Dressing during pregnancy can be tricky, especially when it’s hot out, but a growing bump doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your personal style. Putting together summer pregnancy outfits is all about finding the balance between cute and comfy. Spending a fortune on summer maternity clothes you’ll only wear for a limited period of time? Not necessary. Here, longtime Lulus BFF and Creative Director, Crystal Raymond Wooden shows how she’s wearing some of our best bump-friendly pieces now and after baby arrives!
Crystal and her photographer husband, Luke Wooden, have been working with the Lulus team for years to shoot some of our favorite campaigns. We caught up with them in their LA home for a fun pre-baby shoot, with images of the mom-to-be shot by none other than her hubs. Read on to see them all, and get Crystal’s tips on summer dressing, staying cool in the heat, and getting the most out of your pregnancy wardrobe.
Lulus: How would you describe your style?
Crystal Raymond Wooden: I’d call it laid-back, sporty, and fun–with some ’80s rockstar mixed in!
Lulus: What’s your trick for maintaining your style vibe during pregnancy?
CRW: I love layering easy dresses and basic layers with structured denim jackets, patterned blazers, and cozy cardigans to create some depth in my wardrobe. I have a few go-to basic pieces that I am wearing on rotation right now and throwing on a fun layer (like the Madrid Lavender Tie Dye Long Cardigan Sweater) is a quick way to transform the look into something else. Also, piling on lots of gold accessories and sneakers keeps me feeling like myself always!
Lulus: What do you look for in clothing right now?
CRW: Definitely pieces that I can wear now (as summer pregnancy outfits) and also after the baby comes. I think transitional pieces are key and also give you so much flexibility in your wardrobe. I hated the idea of being limited to just maternity clothing for a few months so I look for pieces that have forgiving stretch or volume designed in–like bodycon dresses, bodysuits, flowy dresses, and oversized tees, and just size up. You should still be able to express your style and have fun with color and prints without limiting your options.
Lulus: What about these particular pieces appealed to you?
CRW: I love wearing pieces that show off my bump but are still easygoing, like the Your Everything Dark Olive Green Sleeveless Maxi Dress, Cassina Washed Lime Green Short Sleeve Midi Dress, and the Knot Since You Mustard Yellow Tie Strap Wide Leg Jumpsuit. These are amazing one-and-done pieces you can dress up or down with accessories and a cool jacket for the day. When I feel like being more dressed up, the Lets Be Friends Black Puff Sleeve Dress and Free Swinging Black Floral Print Ruffled Mini Dress are perfect flowy options for the bump and just feel extra special and romantic. Added bonus: These are amazing dresses for baby showers and other special occasions.
Lulus: Any tips for staying cool during a summer pregnancy?
CRW: Lightweight gauzy fabrics, soft cottons, and lots of loungewear that you can throw on around the house and shed as necessary. I have definitely been known to lounge around the house in a bodysuit or sports bra and joggers. I also heard that pints of ice cream in the freezer can be really helpful too!
Lulus: Is there anything you absolutely won’t wear right now?
CRW: Heels! That’s the one thing I haven’t been able to continue on in. Give me a pair of sneakers or slides any day.
Lulus: What was the most surprising thing you learned about how to dress your bump?
CRW: That it became something I wanted to embrace though my personal style and not hide it! In the beginning, I was so concerned about how things would fit or how quickly my body would change. In reality, it’s been such a beautiful, cool thing to watch my bump grow and my day-to-day looks evolve. I love showing it off and dressing for maximum impact. The female body is wild and amazing! It’s been pretty special to feel that and get to experiment with fun looks before my little babe gets here.
Lulus: What’s the number one piece of style advice you’d give pregnant women?
CRW: Embrace the transformation, have fun with it, and wear what makes you feel good. I think that should always be the goal with your personal style at any stage!
Shop Crystal’s picks below and show us your summer pregnancy outfits on Instagram @Lulus using #lovelulus!
(Images via Luke Wooden)
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