I’m at that stage of pregnancy where I could really do with some fresh inspiration in the sartorial department. Now that I’m halfway through (and no longer look like I’ve simply had a large lunch), I’m seeking some easy styling solutions and outfits that A) don’t just consist of oversize T-shirts, B) are comfortable but not sloppy, and C) still make me feel like myself.
As you know, we love French-girl style over here at Who What Wear, so I decided to turn to some of our stylish French muses to see how they do maternity style and steal some of their maternity looks for myself.
One of the biggest things I’ve noticed is that French women settle into a style that is generally reminiscent of their pre-pregnancy aesthetic—not sacrificing their innate elegance and allure for the big bump. For the most part, they swap their beloved vintage jeans for stretchy knit dresses (and yes, leggings!) that embrace their bump and emphasize their silhouette rather than hide it beneath oversize clothes—wearing what makes them feel beautiful and comfortable while embracing the magic of an expanding body.
Below, I’m sharing a few French-girl maternity outfits that are inspiring me right now to get out of my oversize tees and into that effortlessly chicFrench aesthetic.
Jeanne Damas is the queen of mastering chic pregnancy style. One scroll through her Instagram, and you can see she favored stretchy dresses throughout her pregnancy, styling them with her go-to chic accessories and jackets. A stretchy crochet dress is a great option styled with chic boots and a trench or in the warmer months with stylish summer sandals.
French girls love knit dresses, so it’s a natural choice when pregnant. A body-hugging and stretchy white ribbed knit dress is timeless and chic.
I love the idea of stretchy plissé pants (in lieu of jeans)—super chic when paired with a black formfitting stretchy ribbed top.
Layering is a great option when it’s not quite hot and not quite cold. I love the simple yet striking look of this oversize button-down-and-sweater-vest combo. It also looks seriously comfy. As always, a smattering of chic accessories pulls the look together and adds instant polish.
While we don’t ordinarily see French girls sporting leggings very often, many admit to opting for a nice-quality pair during pregnancy to style with boots and sweaters, as seen on this look here. Chic boots are definitely a French-girl favorite to give their pregnancy style a little allure.
I’ve seen this trick done by a few French girls on Instagram now, and it makes a loose-knit sweater or button-down look so pulled-together. Simply add a thin belt at the top of your baby bump over your shirt, and finish the look with chic accessories. Take a peek at another chic belt outfit here.
There’s a general sentiment that most French women don’t care much for maternity jeans. A denim dress styled with boots, however, is a much more desired option.
