cropped or ankle length pants are so flattering with flat shoe and always look good with a heel (more on that soon). I am a huge fan of all looks pared back with a sneaker.  It looks modern and leaves my feet so happy.  Take advantage of this beautiful time in fashion!

Look 3:

Photo: Pinterest, Sneaker: Adidas, Coat: J.Crew Stadium Coat, Sunglasses: Valentino, Hat: Steven Alan, Sweater: Nili Lotan, Pants: Nili Lotan