Create a Cute Maternity Capsule Wardrobe in 4 Simple Steps

If you’ve never tested the capsule wardrobe method, creating a maternity capsule wardrobe is a great place to start.

Going through the maternity capsule wardrobe process, you’ll become more aware of what you actually need and more thoughtful about what you actually buy.

It’ll leave your closet filled with maternity outfits that you truly love and can rewear during future pregnancies – and/or easily resell. Things like this…

Plus, it’ll save you a ton of time, money, and energy in the long run! Who wouldn’t want that?

All that being said, if you’re interested in creating a maternity capsule wardrobe you can scroll down to learn:

1. Exactly what a maternity capsule wardrobe is and why it’s so beneficial.
2. How to create a maternity capsule wardrobe in 4 easy steps.
3. Where to buy maternity capsule wardrobe clothing.
4. Where to find maternity outfit inspiration.

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What is a maternity capsule wardrobe and what are the perks?

A maternity capsule wardrobe is a collection of pieces that can be mixed and matched throughout your entire pregnancy.

Creating a maternity capsule wardrobe saves time by eliminating decision fatigue, extra loads of laundry, and hours of organization.

It also saves money by ensuring everything you purchase during your pregnancy actually gets used. After all, the 9 months might feel long, but they’re actually pretty short in the grand scheme of things.

Because of the way the capsule wardrobe process works, the majority of your maternity capsule wardrobe will be wearable during future pregnancies. And many of the pieces will be classic enough to resell once you’re through with them!

It’s truly just an economical, functional way to build out your closet!

If you end up loving it, you can check out my OG capsule wardrobe tutorial to adopt the capsule wardrobe method entirely.

How to create a maternity capsule wardrobe in 4 easy steps:

Before we dive in, the first thing you’re going to want to note are the seasons you’re creating for.

Many women don’t need maternity clothes in their first trimester. And while you might not fit into everything you own by the end of it (I definitely didn’t, lol), there’s a good chance you could figure out a few things that work and make do.

That said, you’ll likely only have to wear maternity clothes for 6ish months. So that’s the period I’d focus on when creating a maternity capsule wardrobe.

Think about your local temperature ranges during that period, the activities on your calendar, and your overall lifestyle. Doing so will help you be that much more strategic and decisive.

Okay, now we’re ready to jump into the maternity capsule wardrobe process.

Step 1: Pick a maternity capsule wardrobe base color.

This can be black, navy blue, or brown.

It’s important you only choose one to narrow your options and properly tie everything together.

If you have a hard time choosing, do a quick inventory of your current wardrobe and go with whatever color you own more of. If you already wear a lot of a specific color, chances are you like the way it looks on you.

Plus, if you go with a base color that you wear often, it’s going to be easier to pull in non-maternity pieces (like cardigans, shoes and accessories) that you already own.

Step 2: Invest in neutral-colored basics.

These pieces should match your base color. Some could be in your base color, as well. Basic, neutral prints are fine, too (like polka dots and stripes; they never go out of style).

Here are some items to consider:

• Tops: t shirts, tank tops, sweaters, sweatshirts, cardigans, button ups
• Bottoms: jeans, leggings, slacks, skirts, capris, shorts
• Dresses: t-shirt dresses, shirt dresses, sundresses, satin dresses, sweater dresses
• Jumpsuits and rompers

Note: The quantity of pieces you choose will be unique to your needs (the environments you dress for) and budget. But this is where I’d spend the most.

Click the arrows to browse suggested products. Click the pictures to shop the pieces!

Step 3: Add a little flair.

Capsule wardrobes are all about simplifying style, but that doesn’t mean yours has to be boring!

This is your permission to add a few pieces that really excite you to your maternity capsule wardrobe. Things that are uniquely YOU!

First, pick a couple of accent colors and find some pieces in these colors – tops, bottoms, dresses, whatever you think you’ll use the most! Then add in a few patterned pieces – like leopard prints, plaids, or florals – to really spice things up!

Just make sure everything you buy matches your base color AND truly looks great on you. Doing so will maximize usage and excitement.

Click the arrows to browse suggested products. Click the pictures to shop the pieces!

Step 4: Consider some maternity outerwear.

Depending on your climate, lifestyle, and period of pregnancy, you may need to invest in some maternity outerwear to get you though.

Here are some items to consider:

• Blazers
• Utility jackets
• Trench coats
• Denim jackets
• Bomber jackets 
• Top coats
• Wool dress coats
• Puffer jackets
• Capes and shawls

Click the arrows to browse suggested products. Click the pictures to shop the pieces!

And that’s it!

So long as you’ve followed this process, everything you buy for your maternity capsule wardrobe should match the shoes and accessories you already own! So you shouldn’t have to buy more of either unless you really want to.

If anything, it’s not a bad idea to ensure you have a pair of comfortable white sneakers on hand. I’ve worn the Sam Edelman Poppy Sneakers on repeat throughout my entire pregnancy because they match almost everything and don’t cut into my feet (not even when they’re swollen).

Where can I shop for maternity capsule wardrobe clothing?

Personally, I’ve not had a ton of luck with simply sizing up in “regular” clothes. Because I’m so petite (only 5’0), I’ve had to invest in actual maternity clothes to find pieces that properly fit me.

Here’s where I’ve had luck finding great pieces for my maternity capsule wardrobe:

• Target: Their online selection is MUCH better than in store. They have great basics and bathing suits!
• Gap: They’re great for denim and basics, and they have great sales!
• PinkBlush Maternity: They are always running sales and they have THE BEST dresses (even wedding guest maternity dresses). This is definitely where I’ve ordered from the most.
• Ingrid and Isabel: Their faux leather maternity leggings are worth every penny!! They have lots of other high-quality maternity wardrobe essentials, too.
• H&M: They have a really nice selection, but be warned that sizing doesn’t seem to be consistent. I had to get 2 sizes for everything I ordered here to make sure I got it right. I just returned what I didn’t need in store.
• Amazon: I’ve found some really cute maternity dresses and biker shorts on Amazon.
• Aerie: They don’t have maternity clothes per say, but they do have lots of oversized loungewear that’s bump friendly. For what I’ve purchased, I’ve been able to get my true size in tops and just size up 1 size in bottoms. Maybe I’ve just gotten lucky, but they’re definitely worth a try for all your cozies!
• Old Navy: This is another maternity clothing store with a solid variety (even activewear!) and great price points.

Where can I find maternity outfit inspiration?

You can find maternity outfit inspiration in two primary places:

1. Download and follow me in the free LTK app. There you’ll find the bump-friendly outfits I share, plus tons of other bloggers! You can search for specific items and explore bump-friendly products via their #LTKBump hashtag, too.
2. Follow me on Pinterest! There you’ll find a board titled Cute Maternity Style where I share maternity outfit inspiration on the regular.
3. Come back here to the blog often! In addition to my LTK and Pinterest, this is where you can find exclusive capsule wardrobe content. That includes maternity capsule wardrobe inspiration!

I hope this maternity capsule wardrobe tutorial helps you feel cute and confident throughout your pregnancy. Additionally, I hope it allows you to use your time, energy, and focus wisely! I know firsthand just how limited those precious resources can be while you’re building a baby. 😉

If you have any questions or helpful insights to add, please feel free to do so in the comments section below!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading. Come back soon!