Make ‘em do a double take
Vivid colors, lightweight fabrics and a special attention to comfort and fit are all the makings of a fabulous maternity wardrobe. We asked three Chicago-area moms to ditch their everyday looks and step into the hottest trends of the season for expectant and new moms to prove it.
Mom: Nicole Crowley of Prospect Heights
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom
How far along: 18 weeks
Describe your pregnancy style: Casual and pretty, with a touch of sparkle. I love leggings and dresses because theyre comfortable, but Ill throw on a sequined jacket or sparkly jewelry with it.
The style gurus:
2118 W. Roscoe, Chicago
2037 W. Roscoe, Chicago
The look:
Leota | Madison Faux Wrap Dress, $145 (non-maternity, sizing up is recommended)
Corso Como | Caitlynn Strappy Sandal in Pewter, $129
This versatile wrap dress can work for the office (just add a structured blazer or soft cardi) or for date night. The punch of colors is just the energy boost moms-to-be need coming out of the first trimester.
2nd trimester
Mom: Nicole Crowley of Prospect Heights
Occupation: Stay-at-home mom
How far along: 18 weeks
Describe your pregnancy style: Casual and pretty, with a touch of sparkle. I love leggings and dresses because theyre comfortable, but Ill throw on a sequined jacket or sparkly jewelry with it.
The style gurus:
2118 W. Roscoe, Chicago
2037 W. Roscoe, Chicago
The look:
Queen Mum | Grey Capri Denim, $159
Noppies | Lila Coral Striped Top, $79
Noppies | Duster Striped Spring Sweater, $129
Fly London | Cupid in Scarlet, $180
TOMS sunglasses (from A Pied), $155
This bright and breezy layered weekend look is a more put together version of a simple tee and jeans. The length of the duster offsets the horizontal stripes and helps elongate the frame, and the fitted tee shows off moms best accessory: the bump!
2nd trimester
Mom: Rachel Tran of Huntley
Occupation: Part-time bank teller
How far along: 34 weeks
Describe your pregnancy style: Casual, comfortable and chic. Im happiest in something stylish and fitted to show off my bump.
The style guru:
520 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 3, Chicago
The look:
Seraphine Maternity | Tara Printed Shirt Dress, $112
Cupcakes and Cashmere | Bailey Vegan Leather Biker Vest, $130
Elise M | Leather Lasso Belt in Cognac, $33
Progressive Cubic Necklace, $22
Leather Chevron Bracelet, $24
Hammered Double Cuff Bracelet, $24
Adjustable Layered Disc Ring, $20
Dolce Vita | Sutton Bootie, $139.95 (available at Nordstrom)
The shirt dress is a mom-to-be spring staple. Show off a playful side with an eye-catching print in a bold color and add a touch of edginess with a biker vest. This buttery vegan leather version in taupe is a softer alternative to black.
3rd trimester
Mom: Rachel Tran of Huntley
Occupation: Part-time bank teller
How far along: 34 weeks
Describe your pregnancy style: Casual, comfortable and chic. Im happiest in something stylish and fitted to show off my bump.
The style guru:
520 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 3, Chicago
The look:
RD Style | Cold Shoulder Swing Top, $58
Ripe Maternity | Isla Ankle Grazer Jean in Clean Fade Wash, $108
KUT from the Kloth | Amelia Denim Jacket in Serpa Wash, $79
MH | Sterling Silver Bar Earrings, $26
Lasso Necklace, $25
Leather Wrap Bracelet, $28
Vegan Leather Amaya Braided Tote, $48
Dolce Vita | Sutton Bootie, $139.95 (available at Nordstrom)
The peekaboo shoulder detail makes this outfit, and the flowy fabric would look just as cute without a bump as it does with one, making it a great piece to hold onto post-pregnancy. Pair with skinny jeans and top it off with a few statement accessories for the perfect girls night out ensemble.
3rd trimester
Mom: Razan Jaber of Bensenville
Occupation: Ultrasound technician
How far along: 10 weeks postpartum
Describe your post-pregnancy style: A mix of classic and contemporary. I enjoy the opportunity to dress up because I wear scrubs every day for work.
The style guru:
2140 W. Fulton St., Chicago
The look:
Majamas | Elina Hoodie in Pebble, $63
Majamas | Tide Tunic in Popsicle, $64
Majamas | Comfort Legging in Ishikari, $19.95
This easy, sporty look is perfect for active moms on the go. Ditch the basic black leggings for this comfy, ultra feminine pair; the soft, low rise waistband is gentle on post-C-section incisions. The forgiving silhouette of the cheery, coral-colored tunic hides any (real or perceived) flaws.
4th trimester
Step out in stripes
There is something so fun and French-inspired about stripes. In Chicago, they herald the start of spring with their nautical feel. For moms-to-be, stripes are often flattering as they help “round out” or contour the belly.
Look for stripes that have a variation in width or a mixed angle in a top or dress. And don’t be afraid to mix sizes and colors of stripes.
– Trudy Robinson, owner of Kickin Maternity
Dont ditch the denim
A few years ago spring and summer denim simply meant white denim. Today, you’ll find all shades and distressed levels of grays, blues and whites. Dark denim is still the “go to” for evenings and office wear. For a more casual spin, try lighter shades of blues and grays paired with an unfinished hem in an ankle length jean. Make sure to try various waist bands to find the one that feels the best and is least likely to fall down. Remember, the lower the rise, the less the denim will interfere with belly growth.
The increase in spring ankle booties on the market makes pairing them with a front button denim dress a breeze. When buying a denim dress make sure you have enough belly growth room. Even stretchy denim provides less flexibility than a ruched viscose dress. If it’s too snug in the chest, but fits everywhere else with room to grow, consider adding a fitted tank (maybe even grab a nursing one).
– Trudy Robinson, owner of Kickin Maternity
Ease into comfortable basics
We recommend two key pieces to every mom-to-be: (1) a seamless tunic-length tank for smoothing and layering (our favorite one is reversible; one side is scoop neck, the other side is V-neck); and (2) a sturdy pair of seamless leggings.
– Jamenda McCoy, owner of Belle Up Boutique
Turn heads in a day-to-night LBD
More spring fashion tips and must-haves for expectant moms
Hair and makeup provided by:
1315 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
Hello, gorgeous!
