Maternity Capsule Wardrobe

[Capybaras]

Basically what has everyone found essential for their maternity 'capsule' wardrobe. Don't want to spend a fortune on a whole new wardrobe, but would rather get well matched, multifunctional pieces that will suit for work, casual, evening etc.

So far I've mainly bought from topshop and ASOS and have the following:

• 2 blue jeans (1 over, 1 under bump)
• 1 black jeans (smart)
• pinafore dress
• casual stripes dress
• swimming costume
• mat tights
• comfy joggers
• various tops
• mat bras (day and night)

I feel I'm lacking in the workwear massively and cannot seem to find any decent trousers. I'm also annoyingly at the stage of not looking fully pregnant, just maybe like I over indulged at Christmas so struggling on the dresses as I'm feeling a bit self-conscious!

What has everyone else bought/would recommend as essential wardrobe pieces for maternity wear? This is my first but we are intending on having more eventually so would be happy spending more on good quality classic pieces that could last further pregnancies!

All I've bought is jeans, over bump. Been living in Primark stretchy crew cut/scoop tops. They're £2.50 and if they stretch I bin them. Bought a load of racer back summer dresses in my usual size that have a stretchy hem thing that sits above my bump, mainly bought them for summer but have paired them with a cardy and tights in the winter as well, more so than I wore them in the summer. £8 each from Asda and they're not maternity so can continue wearing them when baby is here. Oh and bought a pair of over bump shorts. But that is literally all I got.

For work wear trousers, I bit the bullet and bought some Seraphine ones. They were £55 but I wear them every day. In fact, I could do with another pair because I end up washing them every few days as they are all I wear for work .

I liked new look and h and m for basics.

I'd also say that stuff that fit me in mid pregnancy I grew out of in later pregnancy (hugely expanding boobs) or couldn't bear to wear as too restrictive so bear in mind you may need to do more shopping nearer the end.

I'm nearly due and got by with a million maternity bras in ever increasing sizes, a comfy hoody, a couple of jumpers, 3 pairs of jeans (under bump more comfy later on), couple pairs leggings, couple pairs of pj bottoms, few cheap big men t's for slobbing, h and m nursing vests (good for night time support) and some stretchy maternity tops and shirts.

I was lucky in that didn't have to dress formally for work though.

Highly recommend eBay - as people don't wear stuff for long there's loads of good quality stuff on there

I had a few smart Seraphine and Isabella Oliver pieces that I wore throughout both pregnancies and that worked well for both work and play. Neither brand is cheap however good time to buy now whilst the sales are on. Alternatively eBay is a great place to buy barely worn nice quality mat clothes.

I bought jeans and leggings, a few tops and one dress. A long vest was helpful to bridge the gap when the tops eventually got too short. I didn’t buy a coat, just a long scarf to keep my tummy warm when I couldnt fasten my normal coat any more. I wore DH’s clothes for lounging around because I didn’t want to spend too much.

Ive lived in leggings and long tops/dresses from tesco (bigger sizes rather than maternity wear) and boohoo. I was able to dress casually at work though

Boohoo do some good twin pack t-shirt style dresses that I lived in through all of last summer. They can also be paired with maternity tights (Jojo Maman Bebe do good ones) for winter wear.

I bought:
3 workwear dresses,
1 formal skirt
2 formal tops
1 pair of jeans
2 pairs of leggings
3 pairs of tights

I'm 28 weeks and still in a lot of my non maternity stretchy tops

I refuse to buy anymore clothes and this will see me through!

Some great suggestions - thanks everyone. Will definitely take a look at the sales in seraphine and IO. Hopefully get some decent deals!