Styling my bump has been super enjoyable and fun (most days). I’ve made way more of an effort to rock my bump during my pregnancy this time around than I did when I was pregnant with KC (and I didn’t even start at a size 0 this time like I did then!). I’ve loved looking through my non-maternity clothes and finding beloved pieces I thought I had said goodbye to for many months, that have actually still fit at different stages of my pregnancy. I’ve been careful not to stretch anything too much, so now that I’m in my third trimester at 35 weeks, actual “maternity” shirts or tank tops paired with open draped cardigans have been my go-to. I apologize if my outfits have gotten a little mundane lately for those following our daily #dresswithus series, but I figure that the adorable KC has always been what you stick around for anyway!
I have a difficult time justifying “maternity” clothing purchases other than pants and simple camis and tees because they are exactly that…”maternity”. That “maternity” cut and fit will only join your life for 40 weeks or so, and won’t flatter any post-pregnancy body no matter how hard you try. Believe me, I tried for way too long after my first pregnancy. That said, when choosing items that are both comfortable and flattering over a growing baby bump, cardigans are KEY. Enter [White Plum] here! I’ve read all about their online shop on my favorite blogs and they definitely had me at “vintage inspired…with a modern touch”. (pssst…there is a good chance you’ll find a huge discount code for their online shop AND giveaway at the end of this post!)
When preparing your body (and mind!) for the transition that follows pregnancy, consider this…
Look for an open draped cardigan design. Why?
Allows for a bump of any size during all stages of pregnancy.
Can be paired with affordable maternity tank tops, camis, and t-shirts.
Add skinny jeans and a cute pair of booties and enjoy all the attention your bump gets.
Flows effortlessly over a post-pregnancy belly.
Easy nursing access.
Built in nursing cover.
Fits comfortably over any baby wearing sling or carrier.
Large enough to wrap warmly over baby.
and…you can easily justify the purchase to your significant other since it will stay in your closet for years to come!
When White Plum asked if I’d like to pick out a bump/nursing friendly yet totally non-maternity piece from their collection (and give away something special to one of you!)…I said “YES” of course! Having just moved to SF where the weather is generally windy and chillier than the East Bay, I knew that I needed layers. Layers that work over my bump now, and when I’m nursing our baby in just about a month. Yikes! An oversized cozy draped cardigan is the perfect layering piece solution. I write this post on a day that has brought some of the rainiest and windiest conditions to the Bay Area in more than 5 years. The storm knocked out power to tens of thousands and delayed commuters while soaking the region. So the three of us decided to play it safe today by staying in and beginning to unpack our new home. (a.k.a. nesting has finally begun)
My new Prague Open Sweater Jacket is ideal for a day like this. It’s a sweater. No it’s a cardigan. No it’s a jacket. Ok, it’s some kind of amazing combination of all three and I’m in love. I’m wrapped up in its thick knitted fabric with the warmth of a sweater while still getting the beautiful jacket-like sleeve design. Attention to detail like the sleeves of this sweater jacket is exactly what draws me to love absolutely everything in the White Plum online shop.
I know it’s not maxi dress season anymore (a girl can dream), but I still must share that White Plum’s Classic Crochet Maxi Dress came to my rescue early in my pregnancy because of its empire waist and stretchy seams along with its unique and colorful crochet detailing. Those are also 2 very important details to remember when shopping for non-maternity, bump-friendly clothes. Remember these from our Instagram #dresswithus series archives?
If you haven’t already joined us daily on Instagram, follow @lifeasallison here and be sure to say “Hi” to KC and I!
Sorry, the exact maxi above is no longer available, but I am in LOVE with this beautiful maxi available now that reminds me of an Anthropologie dress and is also perfect for long sleeve weather. I’ve heard that a pair of fleece leggings hidden underneath a long dress helps transition it into colder weather. The seams on this dress look ideal for women of all shapes and sizes, pregnant, nursing, or not. Oops, I think I just talked myself into buying this dress with our amazing 40% off discount code before it’s gone! Did I just spill the beans?
Since it is the holidays, White Plum wants our readers to enjoy a little more with 40% off until 12/18! Simply enter our discount code: LIFEHOLIDAY40 at checkout. I feel so blessed to be able to offer you such a huge discount during this gift giving season. To top it off, they are doing Free Standard Shipping on ALL orders until New Year’s Eve. Talk about perfect timing! Be sure to order by Dec. 16th at 11:59 PM PST for any items to make it by Christmas.
Before you head off to shop for your loved ones (and yourself too I hope), be sure to enter our giveaway below. White Plum has generously collaborated with us to give one lucky reader a $50 store credit.
Here is my current transitional baby bump wish list that may help you get started (and be sure not to forget the accessories!):
What would you pick with your $50 store credit?
Classic Herringbone Quilted Vest (I need this in my life!)
Olympia Maxi Dress (Simply gorgeous!)
I already own these exact or very similar items (and you should too!):
Now for our exciting giveaway!
Shop for the Look:
Prague Open Sweater Jacket Cardigan: White Plum (exact)
Chevron Charm Necklace: White Plum (exact)
I was provided with the cardigan for this sponsored post. There are no affiliate links in this blog post and all thoughts, opinions, and long never ending wish lists are completely and 100% my own.
I like the MOHICAN AZTEC SWEATER JACKET
Nice choice! The mohican aztec sweater jacket looks so cozy and warm.
Love that chevron necklace and lake chelon cardigan!
Hi Rani, Great choices! The chevron necklace is definitely on repeat in my wardrobe, and the lake echelon cardigan is still on my wishlist. Hope you have a chance to get some after Christmas shopping done for yourself!
I have seen this style before but never thought about how well it would work with my bump. I love the Spokane coat because it is clean lines but still has a beautiful flow.
I completely agree! I’m all about wearing as many non-maternity pieces throughout my pregnancy as possible, that I can enjoy post-pregnancy too. The Spokane coat from White Plum is high on my wish list too. It’s such a beautiful simple coat that could be dressed up or down.