Stylish Maternity Clothes: Where to Shop & What to Avoid

Shopping for maternity clothes should be one of the fun parts of pregnancy—celebrating your changing body with cute, bump-friendly outfits. But for many moms-to-be, it’s anything but exciting. It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and often disappointing.

I vividly remember searching for stylish maternity clothes during the early stages of my pregnancy. I wasn’t expecting runway-ready pieces, but I wanted clothes that made me feel confident, comfortable, and true to my style. Instead, I kept running into the same outdated, baggy silhouettes that made me feel anything but stylish.

Pregnant influencers always seemed to have picture-perfect outfits… but none looked like me. I wasn’t seeing many influencers with my body type, which made it harder to relate. I started searching online, hoping to find something similar, but everything I encountered was too plain, unflattering, or entirely out of my budget. Eventually, I gave up and just went in person to the store, hoping for better luck (spoiler: it wasn’t much better).

I found some beautiful pieces for baby showers and maternity photoshoots, but what about everyday wear? Why is it so hard to find stylish and affordable maternity clothes?

In this post, we’ll explore the real struggle behind finding stylish maternity clothes and, more importantly, where to shop for bump-friendly outfits that won’t make you feel frumpy.

The Struggle: Why Maternity Fashion Falls Short

Shopping for maternity clothes should be an exciting way to celebrate your changing body. However, many expecting mothers find the experience frustrating and disappointing. Several factors contribute to the challenges in finding stylish and functional maternity wear:?

1. Limited Variety

Many mainstream retailers offer only a small selection of maternity clothing, often limited to basics like leggings and oversized T-shirts. This scarcity makes it difficult for expectant mothers to find chic, trendy pieces that align with their style.

2. Outdated Styles

Maternity fashion has often been criticized for featuring outdated designs, such as unflattering prints, excessive ruching, and boxy silhouettes. These styles can leave pregnant women feeling frumpy rather than fashionable.

3. High Cost for Limited Use

Maternity clothes often cost as much as regular apparel but are worn for a relatively short period. This temporary use makes many women question the value of investing in a maternity wardrobe.

4. Compromised Quality

Due to their limited lifespan, some maternity garments are produced with less emphasis on durability and quality. This approach can result in clothing that wears out quickly, despite its high price.

5. Short Duration of Use

Many women do not require specialized maternity clothing in the early stages of pregnancy. As a result, the window for wearing maternity-specific apparel is relatively brief, leading some to question the necessity of purchasing an extensive wardrobe.

These challenges highlight the need for more diverse, stylish, and affordable maternity clothing options that cater to the evolving preferences of expecting mothers.

Where Most People Shop (and Why It’s Disappointing)

Finding stylish and affordable maternity clothing can be challenging for many expectant mothers. While several mainstream retailers offer maternity lines, the selection often leaves much to be desired. Here’s an overview of popular stores and what you might expect:

Old Navy & Ross

• Pros: Both retailers provide budget-friendly options for maternity basics such as leggings and casual tops.?
• Cons: The quality can be inconsistent, and the range of trendy pieces is often limited. Shoppers have noted that while Old Navy offers some maternity items, the in-store selection is usually lacking, leading to reliance on online shopping.

Target & Amazon

• Pros: These platforms offer convenience and a broad range of maternity products, making shopping accessible for many.?
• Cons: Despite the variety, finding stylish or statement maternity pieces can be challenging. For instance, some Target locations have minimal in-store maternity sections, pushing shoppers towards online options.

H&M & ASOS

• Pros: H&M and ASOS are recognized for incorporating more contemporary styles into their maternity lines, appealing to fashion-conscious expectant mothers.
• Cons: The selection may be limited, and popular items can sell out quickly. Additionally, sizing can be inconsistent, making online shopping a gamble.

PinkBlush

• Pros: PinkBlush specializes in maternity wear and offers various feminine and dressy options for various occasions.?
• Cons: The brand’s aesthetic leans heavily towards bohemian and floral designs, which may not align with everyone’s style. Some shoppers have found the fit and quality to be inconsistent, suggesting a need for careful selection.

If you’ve checked these stores and still feel unsatisfied, don’t worry—there are better alternatives. One tip from personal experience: don’t overlook the plus-size sections, especially at stores like Ross or Target. I often found more stylish, bump-friendly pieces than in the maternity aisles. With oversized fits and stretchy fabrics being trendy right now, you might discover hidden gems that look great during pregnancy and can be worn postpartum, too.

What Social Media Gets Right About Maternity Fashion

Ever notice how pregnant influencers seem effortlessly stylish, while finding something decent to wear in real life feels like a struggle? There’s a reason for that. Here’s what social media gets right (and how you can apply it without feeling pressured to spend a fortune):

1. They Mix Non-Maternity Pieces Into Their Wardrobe

Many fashion influencers skip traditional maternity wear altogether. Instead, they size up or choose stretchy, bump-friendly pieces like wrap dresses, ribbed sets, or flowy tops. Apps like LTK (LIKEtoKNOW.it) are great for seeing how influencers pair non-maternity items during pregnancy. You can search for outfit inspiration based on your trimester or clothing item.

2. Their Outfits Are Staged, Not Everyday Wear

Let’s be honest—Instagram is curated. Many of the picture-perfect outfits you see are explicitly styled for photos. In reality, comfort and practicality usually win. If you follow influencers like @naomiboyer (personal favorite), you’ll notice their feed is filled with inspiration, not necessarily outfits meant for running errands. Use these visuals as ideas, not expectations.

3. They Have More Resources

 Most influencers have brand partnerships, gifted items, or larger budgets, giving them access to more stylish and high-end maternity pieces. That doesn’t mean you need to overspend. The ShopStyle app is an excellent tool for finding budget-friendly alternatives to influencer looks—it lets you search by price, brand, or even dupes for expensive items.

So, how do everyday moms achieve effortless maternity style without maxing out their budget? The following section will help you build a bump-friendly wardrobe without the stress (or the splurge).

The Best Alternatives for Stylish Maternity Wear

You’re not alone if you’re tired of the typical maternity section filled with oversized tees and shapeless leggings. The good news? There are plenty of stylish alternatives—many of which aren’t even labeled “maternity.”

Bump-Friendly Non-Maternity Clothing

Many non-maternity brands offer flowy, stretchy, and high-waisted pieces that work perfectly throughout pregnancy (and postpartum). These are often more stylish, affordable, and easy to wear long after the baby arrives.

Flowy Dresses & Maxi Dresses

 Brands: VICI Collection, Lulus, Free People
Why: Boho-inspired dresses are naturally roomy and bump-friendly, making them ideal for maternity and beyond.

Stretchy Skirts & High-Waisted Leggings

Brands: Spanx, Beyond Yoga
Why: High-rise and stretchy fabrics offer comfort and support without needing a maternity label.

Oversized Button-Ups & Sweater Dresses

Brands: Abercrombie & Fitch, Madewell, Zara
Why: Oversized pieces grow with your bump and are still trendy postpartum—great for layering or dressing up or down.

Two-Piece Sets & Bodycon Dresses

Brands: Revolve, PrettyLittleThing, Skims
Why: These styles highlight your bump in a flattering way while keeping your look elevated and fashion-forward.

Lesser-Known Brands for Stylish Maternity Clothes

Prefer to shop actual maternity lines? These modern brands are breaking the mold:

• Seraphine: Celebrity-loved and fashion-forward.
• Storq: Simple, minimalist, and incredibly comfy.
• Nom Maternity: Trendy styles are designed with functionality in mind.
• Hatch: High-end and editorial-worthy—perfect for special events or splurges.

Affordable & Sustainable Stylish Maternity Clothes

Maternity clothes are only needed briefly, so why not save where you can?

• ThredUp: Great for gently used, sustainable maternity wear.
• Poshmark & Facebook Marketplace: Score pre-loved maternity clothes at unbeatable prices.
• Rent the Runway: Perfect for special occasions (think baby showers, maternity shoots, or events) without committing to a full-price outfit.

Budget-Friendly Stylish Maternity Clothes You Can Reuse Postpartum

Now that you’ve got options, here’s how to approach building your maternity wardrobe without overspending:

• Mix maternity and non-maternity pieces: Invest in a few essentials like maternity leggings or nursing-friendly tops, but lean on stretchy, oversized, or flowy pieces from regular brands to fill in the gaps.
• Shop secondhand: Most maternity clothes are worn for only a few months, so resale sites are full of stylish finds in excellent condition.
• Stick to essentials: Build around comfortable basics like neutral dresses, quality leggings, layering tees, and a cozy cardigan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Feel Confident While Pregnant

Finding stylish maternity clothes shouldn’t feel like an impossible task. With the right styling tricks and a mix of bump-friendly staples, you can stay fashionable, comfortable, and true to your style throughout every trimester.

But here’s the tangible reminder: you don’t have to “look put together” every single day. Pregnancy is filled with highs, lows, and lots of unexpected changes. Some days, you’ll feel glowing and energized. Other days, just putting on pants feels like a win, and that’s okay.

Let social media be your inspiration, not your standard. Use Pinterest, Instagram, or apps like LTK and ShopStyle to build your wardrobe at your own pace, in your way.

If you’re planning for postpartum, don’t miss my post on self-care ideas to help you heal and feel like yourself again—because taking care of you matters, too. Sign up below to get my free Bump Friendsly Style guide and make getting dressed one less thing to stress about

Have you found any hidden gem maternity brands? Please share your favorites in the comments—I’d love to hear what worked for you!