A few readers have asked for a post about my “maternity style,” which honestly makes me laugh because I don’t consider myself a fashionable pregnant woman. My priorities are simple: maternity clothes that are inexpensive, durable, and comfortable. I’m the kind of mom who inevitably has dog hair on my shirt and sometimes a crumb or half a sandwich stuck to me whether I’m pregnant or not, so I tend to keep dressing straightforward and practical.
That said, I’ll share a quick, practical recap of how I get through pregnancy without spending a fortune. If you’re looking for budget maternity wardrobe ideas, or simple ways to feel put together during pregnancy, these tips have worked well for me—especially my trust in Old Navy maternity jeans and a penchant for big earrings to draw attention away from a puffy third-trimester face. Below is my go-to list of maternity clothing essentials and small hacks that keep me comfortable and sane.
1. Old Navy maternity jeans. My favorite budget-friendly maternity solution is Old Navy’s maternity jeans, particularly the styles with the full belly panel. They provide support and comfort and seem to stretch in all the right ways—one pair carried me from about 14 weeks through delivery with my first pregnancy. For this pregnancy I bought a fresh pair so they wouldn’t be overly stretched, and they’ve been dependable again. If you want a single reliable pair that lasts, these are a solid choice.
2. A bra extender. This little trick is a pregnancy lifesaver and a true low-cost hack: bra extenders. Many big retailers carry small extender tabs near hosiery or shoe inserts. They hook onto your existing bra closures to add a bit of width around the ribcage. My ribs expand a lot during pregnancy, so extenders mean I can keep wearing my regular bras for much longer instead of buying a whole new set. Once you’re no longer pregnant you can remove the extenders and return to your normal fit.
3. Various stretchy shirts. Stretchy, breathable tops are essential. I favor cotton v-necks because they’re comfortable and help visually elongate a short neck, which I appreciate. Some of my tops come from maternity sections at stores like Target or Old Navy, but many are just larger sizes from the regular women’s racks or clearance sections at Gap or Banana Outlet. Choosing a few neutral colors (black is my go-to) plus a couple of patterns helps mix and match with jeans and skirts easily.
4. Big ol’ earrings. Statement earrings are a favorite of mine during pregnancy and beyond. In the last trimester, when faces get puffier and I feel tired, a bold pair of colorful earrings is an easy way to redirect attention. They don’t change anything physically, but they make me feel more put-together and help others focus on something bright and cheerful instead of sleep-deprived eyes or round cheeks.
5. A simple pair of slip-on flats. Comfortable slip-on flats are a staple. This pregnancy I’ve lived in affordable leopard flats I found at DSW, and with my first I wore black patent flats. Flats are more polished than flip-flops and still easy to wear. If I expect to be on my feet all day, I’ll choose supportive sneakers with arch support—Puma or other athletic brands do the job—especially when we’re on the move or hiking through messy job sites or showhouses.
Below are a few old bump photos from when I carried my daughter Clara; every pair of jeans pictured is the same Old Navy pair I mentioned. Most of the tops are either maternity pieces or larger sizes from Old Navy or Target’s regular departments, and one dotted top is from Banana Outlet’s regular section. I also keep one or two actual maternity dresses (I had a pink maternity dress from Target that was great for events) because sometimes jeans aren’t appropriate. Maternity dresses can be surprisingly comfortable and are an easy option when you want something simple and feminine.
Those basics get me through pregnancy without dumping a lot of money into a temporary wardrobe. I’m sure I’ve forgotten a dozen small things, but these staples—maternity jeans with a belly panel, a bra extender, stretchy tops, statement earrings, and comfortable flats—are the core of my approach to a budget-friendly maternity wardrobe. What about you? What are your favorite low-cost maternity finds or simple hacks that helped you stay comfortable and confident while pregnant?