Being pregnant doesn’t mean sacrificing your personal style. While there are a few stylish maternity stores in Toronto, you can still shop from trendy non-maternity stores, too. Show off that baby bump and look hella chic. Here’s where to shop for styles you can wear before, during and after pregnancy. [Image credit: iStock.com/Chet_W]
Ani + Wren is at the top of fashion before, during and after pregnancy. Look stylish and on-trend with The Lucy Top, a light blush pink patterned V-neck top that is flowy and semi-frilly from under the bust down, making it a piece you can also wear after giving birth. Pair it with Citizens of Humanity ultra-skinny white jeans and Joie dusty pink sand jelly sandals. From beachwear to casual to special occasion, you can find that chic outfit for all stages of your pregnancy at Ani + Wren.
Annie Aime carries stylish, practical designed clothes that can be used for many years without losing its quality. They’re also basic pieces that never go out of style. Although they don’t carry maternity clothes per say, most of their items you can wear during your first few trimesters. For example, the CP Shades skirt has a tie-around waist that can be worn above your belly bump. For a loose structured dress, go for the checkered light blue Gallego Desportes dress or tank top. You’ll also find roomy outerwear.
An expert in sizing maternity and nursing bras, Secrets From Your Sister can help you find the right comfortable fit. They have bras by Cake Maternity that are seam-free and flexi-wired, designed to grow with your changing body. Their nursing bras also have four to six hooks in the back to make it easy for you to adjust as your size changes. They can also help you find a swimsuit or bikini to wear during pregnancy.
Kit and Ace’s clothes are made of technical cashmere, which is this light, cozy fabric that almost feels like you’re not wearing anything. They have loose T-shirts and tanks, and dresses that can be worn throughout your pregnancy. Their tight dresses also have a stretch to them, so you can most likely pull it off until at least your second trimester. Get the casual boyfriend fitted Highs and Lows T-shirt dress, and style it with the silk printed Showstopper scarf and white sneakers for a chic everyday look that you can wear before, during and after your pregnancy.
Simple and relaxed silhouettes work best for the first few stages of maternity. To save from having to give away your clothes post-pregnancy, shop from Oak and Fort for those lightweight, casual yet sophisticated clothes you can use again. Wear their spaghetti-strapped draped minidress over a casual tee for a trendy look. As the weather gets cooler, throw on a kimono cardigan over your outfit and pair it with a wool hat for an ultra chic and comfortable look.
Style your baby bump and shop for baby clothes and essentials in one go. Love Me Do is a baby and maternity shop in Liberty Village that has stylish and modern maternity and nursing clothes. Go for the comfort of the Ellis tank dress (which has a built-in shelf bra) by Isabella Oliver. For a special occasion, opt for the Lizzie silk cowl-neck, blush pink dress by Seraphine. Other brands you’ll find here are the double-functioning maternity/nursing Boob Design and the essential basics Queen Mum.
Effortless styles are perfect for all seasons, from loose summer dresses to drape layers during fall and big sweaters for winter. Bella has those styles you can pull off during your pregnancy and keep for after, too. Think roomy fits like long, light-weight cardigans, and floral and printed off-the-shoulder dresses. Pair a baggy sweatshirt by LA-based Lauren Moshi with leggings and ankle boots. They also have comfy padded flip flops by celeb-favourite shoe designer Yosi Samra.