Let’s look at how to build the perfect maternity capsule wardrobe that is budget friendly and timeless.
Pregnancy is the perfect season to try out a capsule wardrobe because it is a short period of time where you need new clothing to fit your ever-changing body. The goal with seasonal capsule wardrobes is that very few pieces are mixed and matched to create effortless outfits. Buy less, wear more!
Affiliate links may be used in this post. To learn more, please review our full disclosure statement below (on mobile) or to the right (on desktop). Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support!
What is a maternity capsule wardrobe?
Before I implemented my seasonal capsule wardrobe, I hated my closet. There were too many clothes and I felt like I had nothing to wear. After my pregnancy, I realized that maintaining a smaller wardrobe had reduced so much stress. Getting dressed was easier than ever and I spent less money because I was able to make so many different outfits from just a few maternity items I had.
A maternity capsule wardrobe is just that, a limited number of clothing items used during pregnancy that creates several different outfits for your changing body. It is common for women to wear many of their regular clothes in early pregnancy. However, at a specific time you may want to ditch regular sized items for specific (stretchy) maternity pieces. The key with capsule wardrobes is to only buy pieces that you need and can wear over and over again.
How Many Items are in a Maternity Wardrobe
While it may feel as though you need to buy an entire new wardrobe when you become pregnant, the good news is that layers and oversized items are your friend! You can absolutely include this type of non-maternity clothes in your maternity capsule, so long as they fit comfortably. Think about things like oversized tops (sweaters & t’s), loose dresses, or button-up shirts & jackets, and open front cardigans. Especially if dressing in Fall and Winter, many of your regular cardigans and jackets can be worn open over top of maternity tees & tanks!
Typically, a seasonal capsule will contain about 20-30 pieces.
For each capsule in this post, I used 17 pieces. These pieces are items that are worn on a day-to-day basis and do not include things such as outerwear, formalwear, or activewear. My personal capsules also do not include accessories, though some capsules you will find on the internet include accessory pieces.
How to Build Your Maternity Capsule
1. DETERMINE YOUR LIFESTYLE CLOTHING NEEDS
How many maternity basics do you need? Do you have layers? Why type of bottoms do you wear most often?
Remember, comfort is key! This season will be over before you know it and it is important you enjoy every second and feel your best. As your body changes you will appreciate all of the stretchy fabric and extra wide waist bands, trust me!
Use the graphics in this post as inspiration for a great, versatile maternity capsule wardrobe. With a small selection of clothes, you can create a bunch of outfit combinations that are both comfortable and stylish.
2. SHOP YOUR CLOSET
Regular sized items you already own can probably be worn during pregnancy. Here are a few items to pull from your closet to see if they’d fit your needs during pregnancy:
- Button down shirts
- Jackets (leather, denim, shackets, etc)
- Cardigans
- Oversized tops
- Loose/flowy dresses
- Elastic or tie waist pants
- Any top that is generally “big” on you and not tight around the abdomen
3. IDENTIFY THE SEASON
For most women, official maternity clothes are not needed until late in the first trimester. Every woman is completely different, and you will definitely know when it is time to switch out some of your regular sized clothes. Therefore, I would base your maternity capsule wardrobe on the season you will be in starting around 16 weeks & beyond, as this is when you will most likely require maternity sizing!
4. BORROW ANYTHING YOU NEED
After you narrow down what you have and what you will need, it’s time to fill in the missing pieces! When I was pregnant, I was fortunate enough to inherit a bunch of really cute maternity clothes from family member and friends. Ask around! Most ladies are more than happy to lend out their maternity clothes.
5. SHOP SECOND HAND
Another great option is to shop second hand. We have an amazing store nearby that sells gently used name brand items. This is a great way to save some cash on a wardrobe that is worn for such a short amount of time.
All of the pieces in this post are linked so you can shop directly. If you like shopping online, Amazon, H&M, and Old Navy have really affordable maternity clothes that are comfortable and stylish!
READ NEXT: EFFORTLESS MOM STYLE
SPRING & SUMMER MATERNITY CAPSULE
For spring and summer think flowy, lightweight, and breathable. Comfort is paramount when it is both hot outside and you are in the third trimester! You will not regret comfortable breezy clothing. Dresses and light layers are always a great choice in the Summer.
White Tank // Flowy Tank // Green & Black Tank // Striped & Green Tee (set of 3) // Gray Ruffle Tee // Linen Shirt // Black Maxi // Navy Maxi // Leggings // Bike Shorts // Denim Shorts // White Shorts // Leather Sandal // Slip On Sneaker // Black Sandals
The capsule above is a great foundation for Spring and Summer. If you are in a cooler climate during the Spring, this capsule can easily be layered up with open cardigans and jackets you likely already own! Use this as inspiration to build your very own maternity capsule wardrobe.
TIP: Opt for slip on style shoes for the 3rd trimester. Bending over becomes such a struggle, trust me! Not to mention swollen feet. The last few weeks is all about easy, expandable footwear.
SHOP THE SPRING/SUMMER CAPSULE
CHECK OUT THIS PINTEREST BOARD FOR MORE CAPSULE INSPIRATION
FALL & WINTER MATERNITY CAPSULE
For Fall and Winter, you will want to focus on easy and comfortable layers. Movement in general can become very uncomfortable towards the end of pregnancy. Therefore, this maternity capsule wardrobe is full of great, easy to wear, basics with oversized cozy layers that won’t be too difficult to put on and wear.
White Tee // Long Sleeve Tee (3 pack) // Hoodie // Shacket // Cardigan // Green Sweater // Open Sweater // Leggings // Jeans // Flare Legging // Gray Dress // Striped Dress // Chelsea Boot // Slip-On Bootie // Mules
Don’t forget to add accessories like scarves and hats for extra warmth! Like I mentioned above, slip on shoes will be your bestie during the last few weeks. A cozy pair of slip-on booties are stylish and super practical for colder months. Even better, they’ll be great for running around to baby appointments after delivery!
SHOP THE SPRING/SUMMER CAPSULE
Maternity Basics
From my personal experience, these are the maternity items I wore the most during pregnancy. With these basics, you’ll be able to easily build up your very own maternity capsule wardrobe for any season.
Tee Shirt (long sleeve or short sleeve)
If you have any questions as you create your capsule wardrobe, feel free to drop them in the comments below or over on IG!
Weekly Top Finds
Steals Under $30
Bejeweled
Beauty Riot’s Budget Fashion Blogger Contest