7 Australian women on how pregnancy changed their style
WORDS BY MAGGIE ZHOU
“I still wanted to dress like myself when pregnant.”
Everything changes when you become a parent. For soon-to-be mothers, these changes are effective, almost immediately. It’s not only saying goodbye to raw fish and soft cheeses – your work, social and home life take a dramatic 180. We wanted to know, does the same go for your wardrobe?
The term ‘maternity fashion’ has traditionally conjured up images of matronly blandness, garish prints and sackless shapes. But in our modern age, this is far from the reality of how pregnant people are dressing. There’s a growing number of independent fashion labels catering to this time of growth, as well as many people who choose to avoid maternity clothes altogether.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
For these seven Australians, pregnancy shook them out of their existing and comfortable styling patterns. For nine months (and beyond), their fashion choices were influenced by the growing bub (or bubs) inside them. Here, they take us through their style evolution, from pre-pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum.
Bianca O’Neill, she/her, FJ’s Senior Industry Columnist
What was your pre-pregnancy style like?
I often referred to myself as a basic bitch, in the best way possible; you’d see me mostly in good-quality basics. Almost always jeans and a tee, paired with a blazer or coat. I’d also say I wore heels more often than flats, and rarely would I be seen in a dress or skirt – but that all changed during pregnancy!
How did pregnancy change your style?
I quickly discovered my regular go-to of jeans or tailored pants and a tee wasn’t going to work once I popped around the 20-week mark. For me, as a shortie, oversized versions of my normal clothes just looked like I was wearing a tent. The first time around, it was a bit hit and miss – but by the second pregnancy, I’d honed in on my best outfit options.
As much as I hated bodycon pre-pregnancy, it’s the easiest and most flattering option during pregnancy. A bodycon dress does make your bump stand out, but it also highlights that pretty much the rest of your body is the same as it always was. I often paired stretchy dresses with my classic blazers and coats, or a kimono in summer and I mostly gave up on heels.
I did invest in two pairs of maternity jeans – the only maternity clothing I bought – so I could feel like my old self, and to be honest, they’re a great investment if you plan on being pregnant more than once as I wore them almost daily. I was pregnant the first time just before COVID-19 hit, but the second time it was a little different as I was mostly pregnant during lockdowns… so it was less style and more comfort-focused.
Tell us about this outfit.
I wore this to a friend’s birthday dinner and I felt really comfortable and chic in it. So much so that I outfit repeated [it] several times with both a beige and an army green trench I already owned. A black stretchy below-the-knee Kookai dress is a super comfy basic you can wear both during the day and out at night when pregnant. If you buy the right one, you can transition it into your post-pregnancy wardrobe too.
Swap flats or sneakers by day [for] a dressy, comfortable mid-heel mule at night (I wore an old pair of lace-up block heels that are so well loved I don’t even know the brand anymore). The pop of yellow in the Cos trench made me feel like I wasn’t just wearing pregnancy clothing, but something a little special without giving up on my usual laidback sleek style. I’ve worn it many times since, post-pregnancy!
Crystal Wang, she/her, actor and model
What was your pre-pregnancy style like?
Before pregnancy, my fashion style was a bit varied and dependent on my mood for the day. I’d describe it as a tad eclectic, as I would sometimes opt for playful and colourful outfits when the sun [was] out, while on other days I would choose more neutral tones. However, black clothing items were a staple in my wardrobe most days, reverting to my teen goth roots.
How did pregnancy change your style?
Since becoming pregnant, I’ve been prioritising comfort in my clothing choices, especially after realising I no longer fit into many of my pants during the second trimester. It seems my baby doesn’t enjoy pants either, as I feel her kicking at the waistband whenever I wear them. Currently, anything that stretches works best for me, as I’m in my third trimester and need additional space for my growing belly. And who can resist anything stretchy?
Tell us about this outfit.
I’ve been really enjoying some pieces from a new local brand called On High Rotation. Proudly designed and made in Melbourne, [its] limited capsule collection showcases on-trend pieces I simply had to get my hands on. These items have been great for accommodating my growing belly, and I love that they will also be suitable for postpartum and beyond.
I feel beautiful wearing these garments, as they accentuate my bump instead of concealing it. With the chilly Melbourne weather, I’ve been pairing the pieces with boots when outdoors and heels for special events. I wore one of their dresses to my baby shower and because it was a very special occasion, I pulled out my Mach and Mach shoes from my wedding.
Kate Ford, she/her, Founder and Creative Director of Kate Ford
What was your pre-pregnancy style like?
To be honest, it didn’t change too much from pre-pregnancy, during or after, it was mainly the sizes that changed. [My style] was always laidback; baggy jeans and crop [tops], gym wear or a bright-coloured item paired down with a neutral [item] and a statement accessory or jacket.
How did pregnancy change your style?
I was still trying to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothing as I refused to buy maternity wear. I ended up buying a size up in jeans to ensure I could still wear my baggy jeans and gym tights. I did have to stop the crops eventually as they were getting quite small with my big belly so I ended up moving into oversized jumpers and tracksuit pants with sneakers. I did opt to wear tight-knitted dresses further into my pregnancy when heading out as they were easy and comfortable to wear… Comfort is key when pregnant.
Tell us about this outfit.
Surprisingly I’d never worn a tight dress prior to being pregnant. [But] when [I] want[ed] to dress nice and head out, that’s all [I] fe[lt] good in. Otherwise, it’s a flowy, oversized dress which unfortunately [didn’t] make [me] feel the best while pregnant – in my case, I would[‘ve] look[ed] like I was carrying triplets, not twins.
This photo was taken two weeks before the twins were born. I dressed up for my partner’s end-of-season presentation and it would be the last time I’d dress up before I was a mum. I bought this black Misha dress off The Iconic a day prior to the event as I was growing so quickly that nothing fit me a week in advance. I styled it with a Cult Gaia metallic gold bag, pared back with my usual simple gold jewellery and black strappy heels (which I highly suggest no one pregnant wears for a long night out).
Zara Wong, she/her, editor
What was your pre-pregnancy style like?
I would be going for elegant, a little dramatic and unexpected.
How did pregnancy change your style?
I tried not to veer too differently from what I usually wore; I really loathed the thought of buying clothes that can only be worn for a few months so I made my existing wardrobe work or bought non-maternity items that I knew I could wear post-pregnancy. It was almost liberating to know that all I needed to wear were some stretchy black pants (I wore the same pair almost daily for the last few months) and a loose top. Which honestly, I still wear now. I still wanted to dress like myself when pregnant.
Tell us about this outfit.
I don’t really wear a lot of pink but this top’s colour made me so happy. It’s such a fresh shade; the empire waistline also meant that my pregnancy bump could sit underneath. I’m about five months pregnant here. I always build an outfit with contrasts – since the Toteme top is quite structured and a statement colour, I picked these pants which are more flowy and loose in a neutral colour. Oh, and these pants! I rave about them all the time, I think Christopher Esber himself is sick of me talking about them. I got them from a sample sale; whenever I see them on sale I buy them so I’ve got them in different fabrics!
Lucia Pang, she/her, content creator
What was your pre-pregnancy style like?
My style was and has always been quite laidback and practical, although I loved my layering, accessories and statement pieces.
How did pregnancy change your style?
Comfort was key and I lived in flowy stretchy pieces. I was pregnant in Sydney’s 2021 lockdown and didn’t really have much on, so I embraced my loungewear and a lot of maxi dresses and one-pieces for ease. I carried big and was very swollen – my twin girls tracked 90 per cent percentile individually throughout. So by the end of my pregnancy, it was all about comfort. I didn’t end up purchasing any maternity clothing besides a pair of maternity bike shorts. Instead, [I] got versatile pieces with a lot of give so I could keep wearing them postpartum.
Tell us about this outfit.
I wore this beautiful tiered maxi dress from Shona Joy for my maternity shoot. I loved the delicate floral pattern and the stretchy bodice but mostly, the way it shaped and accentuated my (very pregnant 29-week) bump! It was a very warm afternoon that day so I chucked on a wide-brim hat and my Charles and Keith white chunky heels, which I could just squeeze into (gotta love swollen feet in pregnancy).
Naomi Holt, she/her, psychologist
What was your pre-pregnancy style like?
For me, comfort has always been a top priority. If I’m uncomfortable, it affects how I carry myself and my overall confidence. Because of this, I tend to be drawn to knit dresses, high-waisted wide-leg pants, crops and matching sets in bold colours, patterns or soft neutrals.
How did pregnancy change your style?
My style has become even more focused on comfort; I’ve had to pack away large chunks of my wardrobe and leave only key pieces that have been able to grow with me. [It’s] something I highly recommend doing so that you don’t feel bad every time you go to put an old favourite piece on and find it doesn’t fit. The go-tos I’ve been able to get lots of wear out of have been my knit dresses, which I find are super easy to dress up or down and work well both [in] winter and summer!
Tell us about this outfit.
Unsurprisingly I love this outfit because it’s so incredibly comfortable! Jumpsuits and pregnancy go so well together, and Bumpsuit has perfected them as the material is soft and supportive. I’ve styled this piece in so many different ways, but my go-to is with boots, and these Wittner boots are one of the most loved things I own. To finish the look, I love adding some colour with either my checked denim handbag or my classic denim jacket (I will wear this until it dies).
Ferin Jafarova, she/her, content creator
What was your pre-pregnancy style like?
My style has been pretty much the same, both pre-pregnancy and after. I’ve always loved unique and edgy pieces, bright colours and statement shoes and bags. I would say that my style is a mix of classic and street fashion, with a touch of rock chic due to my love for leather jackets, heavy eye makeup and platform boots.
How did pregnancy change your style?
Dressing myself was truly challenging during pregnancy, especially in those first few months when I wasn’t properly showing but already couldn’t fit into my favourite jeans. I also experienced severe morning sickness which lasted for 14 weeks and I had no motivation to leave my bed, let alone dress up. Once the morning sickness eased and my bump started to grow, dressing up became really fun.
I wore tight, mini, wide and long dresses in bright colours… I pretty much lived in dresses throughout my pregnancy. I also invested in a few pairs of maternity leggings to wear on casual outings. I would sometimes borrow clothes [from] my husband, like his tracksuits. [I] even bought a few men’s T-shirts and a men’s trench coat from an op shop which came in very handy as my bump grew bigger.
Tell us about this outfit.
This has to be one of my favourite pregnancy looks. I was 32 weeks pregnant and it was getting tough but I still wanted to dress up. I love this whole look because it’s beautiful, feminine and a little sexy. [It] was what I wanted to feel at that moment since my body [went] through a lot of physical changes in a short period of time and at times, I struggled with my body image. I got the dress and the bag from The Iconic and bought the scarf during one of my overseas trips a few years prior.
Looking for more insight into pregnancy style? Head here.
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