Welcome! I'm a photographer, wife, mom to a sweet baby boy we call John-John, and am expecting another little boy in June.

I've started blogging to share the ideas, products, and discoveries that have made my life easier and more intentional in hopes they will do the same for you!

Hi! I'm Emily

MOTHERHOOD

MINIMALISM

TRAVEL

community

ALL POSTS

Maternity Clothes: 17 Cold Weather Essentials

Motherhood

Today, I’m sharing my maternity clothing item must haves for cold weather during the second trimester.

When I was pregnant with our first baby, I had the mindset that pregnancy was temporary and that a lot of the clothes I already owned would be able to “get me through” those nine months. I didn’t put any time or thought into my wardrobe. Part of that mindset was that my entire pregnancy was during the height of COVID, and the timing worked out that my most pregnant months were during the summer when it’s easy to throw on a loose dress… that was a mistake.

Looking back, I wish I’d been more intentional in feeling and looking good in my clothes. That pregnancy taught me a lot, including the fact that your stretchiest clothes only stretch so far and it’s not just your belly that gets bigger.. it’s your whole body including your butt, thighs, and arms, at least for me! Running to Target when I had literally nothing that fit and grabbing whatever was available didn’t leave me feeling good in my body, which is something that can already be a challenge when it is changing so quickly. I really learned this lesson in the postpartum phase.

Whatever shape my body is at the moment deserves to be respected and cared for with clothes that fit it well.

This time, with my second pregnancy, I am being proactive and intentional about creating a small wardrobe of items that fit comfortably, feel great, and help me feel as confident as possible. Nine months is a long time to not like what you wear everyday and that can have a huge impact on your mood.

These are the items I am loving and would highly recommend!

Casual & Cute:

Oversized V-Neck Sweater: Classic oversized soft sweater with extra room and long length in the back. Flattering v-neck and lots of cute colors

Maternity Coat: Fleece lined, but not too hot. Here is a cute similar option.

Jean Jacket: The softest jean jacket you will ever find. I could sleep in this and it makes the simplest outfit look more pulled together.

Side-Panel Dark Wash Jeans: Considering buying another pair because I am living in these. They somehow are stretchy, yet don’t fall down!

Side-Panel Light Wash Jeans: Just enough lower cut than the dark wash that I find myself pulling them up a bit more, but overall a total win in my book.

Long Sleeve Tunic Tees: I have this in two colors and know I’ll be thankful for the length as my belly expands. The fabric texture also makes them a little more exciting than a regular tee.

Maternity Black Leggings: Thick fabric makes them feel more like pants than your standard legging. NOT see-through at all and super supportive.

Dressy:

Faux Leather Maternity Leggings: I was skeptical about these, but then I realized that pairing them with a oversized sweater makes for such a cute, dressed up outfit perfect for winter occasions!

Long Sleeve V-Neck Dress: A classic that will carry me into postpartum, breastfeeding, and spring!

Mock Neck Sweater Layer Dress: Never something I would have picked out on my own, but the pretty skirt and soft top make it somehow unique while feeling like pajamas.

Knit Patterned Pants: Another piece that feels like pajamas, but feels super fun and bring so many compliments!

Maroon Sweater Dress + Sequin Dress via Nuuly: I highly recommend considering a Nuuly subscription for special pieces you won’t wear more than a couple times as a way to save money and keep your closet minimal!

Lounge:

Madewell Pajama Set: Roomy and soft, nice weight fabric, actual tie waist

Lululemon Biker Shorts: A cult favorite for a reason, buttery soft and not constricting at all

Seamless Reversible Tank: I got this in both white and black for under sweaters/jackets and have found myself reaching for them constantly. Love the long length and super soft fabric.

Old Navy Joggers: A MUST have for anyone, pregnant or not! Lightweight, tie waist, cute enough for outside the house.

Athleta Long Sleeve Top: Cute hoodie, long length that is perfect with leggings, light weight (for when you’re always hot), super smooth and stretchy fabric, lots of cute colors

Beyond Yoga Maternity Leggings: Somehow both super soft while being supportive, these are the casual/workout leggings I reach for over and over. I wear them over the bump and also flipped down depending on my mood. I also have a non-maternity pair from postpartum that has worked great these first months of pregnancy.

If you enjoyed this post about maternity fashion, you might enjoy these popular posts, too!

How to Shop Postpartum (or after your body has changed)

My Minimalist Wardrobe (How-To)

inquire

If you're looking for photography that is so much more than just gorgeous images, it's an experience that allows you to be fully present with the ones you love, you're in the right place.

© With Grace and Gold Showit Website Template | Photography by Emily Belson Photography

Subscribe

Sign up to receive periodic newsletters featuring our latest shoots, blog posts, and announcements!

join the list