This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Johnston & Murphy for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
With this being our third pregnancy, I’d like to think I have learned a few tips and tricks along the way when it comes to maternity style. I hate to buy unnecessary “maternity items” that I won’t use and I like to be as practical (and comfortable) as possible. There are a few rules that I abide by when it comes to my pregnancy style and I wanted to share those with you all today. I hope these help you! 🙂
Rule #1: Dresses are your friend // Most dresses (or at least the ones I have) have a bit of give to them and I bet if you tried on the ones you currently have in your closet, you would be pleasantly surprised! I have worn several of my NON maternity dresses all the way through until term, especially maxi dresses!
Rule #2: Comfort on your feet is key // It’s no secret that you frequently get swollen towards the end of the pregnancy (especially in the summer) and having comfortable kicks is essential. However, I will also add that I love finding a comfortable heel as well because as you head into the 2nd and 3rd trimester, sometimes it feels nice to dress up a bit and make those legs look a little longer 😉 I am always on the hunt for a nice, comfortable heel. Johnston & Murphy is a brand that prior to a few weeks ago, I hadn’t tried out! Their shoes are stylish AND comfortable, which is something that every pregnant mama needs & wants. I got two pairs of HEELS from them to really test them out to see if their comfort was up to my standards. I was surprised when I wore these for the first time and felt like they were already broken in. It’s like I owned them for years prior, which is exactly how you want your shoes when you first wear them! If you are in the market for a great pair of heels you can wear throughout the ENTIRE day and still be comfortable, these Johnston & Murphy ones are DEFINITELY it.
Rule #3: Don’t run out for those maternity pants just yet! // Grab a hair tie and put it through the button hole up top and then swing it back around the button! VOILA! You just bought yourself a couple more weeks in your favorite denim.
Rule #4: Don’t always buy “maternity” labeled items // There are plenty of clothing items out there that are non-maternity but will work before, during and after pregnancy! I buy these items over maternity only since you get way more “bang for your buck”. I typically go for the loose fit shirts and open knits! Maxi dresses are a godsend during the spring/summer and early fall months and they are what I live in while pregnant!
Rule #5: Invest in the necessities // I would say that the following items are must-buys for a stylish pregnancy….
1 pair of well fitting maternity denim pants AND shorts (if you’ll be pregnant in the summer)
1 longer tight fitting tank to go with everything (BLANQI makes a great one)
2-3 ruched tops –> these are the cutest tops for the bump in my opinion and you can get them really cheap!
1 ruched dress that hugs the bump perfectly for any event you may have while pregnant
Rule #6: Your coats, cardigans, & lightweight jackets are still your friend // Make sure to use these wisely! While pregnant, these items will always go with any outfit! I am in love with this leather jacket from Johnston & Murphy that will easily be worn with or without a bump. Plus, leather jackets are a staple that never, ever go out of style!
Rule #7: LEGGINGS for the win, every time // You know what I am talking about. If you don’t own a pair of black leggings that you are utterly obsessed with yet, then do it NOW. You will live in them from now until the end of time 😉
Now for the fun part! For a chance to win a $250 gift card from Johnston & Murphy, all you have to do is comment below with what you would buy if you won! 🙂
That leather coat! So cute and flattering.
Hands down that leather jacket!!!!
The leather jacket and those beige heels!! My “go to” high heels are not my friend any more during pregnancy!!
Definitely the perforated slip on sneakers! 28 weeks with baby #5 and most shoes are getting tough to put on. Also love the hooded sweater vest…its still cold where I live and it would be great for this in between weather.
Leather jacket!! Super cute – I need to get one!
Mila Ankle Strap Wedge in black. So pretty!
Would love to buy the leather jacket you are wearing in this post!
I would absolutely love the leather jacket for my beautiful daughter!
I’m loving the blue lace dress ???? featured on the website.
I am a leggings addict and I would love some new clothes!
If I won, I would give it to my wife, and she’d probably buy leggings or a jacket. Or both…and more.
I would buy that leather coat.
If I won, I would buy some new black leggings.
As a fellow pregnant lady, I would totally get those sandals! Super cute as it’s starting to warm up. 🙂
I really love the Raney Thong Sandal. They have such an excellent selection!
I love the Elaine Perfed Slip-Ons! So cute!
I like the Vanessa Pumps!
Love the rich color of the leather jacket!
The featherweight leather jacket!!! It’s so cute and fits so nice.
Copeland Chukka great great great. I so hope to get the shoe! I have wanted something from J&M for a long time.
I would get the CHASITY GHILLIE SANDAL
There are so many great choices that its really hard to pick one favorite. This first thing I would buy would be the Sub-Textured Belted Vest.
I would get the sandals, they just scream comfort.
I think I might get the WENDY TOE-RING THONG. So many cute things to choose from!
I’d get the BLACK WING-COLLAR TRENCH COAT.
The leather jacket is really nice
Sleeveless Midi dress! Everything looks really nice.
I’d love to get a pair of their HAILEY BRAIDED SANDAL in the Gold Metallic Suede!
The dolman sleeve knit top because of the the way the shirt lays in the front.
I would definitely buy the leather jacket, some leggings and that big white shirt.
Love this whole look! You look amazing!
I would buy that same leather jacket!
I love both the jacket and the shoes!! But I don’t have a leather jacket sooo..
These are the cutest maternity clothes ever! I would wear them and I’m not even pregnant!
Love the jacket!!!
I’d definitely get a great pair of comfy shoes. Love the ones you’re wearing!
LOVE maternity clothes that don’t look like maternity clothes ❤
I’m 28 years old and I’ve never owned a leather jacket! I NEED this in my life for date nights!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Loving the look! I don’t know how I could just buy the shoes OR the jacket! Both are such perfect staple pieces!
I would love the Hailey Braided Sandal
I have always wanted a jacket like this one!
LOVE that jacket! You always find the best stuff and match it so beautifully 🙂
Wonderful pictures and post! Such a cute belly! If I won, I think an incredible leather jacket would be my fun pick.
I never know what to get at first, it takes me a while to decide. But, if you enter me in the contest I promise that by the time I win I will figure out what I want. Thank you so very kindly for the opportunity and enjoy your week!!
That leather jacket is gorgeous!
Definitely the beige slip on shoe that you’re wearing in your pictures! They look great for not only being pregnant but also for days at the park or zoo with a toddler!
The raney thong or brown leather jacket!
I’ve honestly never heard of Johnston & Murphy! Their stuff seems really nice though – I love the jacket!
That jacket???? love this whole look!
Would love the mixed pattern knit vest!
Love all those shoes! Perfect for spring and summer! Looking beautiful with that baby bump, as always!
First baby ( I mean babies!), with twins due in July! Would love to splurge on something for this mama!
Leather jacket and legging
These pictures are gorgeous! And I just love this whole outfit!!!
I would seriously buy this whole outfit! So gorgeous!
I would definitely buy some of their cute shoes! I’m living in TOMS and Target sandals!
Such a classic jacket ????
It I won, I would get some fun new shoes or maybe a cool jacket
Cant wait to incorporate some of these tips for my next pregnancy (and maybe a great new pair of these shoes too!)
Ugh, you always look so put together!!! I’ve bought countless things based on your recommendations, guess I have to add this jacket and pants to my list!!!
Love love this jacket so much!
I would get a pair of their gorgeous wedges! And possibly a few tops, I just need a ton of new things now that I am pregnant again
Love the jacket!
So cute as always!
Denim dress for sure! And I’d have to get those beige shoes. 🙂
I would get the Natasha Ghillie Heel.
Love that jacket! Perfect for the cool spring we’re experiencing. 🙂
I would love the SLUB/KNIT MIXED-MEDIA TOP, so pretty
Obsessed with that jacket!
Love that leather jacket!!!!
Elaine prefed slip ons and that jacket ????????????????
The Mila wedges! I’m in a wedding this summer and need comfy shoes to wear while being 6 months pregnant 🙂
I have absolutely been loving your posts and am so in awe of how beautiful your little family is! Keep up the awesome work and continue to be the strong mama that you are! (: PS. I think you are probably the best dressed mama out there! God bless you.
Ah! I got caught up in the excitement of just sending you a comment and didn’t even say what I’d buy if I had the chance! I’d definitely pick up a leather jacket because I’ve never owned one. (: I think every girl needs one!
I think I’d buy some cute and comfy slides!
I actually adore the sloane slipper and the thong sandal! So casual and super cute.
Love all the neutrals!
I would buy sneakers 🙂 I’m also a CT mom, grew up in Chester and now living in Redding!
Love the leather jacket. It would work well now during pregnancy and also in the fall after my baby arrives!
Definitely would buy some of their cute wedges for summer. I’m 24 weeks pregnant with my second and this time around refuse to wear shoes that aren’t comfortable!
Great maternity dressing tips! The hair band on the jeans trick is genius.
I love the Natasha Ghillie Heel in Cork and the Kelsey Toe-Loop Slide in Snake from Johnston & Murphy. Crossing my fingers! ????????
The Leah Strappy Sandal is adorable and a great buy for the summer
Omgsh the leather jacket for sure! It’s so pretty!!
I would get the draped double faced cardigan and the pleat back sleeveless shirt!
Loving the leather jacket and shoes are the cutest!
I am all about comfortable shoes while chasing my 2 year old around! Also that jacket is super cute and perfect to pair over spring and summer dresses????
That jacket is to die for.
I would definitely buy those nude heels!! They look stylish and so comfy!
Wish I knew this before I had my kids ???? Lol
So cute!!
Definitely the pink suede shoes <3
I would buy some of those beautiful wedges I saw on the website.
Thank you for the great tips!!
I have low arches, they cause my feet and calves to hurt when I walk. As a result, I need shoes that have a very good arch support system and are also shock absorbent. Therefore, I would get the BRANNING PENNY mens slip on shoes, which are also waterproof. They seem to be very comfortable and lightweight, which would be ideal for me.
Those sandals! I have nothing like them!
That leather jacket. SO cute
I loveee J&Ms sneakers! Perfect mix of casual and cute. I would definitely add the grey ones to my closet!
Hey, babe! Love this style!!
I absolutely love the Maren Cross Band Wedges! They are adorable!
I would def buy that jacket ????
I’d definitely have to go with the leather jacket!
Definitely the leather jacket! I’ve never owned one before, and this one looks amazing.
Also, I just have to say that I’m a huge fan of your Instagram posts and stories! I’m 21 weeks pregnant with my first baby, and I love your ideas and suggestions for dressing a growing baby bump 🙂
Leggings and dresses…all I wear!
I would get the Anorak with Striped-Knit Lining.
I would buy the Emerson Perfed Lace-Up sneakers in the Blush Italian Suede colour for sure! Love them!
Love the Vanessa pump in blue, and even though winter’s over I would lov eto get the QUILTED DOWN JACKET WITH BIB for next year.
I absolutely love the leather Jacket! I would get that
What a gorgeous jacket!
i might get the Tabor Cap Toe
That leather jacket ???? Would love to win!
Leather jacket for sure!! Love it!!
I like the DENIM DRESS
Oh the leather jacket most definitely!
I know we are all saying this but seriously that leather jacket! ????
I would have to get the braided sandles. I am in my 3rd Trimester and those sandles look really comfortable.
That jacket is gorgeous, preggers or not!! But the whole look is super cute????????????
The Delany Perfed Slide on Tan and some sneakers.
Buy the leather jacket
The leather jacket is amazing so would be my choice, thanks!
i would buy the Natasha Ghillie Heel and the vanessa pump.
I woul let my wife use the card to buy herself something..
i would buy me two pairs of the toe ring wedged sandals
I would love the perforated slip on sneakers! I love slip one and these look perfect for the summer.
There are so many great items to choose from..one thing I totally love are the CHASITY GHILLIE SANDAL 🙂 Those are so pretty, stylish, & comfy looking!!
Thanks so much.
It e that leather jacket she is wearing love it
I recently lost 19 lbs! I am in desperate need of some new clothes!
I would get the Raney Thong Sandal
I would buy the leather jacket
I would buy the Natasha Ghillie Heel
If I want I would love the striped boat neck top. There are so many great things to choose from that it’s really really hard to decide
I would deff be getting one of their Denim Dresses!!
Love this post! I will be doing these for this next pregnancy for sure!! Looks like I need a leather jacket! 🙂
I would buy some tops and dresses for summer!
I believe I would get the DELANEY PERFED SLIDEs. I could wear these with everything.
Love the Elaine shoes, perfect for spring!!
I love the Bell Sleeve Lace Sheath dress! I’d probably get that and another item to wear for work.
I love the Elaine Perfed slip-on
I would buy the Midi Trench jacket
Long, bump fitting shirts, tan leather jacket and some shoooooes!!
If I won, I would have to get the Sleeveless Midi Dress and the Sloane Slipper!
Without question… I would have that leather jacket! I love it!!! Super Beautiful!
I would get the leather jacket!
Leather jacket (love yours!)
More leggings. And I don’t have any dresses to get me through the summer! I’m in need!
To widdle it down I’d say the Mindi or the Kelsie! So many cute options!!! Thanks for hosting this giveaway and for the opportunity!!! Fingers crossed and Happy Easter! ????
I love your leather jacket and the advice, especially since this is my first pregnancy and I have no idea what to get for maternity clothes.
I love that leather jacket! I could really use some good layering pieces to bring me up to trend. I feel a little bit old hat like a true mother of (almost) 3 in my thirties. I need to figure out how to bring some life back into my wardrobe! Heels and leather could do the trick!! ???? Plus I could really use that great pair of leggings you referred to!
Perfect tips!! I bought so many unecessary items with my first pregnancy and many of them weren’t so trendy with my second pregnancy!! Now on my 4th, I’ve learned my lesson after my third and know where to focus on purchases!!
And I would definitely buy summer dresses!! This is my first pregnancy due in early fall – my three boys were all born in late spring – so being pregnant in the summer season is all new to me!!
Without question, I would but that leather jacket and a great pair of comfy heels! Thanks for the opportunity 😉
-Staci Miller
Cute, cute leather jacket and shoes! Thanks for the tips! Would love a few new maternity (non) pieces!
The red Vanessa pump. Beautiful.
I think I would choose the leather jacket since I do not have one!
I would buy the leather jacket. It is so cute!
Definitely that jacket and those white heeled sandals!
That jacket is so beautiful, and a staple – so I would get that!!
Love those sandals & totally a good pair of leggings!
That jacket!!!!! ????
I would definitely love to buy the leather jacket! Absolutely stylish. Something I would definitely wear while pregnant and when I am not pregnant.
That jacket!!!
I’m loving those slip on mules you’re wearing in the post!! Perfect staple.
Comfy shoes all the way!
OMG those white pants for sure!!!
Love all of these suggestions, I approve of all of them! 😉 I would totally go for that leather jacket!
Can never have enough nude heels!!!
Definitely the leather jacket. I have been wanting to add one as a staple piece to my wardrobe for the longest time. Plus a cute accessory for the bump come this fall, as I’m not due until November.
This is my first child! I am 10 weeks pregnant!
If I won this $250 Gift card, I would definitely buy some comfy shoes/sneakers! I will be fully pregnant come winter time, I will definitely need some close toed shoes!
Thank you for these tips and tricks! I don’t want to spend money on unnecessary items! This helped!