1. Layering Tanks/Camisoles: Make sure they're looooong so they will cover the bump throughout your pregnancy. Start with basic colors - white, black, gray and striped (stripes are my neutral and I don't shy away from them while pregnant!) for the most versatility. You can also wear these after baby arrives - even while nursing. In fact I think most of the items on my list are baby-friendly, too!

2. Soft Pants: During my first trimester I craved comfort. I couldn't bare the feeling of anything tight around the waist, so I bought a bunch of slim joggers and drawstring soft pants (non maternity) from Target and Walmart. Black will be the most chic and versatile option, but I loved the fashion-forward check print on the pair shown above from ASOS, too. And they're just as versatile.

3. Maternity Jeans: You may be able to get away with wearing your regular jeans for a while with a belly band or a rubberband strategically looped through your button hole and around the button for a while but then reality hits and you'll need real maternity jeans. I got all mine from H&M for super cheap when they carried it in store (no longer available in my area - boo!). Pick a dark wash so you can dress them up or down. If you love straight legs, get straight legs, if you wear skinnies, stick with skinnies. To keep things simple, the trick is maintaining your pre-pregnancy style during your pregnancy (as best you can) with a few simple swaps!

4. Little Black Dress: Or a little gray dress. I love tee shirt dresses because they're so comfortable. You can wear them in the summer with sandals or in cooler months with tights and a sweater/scarf. You could even dress up this style with some pretty jewelry and heels for a night out.

5. Layering Tees: I love the ones I've purchased from H&M and the Liz Lange for Target line. They're longer in length and have side ruching that's super flattering. I haven't had much luck finding regular t-shirts that cover the bump (most drape over the top and then balloon out for a mumu effect that I don't particularly love).

6. Leggings: Ah, leggings! So comfy and perfect for layering under long tops, tunics and mini dresses that you might already own. I like the under the belly version but I think once cold weather hits I'll be all about the over-the-belly versions, too. They hold you in (especially important with baby number 2, so I'm learning!!)

7. Stripe Top: A Breton stripe top is so essential to my casual everyday wardrobe that I had to buy a maternity version. Maybe your long sleeve top would be a pretty printed style or button down. Again it's nice to keep wearing things you normally know and feel comfortable in, hence the stripe top made my list! Always so versatile and easy to style under a cargo jacket or vest, with a leopard scarf, the list goes on!

8. Maxi Dress: You will have many days when you just want to feel comfortable, and nothing beats a maxi dress for those moments. You can wear them all four seasons. Look for a midi style if you want to pair with ankle boots and tights in the fall/winter. I love my t-shirt dress styles but you could get something more feminine, flirty, in a bright color or print, too. Stock up!

9. Stretchy Pencil Skirt: During my last pregnancy I had a foldover waist jersey skirt I loved from Old Navy as well as a Liz Lange maxi skirt. However, I don't love my appearance when I see myself in these skirt styles in photos. Not the most flattering on me. Other moms can rock these styles, but I prefer a stretchy black pencil skirt. They're just as comfy but a bit more easy to style with different tees and tanks. Wear with trainers, ankle boots or flat sandals, even heels!



So those are my mama-to-be essentials, what are yours?! I'd love to hear!