First Trimester Outfits with Clothes You Already Have in Your Closet
With all the joys that come with being a surrogate, the first trimester can be challenging. Between the bloating, nausea, and all-day fatigue, you don’t want to worry about what to wear. After my three pregnancies, I have built a flexible wardrobe to accommodate every stage of pregnancy and postpartum. Below are comfortable and stylish outfit ideas from items that are already in your closet.
First Trimester Clothing Hacks for Early Pregnancy
Here are a few go-to tips that will extend the life of some of your clothing items through at least the first trimester.
Bra Extenders
You will need to buy new bras at some point, but until your cup begins to run over, use bra extenders. These extra hooks are an inexpensive way to extend your band size by up to 2 inches.
Pant Extenders
Jeans and pants that have a button closure can be extended by looping an elastic hair tie or rubber band through the slit, then securing it on the button. Just be sure to keep your tops extra-long.
Belly Band
A belly band is a pant extender alternative. It is a comfy and stretchy band that provides support and compression that can ease your back pain. It also hides your unzipped or unbuttoned pants. No one will know, as it looks just like a long layering tank or tee.
Embrace Anything with Stretch
If it’s stretchy, wear it until you can’t! From your leggings to your skinny jeans, skirts, dresses, and pants. The stretch is comfortable and will accentuate your growing bump.
Organize and Sort Your Closet
Set aside at least an hour to sort your closet and drawers. There are likely a few items you’ve forgotten about that will work for the next few months. Box or move everything that is already on the smaller side. Place items that are long, flowing, boxy, intentionally oversized, and stretchy front and center.
Shop Your Partner’s Closet
If you have a partner or roommate who’s willing, “shop” their closet for items you may be able to add to the mix. Men-s button-down shirts are ideal for layering. Women’s clothing that is a size or two (or more) larger can drastically increase your options.
First Trimester Maternity Office Clothes
Mama has to work and finding the right office wardrobe can help you navigate it with confidence and comfort. As your body begins to change, your clothing needs to accommodate bloating and a growing mid section, while maintaining a professional appearance. First-trimester maternity office clothes are designed to provide the perfect balance between functionality and work appropriate, ensuring you feel your best as you tackle your workday. The good news is that you are likely to have a variety of pieces in your closet that will work into the early weeks of the second trimester.
Wear Layers
Your blazers, cardigans, sweaters, and scarves will be go-to items. They will help you hide your bump until you are ready to announce your pregnancy and surrogacy—and they will stylize your look. If you’re planning on using outfits to hide your pregnancy, I have a complete separate guide for that!
Opt for Long and Boxy
From boxy dresses to tunics, button-downs, and tops with enough length that won’t ride up as you go about your day. For your tops, experiment with a front tuck, French tuck, or full tuck.
Midi Length Shirt Dresses
Midi-length shirt dresses are an excellent choice for work during the first trimester of pregnancy. Their loose, flowy fit provides ample room for comfort as your body begins to change, while the structured shirt design maintains a professional and polished look. These dresses can easily be styled with a belt above the bump for added shape or worn as-is for a more relaxed feel. Pair them with comfortable flats or low heels to complete a chic, work-ready outfit that’s both practical and stylish.
Bodysuits
Bodysuits will highlight your baby bump, but they won’t ride up, which will make you feel more confident and comfortable. You can find tank-style, short-sleeved, and long-sleeved bodysuits with a variety of necklines. Layer items over to keep things professional.
Find Flowy Wardrobe Pieces
Dresses, tops, and jumpsuits that are flowy, ruffled, and intentionally oversized will work in your wardrobe at least through the first trimester. This includes empire waist dresses. Dresses will get shorter in the front as your belly grows, so layer leggings underneath.
Maternity Dresses and Outfits for Special Occasions
If you have a wedding, holiday party, or other special event you may have a look or two in your closet that will work through the first trimester.
Body Con Dresses
Body con dresses stretch, so you will still be able to rock yours! They hug your bump and curves in all the right places and are incredibly comfortable and supportive. Wear solo or layer a boxy blazer on top.
Wrap Dresses, Wrap Skirts and Wrap-Style Tops
Wraps skirts and dresses may be both office-appropriate and special event appropriate. This includes wrap-style layering items.
Flowy or A-Line Dresses
Sort through your existing flowy and A-line dresses to see which ones still flatter your transforming body. Even if the dress is fairly plain, you can personalize your look with accessories.
Comfy Shoes
You may not be swelling yet, so if you can get away with heels go for it. Otherwise, choose a flat and strappy shoe, or a wedge or sturdy platform heel. Slip-on booties and boots may also be comfortable.
First Trimester Weekend Maternity Outfits
While your look may be a bit more casual on the weekends, you still want to look and feel like yourself.
Overalls
If you own overalls, they are incredibly comfortable and provide ample room to move while you run errands, play with your kids, and socialize with loved ones. Overalls are especially great because they don’t have a waistband and have room to breathe around your mid-section.
Leggings
If leggings aren’t office appropriate, you can rock them all you want after-hours and on the weekends.
Maxi Skirts
Maxi skirts are super comfortable, and as your belly grows you can slide them up and wear them as an empire waist skirt.
Pregnancy-Friendly Swimwear
If it’s summer or you’ll be traveling, a ruched swimsuit will disguise your tummy and provide support for your breasts. String bikinis are also ideal as the tie closures allow you to wear them further into your pregnancy. Just be mindful of cup size to avoid accidental exposure.
