Trying to find maternity wear has me floundering a bit.  What fits?  What flatters?  What will work in a week?  In a month?

There’s only one solution.  I have to go back to basics.

This outfit was inspired by Lilly Demello.  Lilly was discussing what she wants to wear in late March (the pictured outfit) vs. what she ends up wearing (an equally adorable sweater outfit).  I really like Lilly’s content, and this look inspired me to start thinking about my maternity attire in a different way.  I’m now thinking I may just need a capsule wardrobe of some kind to get me through the next few months.

Dress. At the start of COVID, I lost my fitted, black jersey dress in a washing machine accident.  I recommend this Marine Layer short-sleeve scoop neck dress or this Michael Stars dress for something under-$125.  With both of these dresses, size for fit based on your comfort level.  In your regular size, it will fit in a body-con style.  One size up, it’ll be fitted, but slightly loose.

In the image above, I put this great dress from Another Tomorrow that runs just over $150.  I like the side vents for keeping it cool in the summer months.  Need something under-$50?  Try this short sleeve dress from Cotton On or this Daily Ritual dress with a swingier shape.

Plus-size?  Amazon has a similar dress that runs up to 4X.  Maternity?  This Target dress form Hatch’s diffusion line, and this Old Navy dress are both worth a look.  (I haven’t branched into more expensive maternity wear yet, but if I do, I’ll be hitting Poshmark more than the stores.)

Jacket. This LL Bean utility jacket is one of my Top 10 all-time purchases.  I hesitated to post it, because so many of you have already bought one…or three, but if you’ve been on the fence, this is the time.  The Utility jacket also comes in petite and plus, and costs just under-$100.  Also, this jacket wears like iron.  Mine is almost seven years old, and it still looks new.

Purse. Gigi New York makes high quality bags with utility in mind.  This currently sale-priced crossbody bag is no exception. For something under-$150, this Marc Jacobs bag has an equestrian style and lots of utility.

Shoes. These Veja Esplars are still going strong four years after they were the must-have sneaker.  But snap them up for a deal on Gilt.  I also recommend giving the tongue some time to break in, or wearing no-show socks for a bit.

Accessories.  I finished this look with a pair of cool, knotted studs.  I can’t believe these earrings look this good for under-$20.  And, of course, my favorite Ray-Ban aviators.

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