Pregnancy is a special and exciting time, but let's face it, dressing for it can be a bit daunting. As your body transforms, it can be a challenge to find clothes that flatter your figure and make you feel chic and trendy. That's why we've teamed up with the amazing stylist Maryna Venneri, who's here to help you create the perfect pregnancy capsule wardrobe.

As the creator of Style-Ism, a digital fashion platform that empowers women to look and feel their best, Maryna understands the challenges of dressing during and after pregnancy. As a mother herself, she's experienced the ups and downs of maternity fashion firsthand. With her expert advice, we've put together a sample capsule wardrobe that will take you from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond.

From soft and snuggly sweaters to sophisticated wrap dresses, Maryna has handpicked a range of adaptable pieces that can be mixed and matched to create countless outfit combinations. And the best part? We've ensured that each item is both stylish and practical because let's be honest, being a mom-to-be shouldn't mean sacrificing style for comfort.

So, whether you're a mother-to-be or planning to expand the family, let’s dive in and discover how to build the perfect pregnancy capsule wardrobe together.

Watch the Interview here:

“Clothes are an instrument to communicate who we are to the world, but it has to make you excited...it has to make you glow. If you are pregnant, and you know that this item will make you happy and make you glow, go for it...”

— Maryna Venneri

Interview Highlights

Blisshood: Maryna, let us start by defining what is a “capsule wardrobe”.

Maryna: Sure, a capsule wardrobe is a set of easily interchangeable items that allow you to create several looks. Either because of the colors or the style, they create a “capsule” of 5 or 10 or 15 items, and you can combine them so that you can have a new look every day.

What is important to say about the capsule wardrobe is that it cannot be standardized…if you find a style consultant that tries to sell you on a “standard capsule wardrobe” that someone else has run for your life because a capsule wardrobe is always based on your lifestyle.

When I have a call with my clients, we always talk about the traits that they want the world to see about them, and then we look at their lifestyle: do you work from home? Do you go to the office more? So, it is never the same for anyone.

Maryna’s sample capsule wardrobe from pregnancy to postpartum

1st Trimester Capsule Wardrobe

First trimester Capsule - Spring Wardrobe

Maryna's approach to creating a pregnancy capsule wardrobe is all about empowering women to express their personal style, even during this transformative time. She believes that your wardrobe should reflect who you are and make you feel confident and comfortable, no matter the occasion.

To illustrate her point, Maryna created a sample capsule wardrobe for her client, Kate, who works at a fashion magazine and has a love for color and statement pieces. The selection includes office-appropriate wear and special event outfits, such as a stunning fringe dress paired with gold heels. This collection not only accommodates Kate's style preferences but also allows her to feel confident in her changing body.

As for making adjustments to your wardrobe during pregnancy, Maryna believes that it's not always necessary. At this stage of pregnancy, you may not need to invest in a whole new wardrobe. Instead, focus on finding versatile pieces that can grow with you throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Layering is key, as it allows you to adjust your outfit throughout the day as your body changes and fluctuates.

Additionally, Maryna suggests looking for pieces that offer comfort without sacrificing style. Maternity clothes have come a long way, and there are now many fashionable options available that are designed to flatter your figure and keep you feeling comfortable.

In summary, creating a pregnancy capsule wardrobe is all about finding pieces that make you feel confident, comfortable, and true to your personal style.

Second Trimester Capsule Wardrobe

Maryna: As your baby bump starts to grow, you'll want to make sure your clothes are comfortable and supportive. That's why I've included denim shorts with belly support and pregnancy bras in this 2nd-trimester capsule wardrobe. Investing in supportive undergarments is important because your breast size will likely change as well.

For this trimester, I've also included a more voluminous dress to ensure that nothing is squeezing your belly. However, don't feel like you need to rush out and buy a whole new wardrobe of maternity clothes just yet. Many of the pieces from your previous trimester can still work, as long as you have proper belly support.

Remember, the key is to prioritize comfort while still feeling stylish and confident in your clothes. With the right pieces and support, you can feel great during this stage and the rest of your pregnancy journey.

Third Trimester Capsule Wardrobe

Maryna: “ The third trimester is mainly about being comfortable… In autumn, you don’t necessarily need to buy sweaters from the maternity section. You can simply buy oversize items at a regular store. Since the oversize trend will stay with us for quite some time…it is going to work with your belly, and you are going to be able to keep wearing it postpartum.

Once again you will need belly support and stretchy clothes—hence the maternity jeans and the joggers. I’ve also added the sneakers since at that point walking in heels might become a bit difficult for you. But, there is still a way to be feminine and elegant. In this example of Kate’s wardrobe, I’ve added a little bit of sexiness with the see-through pink sweater, so you can show a little bit of skin.

Finally, I’ve added a satin dress for special occasions —but it is a wrap dress. For pregnancy and postpartum, I think wrap dresses are the best because you can easily adjust the waist —loosen it or tighten it according to your changing body. It is also great for breastfeeding later on.”

Post- Partum Capsule Wardrobe

Maryna: This is postpartum capsule “part one” when you still have a bit of a pouch, which is perfectly normal. You still need belly support. And, the maternity bras that we used in the previous trimesters are still there as is the wrap dress that you can easily adjust to your silhouette. But, believe me, now that the baby is here, you won’t have much time to think about what you’re going to wear. We simply make it work with our previous capsule items.

Congratulations, mama! You've made it to postpartum and are ready to reclaim your style. As you begin to regain your figure, you can start incorporating your favorite Spring items back into your wardrobe.

While these items may not fit during pregnancy, they can now become your go-to pieces for a fresh and stylish look. And don't forget to add your own personal touch with accessories that reflect your unique personality. Even if they weren't included in the slides, they are an essential part of your wardrobe and can make all the difference in elevating your outfits.

Remember, this is a time of transition and adjustment, both physically and emotionally. Be patient with yourself and don't feel like you need to rush to get back to your pre-pregnancy wardrobe. With a few key pieces and some personalized accessories, you can embrace this new chapter of motherhood with confidence and style.

We hope you found these tips and tricks from Maryna helpful, and we wish you a blissful pregnancy!

About Maryna Venneri

Maryna is the Founder and Creator of the digital platform Style-Ism. Her fascination with clothes started in childhood when she was growing up in post-Soviet Ukraine and formed a vision of aesthetics and self-identification through different forms, colors, patterns, and combinations of designs.

Experience

She worked as a model in the Netherlands, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Belgium during her university years and created a broad portfolio of artistic works. She has successfully completed courses in "Fashion History" by BoF, "Fashion Styling and Image Making" by BoF, "Fashion as Design" by MoMA, and continues to learn and improve her knowledge about fashion, styling, and image creation. Most recently, she successfully graduated from the intensive styling course from the Ukrainian style school, Pump Your Style.