Dressing Your Belly for Wacky Weather

February 4th, 2013 by No Comments

I don’t know about where you live, but here in Richmond, VA, this winter has brought just about every type of weather there is — from sunny and mild to thundersnow. Add pregnancy hormones that affect my body temperature to the equation, and I’ve found myself scratching my head about what to wear.

I’ve definitely learned the art of making a few of my maternity-wardrobe basics work for a variety of temperatures and conditions by layering and accessorizing. That way I won’t need to invest in everything from a maternity turtleneck sweater dress to shorts during the course of my pregnancy.

Want to see an example?

I bought this soft, stretchy color block dress on sale at Motherhood Maternity to wear for dressier occasions like work, church and special events.

Two options for a maternity dress. One for warmer weather, one for colder weather.

Two options for a maternity dress. One for warmer weather, one for colder weather.

Even though it’s sleeveless, I layer it up with a black blazer (that’s actually a non-maternity one that I already owned) and tights and boots on frigid winter days. (Of course, I also wear a warm maternity coat and scarf when I’m outside.) Some big silver hoop earrings polish off this cold-weather look.

On warmer days or for special indoor events, I can ditch the blazer and change the boots to some supportive Mary Jane pumps. A black beaded necklace adds a little more fun to the outfit, and the skinny belt helps further define my (ever-expanding) waistline.

Now how about some more casual looks?

These dark-wash demi-panel skinny jeans from Old Navy have served me well throughout my second trimester, and I recently found this white roll-sleeve maternity tunic at a local consignment shop. Old Navy has a similar one here (although the sleeves don’t roll) or there’s this one from the Gap in blue stripe.

When the weather is cool and overcast, you might find me in these pieces topped with a non-maternity cardigan from my regular wardrobe, a bright scarf and a pair of comfy suede ballet flats.

Casual maternity outfits that can be changed for warm or cool weather.

Casual maternity outfits that can be changed for warm or cool weather.

Soon, as we head into spring, I can wear the blouse over a camisole with the sleeves rolled up, cuff the jeans and slip into some metallic sandals. Bold, geometric earrings help give the otherwise-neutral outfit a little more pizzazz.

I can only guess what Mother Nature will bring our way during my third trimester, but I’ll be ready. What are your favorite pieces to wear in wacky weather? Feel free to share links!


Mollee and her husband, Matt, live in Midlothian, Virginia, and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first baby (a girl!) in May 2013. (Check out her baby guessing game here.) Although she helps pay the bills by doing graphic design, Mollee’s true passion is for making things with her hands. Find more of her recipes, paintings and crafts at molleemade.com.


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