Getting dressed is hard enough before you factor in a changing body. Pregnancy and postpartum come with shifts in shape, comfort, and proportions, which can make feeling put-together surprisingly challenging. We tapped our friend, stylist, and mamala-of-two Kelly Klein to share her go-to tips when it comes to dressing during pregnancy and postpartum. Bookmark this post—these styling cues are total gamechangers.
TLDR:
- Show the wrists and clavicle
- Use jackets to create vertical lines
- One color woven throughout
- Drawstring pants
- Cardigan as a top
- Layer long tee under short sweater
- Sweaters as scarves
- Buy bigger pants
1. Show wrists and clavicle
Think of this as body contouring. These are naturally the slimmest points, so showing them will help you feel slimmer and elongated. Easy ways to do this: push up your sleeves or roll the cuff of your pants to get that effect without much effort.
2. Use jackets or button down shirts over a base layer to create long vertical lines
Keep the front open so the shape of the jacket or shirt creates two clean lines down the body. It naturally frames the bump in a way that feels balanced without doing anything extra.
3. One color woven throughout
Pick one color and let it nod to itself somewhere else. A peek of a white tee echoing your sneaker laces or a black button with a black shoe. Tiny repetitions make a big difference in tying everything together.
4. Drawstring pants
If you want elastic pants to sit under the bump, roll the waistband down to shorten the excess fabric underneath. Then pull that extra fabric into two soft pleats under the waistband. You want those folds to hit mid-thigh so the front lays clean instead of bunching at the center.
5. Cardigan as a top
Unbutton to the bra line so it creates a natural V-neck shape. As your boobs get bigger in pregnancy, an open neckline balances that volume and keeps the whole look feeling lighter and more proportioned.
6. Long tee under a short sweater
Let a longer tee hang out under a knit. That little bit of fabric sticking out creates a mini peplum effect and adds so much interest and shape to the outfit.
7. Sweaters as scarves (mainly for colder weather climates)
Treat every sweater like a scarf. Throw it over your shoulders and let the sleeves hang, or tie them once like a soft scarf. It's an easy way to add a pop of color or texture.
8. Buy bigger pants
If you don’t want to buy maternity clothes, buy the regular pants you love in a size or two up. They’ll just be your great oversized pair when you’re not pregnant anymore.
Want the full visual guide, complete with looks styled by Kelly?
Read: What to Wear for the Holidays: Pregnancy & Postpartum Edition
Want more from Kelly? Follow her at @kellyklein__ on Instagram and follow her Substack here
Why Dressing During Pregnancy & Postpartum Feels Different
Your proportions change, weight redistributes, and comfort becomes non-negotiable. The right styling principles help you feel more balanced and confident—even as your body evolves day to day. These tips are meant to work for every trimester, every postpartum stage, and every body.
