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Five must-have items for your autumn maternity wardrobe 

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Fall is all about cozy layers and that’s even more important when you’re expecting! The weather is unpredictable, so dressing in layers keeps you prepared whatever the temp (and for when those pregnancy hot flashes flare up). The autumnal color palette may seem boring compared to summer, but don’t neutrals don’t have to be plain! Instead, embrace deep hues like merlot, chestnut and green, and opt for rich fabrics such as leather and cashmere when possible to add texture and dimension to your maternity wear.

Here are five items to add to your autumn maternity wardrobe 

Leggings

A good pair of leggings goes a long way, offering comfort, function and yes, even style (if you choose the right pair). While a knit black legging is a classic, this autumn try something a little different and choose a pair of leggings in a different fabric, color or even a pattern to add an unexpected element to your outfit. Style leggings with an oversized sweater and a riding boot for something a bit more polished, or wear them with a button down shirt and a jacket with a baseball hat for something more casual.

The Vegan Stretch Leather Legging Black
Credit: Hatch

The Vegan Stretch Leather Legging Black

Emama Maternity Leggings - Black - Full Length
Credit: emamaco

Emama Maternity Leggings – Black – Full Length

Oversized sweater

A sweater is a quintessential part of your autumn maternity wardrobe , but choosing the right style can be tricky, especially when you’re pregnant. You want to avoid anything that’s too stretched, itchy or cropped. Instead, choose an oversized cut, like a sweatshirt or a turtleneck, in a neutral color, and a classic style or print that can be easily paired with other items in your wardrobe postpartum. An oversized sweater can also be compatible for nursing (bonus!).

Relaxed Cotton Sweatshirt Brown
Credit: Arket

Relaxed Cotton Sweatshirt Brown

The Organic Cotton Ribbed Turtleneck Navy
Credit: Everlane

The Organic Cotton Ribbed Turtleneck Navy

Alpaca Blend Jumper Mole Melange
Credit: Arket

Alpaca Blend Jumper Mole Melange

Cotton Roll Neck Maternity & Nursing Tunic Cotton Roll Neck Maternity   Nursing Tunic
Credit: Seraphine

Cotton Roll Neck Maternity & Nursing Tunic Cotton Roll Neck Maternity Nursing Tunic

Sweater Dress

Even though you’re pregnant, that doesn’t mean you must live in sweats and leggings (although no shame if you want to), but you don’t want to sacrifice comfort even when you do dress up. A sweater dress is the perfect mix of function and fashion that is essential in any wardrobe, especially a maternity one. The best sweater dresses are those that can be easily layered and offer versatility with the subtle addition of a few accessories. Opt for a sweater dress with a slimmer cut and fabric, such as a ribbed knit dress, and look for colors that are autumnal without being boring, like a red or cocoa color. If a slim fitting dress isn’t your style, choose a roomy style that has some dimension, such as stripes, and isn’t too long so you avoid looking overwhelmed by the fabric.

Night Out Midi Dress Cocoa
Credit: Storq

Night Out Midi Dress Cocoa

Striped Cotton Maternity & Nursing Sweater Dress Striped Cotton Maternity   Nursing Sweater Dress
Credit: Seraphine

Striped Cotton Maternity & Nursing Sweater Dress Striped Cotton Maternity Nursing Sweater Dress

Jacket

Autumn is sartorially synonymous with a jacket, but sometimes a fitted or tailored piece of clothing may not be a top preference during pregnancy. To embrace jackets in your maternity wardrobe, look for styles that are a bit roomier, offering an oversized fit or a boxy cut, but be sure to play with fabrics to add some dimension to your look. Try a classic denim jacket paired with a knit set, a leather jacket with a fitted sweater dress, a suede blazer over a shirt & leggings or a classic black blazer with a t-shirt and jeans.

Quilted Shacket Indigo
Credit: Good American

Quilted Shacket Indigo

Oversized Suede Blazer Medium Brown
Credit: Mango

Oversized Suede Blazer Medium Brown

Knit Set

When you’re pregnant, a knit set can be a game changer. It’s comfy and casual but looks chic, stylish, and slimming (especially if it’s monochromatic).

A set is perfect for fall since you can easily layer with seasonal accessories. Try pairing a more casual set with a blazer or leather jacket, wear a top + skirt combo with boots or booties, or choose a sleeveless set that’s comfortable but can be elevated with a trench coat and loafers. We also love a set that provides easy access for nursing! 

Melodic Pant Dusty Pink
Credit: Reverie The Label

Melodic Pant Dusty Pink

Mama 2-Piece Ribbed Set Black
Credit: H&M

Mama 2-Piece Ribbed Set Black

Rib Side Zip Long Sleeve Materity/Nursing Top & Lounge Pants Beige
Credit: Accouchée

Rib Side Zip Long Sleeve Materity/Nursing Top & Lounge Pants Beige

Mama 2-Piece Knit Set Gray Melange
Credit: H&M

Mama 2-Piece Knit Set Gray Melange

Accessories

Technically this is the 6th item, but accessories are the finishing touch. Plus, the best thing about accessories is that (for the most part) you can wear the same item before, during and after pregnancy. 

The key accessories for fall are boots (both a tall, slim boot and a shorter boot), and a hat (a beanie or a baseball cap, whichever you prefer). 

Verona Stretch-Leather Knee Boots Black
Credit: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Verona Stretch-Leather Knee Boots Black

High-Shaft Chelsea Boots Black
Credit: Arket

High-Shaft Chelsea Boots Black

Rib Knit Beanie Beige
Credit: Arket

Rib Knit Beanie Beige

District Trucker Hat Stealth Green
Credit: Alo

District Trucker Hat Stealth Green

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Author

Alexis is a freelance personal stylist and shopper, with more than a decade of experience working in the fashion industry. Her styling work includes editorial and film projects, as well as working one-on-one with clients of various lifestyles, ages and shapes, helping them define their style and enjoy getting dressed. You can find her @alexiskahlerstyle on Instagram and at www.alexiskahlerstyle.com