We’re at the stage in life where, if we’re not having kids ourselves, we might be getting some pressure to, or have lots of friends who are. Whichever camp you fall into, odds are that you’ve dealt with some level of baby stuff in your life, and have likely witnessed how stressful the intersection of style and pregnancy can be.
Given that if you *do* happen to be pregnant, you likely want to minimize stress in all its forms. So we’ve been asking all of the most stylish and bad-ass mothers we know about how they maintain a sense of self while simultaneously, you know, growing another human being inside their bodies, giving birth to said human, and then ensuring that they don’t just stay alive, but that they thrive. Style and fashion is admittedly not that important in the grand scheme of things, but if we can help an expectant or new mother feel that much more like herself, we’re all for it.
“You can still keep the core of who you are style-wise.”
First up, Michelle Cordiero Grant, who founded lingerie line Lively, which makes sleep-in-them-comfortable bras and undies at super approachable prices. Here’s what she had to say about motherhood and style, and the items that keep her sane and her 2 year-old daughter (and newborn! Congrats!) happy.
Michelle’s maternity style:
“I am all about the right combination of style and comfort! I live in flowy off-the-shoulder dresses and tops and have officially made the transition to chic flats over towering heels. Between starting Lively, running after my 2-year-old daughter, and having a second on the way (all within the last year!), the goal is always fashion plus function.”
Styling tricks to take away:
“One thing I learned from this pregnancy is that you can still keep the core of who you are style-wise. You just have to do a little bit more work and be creative and change what the objective of certain pieces are—like take a dress and make it to a shirt, or take jogger pants and make them part of your look. I was buying a lot of off-the-shoulder dresses and wearing them as
shirts. Then I can actually wear them as dresses when I’m not pregnant anymore.
“This second time around, I’ve really embraced just looking at my closet and saying, what can I repurpose as a maternity look? And what do I need to fill in? Revolve has a great assortment of brands, whether they’re maternity or not; Net-A-Porter is easy as well. Then I fill in with basics from Everlane, Zara, and Uniqlo.”
Must-have maternity line:
“Hatch did a collaboration with Bandier of workout gear that I’ve been loving, because it’s meant to be clothes that you can wear before, during, and after pregnancy.”
Her picks for a chic…
Diaper Bag: “State or Fjallraven backpacks, Baggu totes and pouches (for extra organization inside the bag).”
Stroller: “Joolz stroller.”
Baby Outfit: “Footed onesies for baby from Kickee Pants, baby moccasins from Freshly Picked, and kerchief bibs, dresses, and jumpsuits because they are so easy, fun prints from Boden and Mini Rodini, accessories from Hello Shiso and Meri Meri, and most things from Zara Kids.”
Lifesaving kid accessory: “Aden and Anais swaddle blankets for baby (so many uses!), Ergo baby carrier, slip-on shoes for kids and lots of stickers!”
Gift you wish you got at your baby shower: “A Sunday Forever Kimono—it’s heaven!”