How To Dress For Third Trimester (for me, at least.)

Alright friends, I’m in the home stretch and finally getting into my third trimester! Aside from getting increasingly uncomfortable heartburns and Braxton Hicks contractions, I think I’m still a happy mama so far. :)

What’s been a challenge though is finding things to wear during this trimester. The first and second trimester is easy to get by, but with the big belly and just being bigger everywhere (not to mention, the boobs – trust me, I prefer smaller boobs) I am running out of clothes to wear. This stage is hard because you want to find pieces that are flattering to the bump while still staying comfortable. It’s a hard balance. I’m also a stubborn one – haven’t given in on buying any maternity clothes yet. I figured I’m going to suck it up for the next three months (alternate 3 outfits if I have to) and do whatever it takes to make it work!

Funny enough, I’ve been getting compliments from peers on my pregnancy style and have gotten requests to do a blog post on how to dress for pregnancy. I’ve hesitated about this because I don’t really think I have any solid tips to offer. I feel that everyone’s pregnancy is so different and that what works for me may not work for someone else. But since you asked, I thought the best way to go about this is to share what makes me feel good and what makes me smile. :)

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Outfit 1: H&M Sweater (similar) // Zara Camo Pants// Aldo Shoes // Forever 21 Rhinestone bracelet (similar) & Banana Republic gold chain bracelet (similar)

I’ve been a little obsessed with the camo look, particularly these pants I saw from Zara. I was a little ballsy to buy them in my third trimester. Do they fit me at the waist? Heck no! I can’t even zip it up. But my trick is to put a hair tie around the button (like this) and wear a long stretchy cami (I love these) and an oversize sweater to cover the unflattering part. Put on a pair of heels and some accessories (no restrictions on those whatsoever) and I pulled off those camo pants just like I would pre-pregnancy.

Outfit 2: Zara striped top (similar) // H&M leggings (love these oxblood ones from Forever 21 – the most inexpensive way to wear this seasons’ hottest color during pregnancy) // Converse Chuck Taylor Sneakers (if you’re up for a little splurge, I would get these!) 

Alright, I don’t dress like outfit 1 everyday. It does take effort and some thoughts to put an outfit like that together and I only reserve that when I feel like “dress to impress.” On my normal days, I’m just like every other pregnant woman out there – flowy tops and leggings are my best friends. What I try to do is to keep patterns and colors interesting so I’m not just wearing all black all the time. And for me, seeing myself in colors makes me most happy.

Outfit 3: Fierce Floral Shift Dress c/o A-Thread

I think when there are days you feel like looking like a lady, wearing a shift dress or a longer tunic with a loose waist is your best bet. The best part about buying these is that you can still wear them after your pregnancy and still look great. They’re comfortable and super effortless chic – one slip and you got an outfit on! I own a few during my first pregnancy and those were the few items I kept in my closet after the first baby. I got a size up on this floral shift dress and it accommodated my belly perfectly. I can’t wait to wear it after my pregnancy too.

Outfit 4: Target Gloves // Kate Spade Bracelet (the one I have is no longer available but I love this one too. Etsy Gold Hammered Bracelets (similar)  // Banana Republic Cashmere Scarf (the one I have is about 10 years old but they have a similar one here this season) // Zara Oxfords (similar)

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! That goes the same during pregnancy. In fact, it’s the one thing you can get creative with (and splurge if you want) without having to worry whether or not it would fit you afterwards. Especially now that the fall/winter season is here, there’s even more reasons to accessorize. And if you’re into wearing all black during this time, accessories will keep that outfit interesting.

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I think the most important thing for me during this time is to dress comfortable without giving up my personal style. I don’t like to restrict myself on what a pregnant woman “should” wear and I don’t like to splurge on expensive maternity wear – but that’s just me. My mood varies from day to day too so it’s important to listen to yourself on what makes you feel and look good. And if there are days where I don’t feel like dressing up or putting  on any make-up, I just avoid the mirror and make myself a cup of hot cocoa. :)

Do you have any tips on dressing for pregnancy? Or favorite “pregnancy-friendly” finds?  Would love to have you share with me and my readers!

Images via Shop Sweet Things iPhone and Instagram.