When Anastasia Souris announced her pregnancy in January, her followers—more than 400,000 across TikTok and Instagram—were eager to see how her signature style would evolve. Known for sharing outfit inspiration and practical styling tips, Souris continues to adapt her looks while embracing the changes that come with growing a family. Her journey offers real maternity style inspiration for anyone looking to stay true to their personal aesthetic during pregnancy. If you’re searching for pregnancy style essentials, following her approach can help you build a wardrobe that feels both comfortable and chic.
Through her content, Souris proves that pregnancy doesn’t mean sacrificing your fashion sense. Instead, it’s an opportunity to discover new silhouettes and wardrobe staples that work for your changing body. This guide draws on pregnancy fashion tips and real-life examples to help you curate your own collection of essentials during this special time.
What Are Pregnancy Style Essentials? Souris’s Must-Have List
When you begin selecting your pregnancy style essentials, it helps to have a clear framework. Souris narrows it down to three go-to categories: elastic waistbands, maternity jeans that sit below the belly, and matching sets. These pieces take the guesswork out of getting dressed, so you can focus on feeling good in your changing body rather than struggling with complicated outfits.
Elastic Waistband Trousers for Every Day
One of Souris’s top priorities is elastic waistband trouser-style pants. These are true maternity wardrobe staples because they give you the polished silhouette of tailored trousers while offering the stretch and ease your belly needs. Whether you are heading to the office or meeting friends for brunch, elastic waistband pants keep you comfortable without looking like you gave up on style. The soft waistband adjusts with you as the day goes on, making them a reliable choice for long hours on your feet or relaxing at home.
Matching Sets: Comfort Meets Style
Souris calls matching sets a foolproof way to be comfortable and feel put together. The beauty of maternity matching sets is that they do the styling for you. With coordinated tops and bottoms, you slip into one complete look that appears intentional and polished. No mixing and matching required. Just add your favorite sneakers or low sandals, and you are ready to go. These sets work perfectly for lazy weekends, prenatal appointments, or casual gatherings, giving you an effortlessly chic vibe with minimal effort.
Rounding out the list are maternity jeans below belly. These sit lower on your waist, offering the classic denim look without pressure on your midsection. Pair them with a soft tee or a simple knit top, and you have an easy, everyday outfit that moves with you. Together, these three categories give you a practical, low-maintenance foundation for your entire pregnancy wardrobe.
The Decision-Making Framework: What to Buy for Pregnancy
With a solid foundation of core staples in mind, you can now approach shopping with a clear head. It is easy to get swept up in cute maternity trends, but a simple strategy helps keep your closet both practical and budget-friendly. Stylist Souris uses a straightforward framework to avoid wasteful buys, and it works perfectly for any expecting parent. She asks herself just two questions before every purchase. This approach ensures that each item earns its place in your wardrobe, whether it serves you now or later.
Can You Wear It After Pregnancy?
The first question is simple: will this piece still work for you postpartum? Many maternity clothes are designed with temporary features like belly panels or extra room. If an item can transition into your everyday wardrobe after the baby arrives, it offers more value. Think about soft, stretchy dresses, oversized cardigans, or wrap-style tops. These pieces support your changing body now and can be worn comfortably later. Focusing on this question naturally guides you toward a postpartum wardrobe transition that feels seamless, not like starting from scratch.
Cost-Per-Wear Calculation for Maternity Items
If the answer to the first question is no, the second question becomes crucial: how many times will you realistically wear it while pregnant? This is your maternity clothes buying guide for those purely temporary items. A dress you will wear to weekly baby showers or a pair of jeans for daily errands is a good investment. But a fancy outfit for a single event might not be worth the cost or closet space. This simple mental calculation encourages sustainable maternity fashion by preventing impulse buys. When you consider each piece through this lens, your pregnancy style essentials become a smart, intentional collection that works hard for you.
Accessories: The Always-Fit Secret to Elevating Pregnancy Outfits
Once you’ve built a smart, intentional collection of pregnancy style essentials, the next step is adding pieces that adapt with your changing body. Accessories are your best friend here because, as Souris points out, they will always fit — no matter how your bump grows or your feet swell. A great bag, a pair of standout earrings, or a simple necklace can transform a basic maternity look into something polished and personal. And since your size won’t dictate what you can wear, investing in a few quality accessories is a low-maintenance way to keep your wardrobe feeling fresh.
Why Accessories Are a Pregnancy Wardrobe Staple
During pregnancy, your body changes week by week. Clothes come and go, but your favorite maternity accessories stay with you. A structured tote works just as well for carrying snacks and spare clothes as it does for a day at the office. A pair of Monica Vinader earrings can dress up a simple knit without adding any pressure points. The key is choosing pieces that feel like you — they become the constants in a wardrobe that’s otherwise in flux.
Brands to Know: Heaven Mayhem, Monica Vinader, Juju Vera
Souris relies on three go-to accessory brands for this reason. Heaven Mayhem bags offer practical, stylish shapes that work for every stage of pregnancy and beyond. Monica Vinader earrings are a favorite for adding a touch of elegance without fuss — they’re lightweight and easy to wear all day. And Juju Vera accessories bring a playful, everyday quality that makes getting dressed feel special. Whether you’re after a new crossbody for errands or a pair of studs that sparkle, these pregnancy jewelry and bag options let you express your style without worrying about fit. Start with one or two pieces you love, and you’ll see how they elevate even the simplest maternity accessories lineup.
Styling Secrets: Button-Down Tops and Lightweight Dresses for Every Trimester
Once you have your go-to accessories in place, it is time to focus on the clothing pieces that can carry you through every stage with confidence. Finding staples that mix comfort with real style is the heart of any practical maternity wardrobe. Two categories stand out because they work hard for you without demanding a lot of effort. Button-down tops and lightweight dresses are classic, adaptable, and they form the backbone of your pregnancy style essentials from the first flush of the first trimester right through the final weeks.
How to Wear Button-Down Tops During Pregnancy
A crisp button-down is often called a secret weapon for styling during pregnancy, and it truly earns that reputation. Its clean lines give structure to your silhouette while leaving plenty of room for your growing bump. For pregnancy outfit ideas first trimester, wear it open over a fitted tank or a simple t-shirt. This layered look is modest, modern, and perfect for when you are keeping your news to yourself. As your shape evolves, try tying the shirt just above your waist for a flattering, defined shape that pairs beautifully with leggings or jeans. In your third trimester fashion, simply button it over your bump and leave the top buttons open for a relaxed, breathable feel. Mastering this maternity button-down shirt styling gives you a fresh outfit option for virtually any day of the week.
On a similar note, Outfit Recommendation Apps: Wardrobe Management vs. Creative Mood Boarding explores this topic with concrete examples.
Lightweight Dresses: Perfect for Summer Mamas
If you are expecting a warm-weather baby, look no further than the slip-on-and-go dress. Lightweight, no-fuss dresses are a top choice for a summer baby wardrobe because they keep you cool and looking put together with zero zippers or buttons to fuss with. The secret to making them work overtime lies in how you style them. For a casual morning, wear a simple cotton dress with flat sandals. To shift into evening or a more formal setting, layer it with a blazer or a cropped jacket. A quick swap of accessories—trading a canvas tote for a structured bag and adding a necklace—takes your summer pregnancy dresses from day to night without any hassle. These pieces grow with you, offering comfort and style in equal measure.
Finding the Perfect Maternity Jeans: Vintage Levi’s and Beyond
After building a capsule of dresses and accessories, you’ll want to anchor your rotation with a pair of jeans that feel both cool and comfortable. They are one of those pregnancy style essentials that can make or break your daily outfit — especially if you’re craving a little structure without the squeeze. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice your personal style to find the right fit.
Souris’s go-to maternity denim comes from a rather clever source: vintage pairs. She purchased vintage maternity Levi’s jeans and calls them her favorite maternity jeans purchase. These aren’t reproductions; they are actual vintage Levi’s that were made with a panel or an elastic waist, giving them that lived-in feel and authentic back pocket stitching. The beauty of hunting for genuine vintage is that each pair has its own character, and the denim is often softer from years of wear.
Souris’s Vintage Levi’s Find
If you want to follow her lead, start by checking thrift stores and consignment shops in your area. You can also browse online marketplaces like eBay, Depop, or Etsy, and keep an eye on Levi’s own vintage section. Expect to spend anywhere from $30 to $100, depending on condition and rarity. The key is to look for phrases like “high-waist maternity,” “old school maternity,” or simply “vintage maternity jeans” in the listing. And don’t forget to measure the waistband — vintage sizing runs differently than modern labels.
Where to Shop for Maternity Jeans
Vintage hunting isn’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. For a more straightforward route, explore the best maternity jeans brands that cater to different budgets and styles. Motherhood Maternity offers classic cuts with full belly panels, while H&M has affordable options that often include maternity jeans under belly — great if you prefer a low-rise band. ASOS carries a wide selection of trendy fits, from skinny to straight leg, with their own label and other brands. No matter where you shop, pay attention to the rise and panel type. Some jeans have a stretchy band that sits over your bump, others sit below it. Think about what feels best for your second and third trimesters.
Knowing where to buy maternity jeans isn’t just about the store — it’s about the fit. Denim that hugs your new curves without pinching will become a daily staple. Whether you go vintage or modern, a perfect pair of maternity jeans will carry you through weeks of errands, casual meetups, and lazy Sundays at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I decide which maternity clothes are worth buying?
Focus on versatile pieces that work across multiple stages of pregnancy and into early postpartum. Look for soft, stretchy fabrics and adjustable features like side panels or wrap styles. A few high-quality, mix-and-match items often prove more practical than a full wardrobe refresh.
What are the must-have pregnancy style essentials for staying comfortable and fashionable?
Your pregnancy style essentials start with well-fitting maternity jeans or leggings, a few soft tops with room to grow, and a cozy cardigan or jacket. Add a simple dress that can be dressed up or down, and a supportive pair of stylish flats. These basics let you build effortless outfits that feel good all day.
Which accessories work best during pregnancy to elevate an outfit?
Lightweight scarves, statement earrings, and a structured tote bag add polish without extra bulk. A comfortable yet chic pair of sneakers or low-heeled boots can tie your look together while keeping you stable. Simple accessories let you refresh your favorite pregnancy pieces with minimal effort.
