I remember back to my first pregnancy with my son and feeling underwhelmed by maternity clothes. Comfort and style did not seem to exist within most of the pieces I found and often felt frumpy. Over the panel pants and shirts with sinching on the side were about all that existed. Luckily, maternity wardrobe options have become increasingly better since then, but I’ve also discovered how to wear non-maternity clothing and make them work for me well beyond pregnancy.

Here are my 5 maternity must-haves for every pregnancy!

1 – Blanqi Leggings

If you know, you know and I probably don’t need to say anything else, but just in case you don’t, go ahead and buy yourself some Blanqi leggings. You’ll thank me later. These leggings are not only comfortable, soft, and solid (say goodbye to see-through leggings), but also provide really great support around the belly and back. So much so, I can tell a difference in my sciatica pain when I wear them, especially during my newborn sessions. I’ve also heard good things about their post-partum support leggings and am excited to try those this time around!

Grab yourself a black pair and then either the blue or soft fawn.

2 – Target Tanks

I have tried a lot of tank tops and these basic ones from Target are by far my favorite. You can this tank on its own or under a cardigan or jacket to feel a little more put together. I have worn these all throughout my pregnancy and will continue to wear them postpartum as well.

3 – Cardigans

Listen to me Momma, treat yourself to one of these cardigans. You will be nurturing and growing a tiny human for the next 9 months, you deserve it! I have actually built quite the collection of Barefoot Dreams cardigans over the years, but the Circle Cardigan is by far my favorite. I wore it a lot at the beginning of my pregnancy to help disguise my bump until we shared, have worn it all throughout my pregnancy, and will be postpartum as well. It’s great for nursing as well!

These come in different lengths, colors and some even have pockets. You can dress these up or down and wear them well beyond pregnancy.

4- Jackets

Despite living in Tampa and rarely needing a jacket, I LOVE jackets and consider them a staple in my wardrobe. I love that I can wear them during pregnancy with a tank (doing away with the need for something maternity-specific) and then also wear them well beyond pregnancy. It’s the perfect way to add a pop of color and make an outfit fun.

My favorite jackets are from Abercrombie- they make a great denim jacket, as well as a utility shirt jacket that’s perfect for a growing bump. Recently I’ve been loving my camo (pictured below and similar here).

5 – Madewell Jeans

Out of my 5 maternity must-haves, these Madewell maternity jeans with the side panel may be my top pick. With my first pregnancy, all I wore was the over-the-belly panel maternity pants. I was constantly pulling them up, felt like I had a saggy butt, and honestly just felt sloppy all of the time. These Madewell jeans have an actual waistband, a zipper and button, and belt loops- basically, all the things that make them feel like real pants.

These are an investment and trust me, I know it’s easy to feel like you can deal with the cheaper options for 9 months. But again, you are growing a tiny human and you deserve to feel good. If a pair of pants will help you feel a little bit more confident and in control of your body, then go buy at least one pair.

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