Second Trimester Outfits: Comfort Meets Style

The second trimester can feel like a sweet spot in pregnancy fashion. For many, the bump is finally showing but hasn’t reached the point of making every outfit feel like a challenge. For me, this trimester was all about finding that perfect balance between comfort and style, especially as my energy levels rebounded and I started feeling more like myself. Here’s what worked best for me during this stage.

Second Trimester Outfits: Comfort Meets Style

Side-Panel Maternity Jeans: The MVP

When it came to jeans, side-panel maternity styles were my go-to. Over-the-belly jeans just felt too restrictive for me at this point, especially since my bump wasn’t quite big enough to hold them in place comfortably. Side-panel jeans, on the other hand, provided just the right amount of stretch and support while still looking like my favorite pre-pregnancy pairs. I loved styling them with flowy tops or even tucked-in non-maternity shirts for a polished yet comfortable look.

And if you’re finding this post in the winter, you will want a cute pair of jeans to wear with sweaters and loafers, flats, booties, you name it. It can be tempting to stick to leggings for the winter (assuming you’re not working in an office, but if you are, here’s how to dress up leggings for work), but having a pair of jeans that fit will allow you to wear so much more of your closet. And we all know that we feel better when we’re wearing something cute.

My favorite maternity jeans were from Pink Blush Maternity and Abercrombie (see my favorite petite maternity jeans in this post). Madewell also has a great pair of side panel maternity jeans.

Dresses: Easy and Breezy

The easiest thing to wear when your bump is starting to show, and you want to feel feminine and pretty is a dress. Dresses were another staple during my second trimester. They were lightweight, flattering, and, best of all, required zero thought on matching separates. I found myself gravitating toward styles that weren’t overly fitted but still showed off my bump—a-line, wrap dresses, and empire waist styles were my favorites. I also love relaxed dresses when not pregnant, and they work perfectly with a bump (and there is no need to size up).

The one non-negotiable? Fitted shorts underneath (this pair of biker shorts specifically). Not only did they keep me comfortable and prevent chafing, but they also made me feel more confident as my body continued to change. Here are some of my favorite bump-friendly dresses that you can actually wear after pregnancy, too:

Non-Maternity Tops Still Worked

One of the perks of the second trimester was that I could still wear many of my non-maternity tops. Flowy blouses, stretchy tees, and even some button-ups (worn open over a tank) worked perfectly to accommodate my growing bump. This made it easy to incorporate pieces I already loved, which helped me feel like myself as my wardrobe slowly shifted toward maternity staples. Another easy option in the winter is an oversized sweater, which most of us have in our closet anyway!

Here are some favorites that would work well with a bump:

A Few Accessory Tips

To tie everything together, I leaned heavily on accessories to elevate my outfits. A lightweight scarf, a great pair of earrings, or a chic crossbody bag instantly made simple maternity basics feel more put-together. Comfortable footwear was also key—I rotated between supportive sneakers, cushioned sandals, and slip-on loafers to keep my feet happy.

Here are some staples I loved:

The second trimester is such a fun time to experiment with your pregnancy style. My advice? Stick to what feels good and embrace the mix of maternity and non-maternity pieces that work for you. What’s your favorite second-trimester wardrobe piece? Let me know in the comments!

I have a bunch of maternity content on the blog! Here are some favorite posts:

• Pink Blush Maternity Review – my favorite brand for maternity clothes!
• The Best Shoes for Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Workout Outfits
• Maternity Holiday Dresses
• Maternity Photoshoot Dresses