Eight Maternity Clothing Pieces Every Summer Bump Needs

Confession: I’ve been notoriously cheap about buying maternity clothing throughout my pregnancy. All winter and spring I avoided shopping at all costs while insisting that I could get away with wearing my pre-pregnancy clothes. The thought of shelling out for threads that I’ll only wear a few months goes against everything my thrifty upbringing has taught me.

But now that summer is in full swing and my stomach can no longer be hidden by bulky sweatshirts and loose-fitting boyfriend jeans, I’ve started to invest in some key pieces—and my closet couldn’t be happier. Here are the top eight pieces that I’ve found practically invaluable for being preggers during warmer months.

Whitney C. Harris is a freelance writer living in Westchester, NY. She is due at the end of August. Find her at whitneycharris.com.

A Tight Tank Dress
Probably one of the most versatile items for your pregnancy wardrobe, a tight tank dress can be gussied up for the office (add a tailored blazer and your favorite jewelry) or thrown over a bathing suit for poolside lounging. Old Navy's maternity tank dress does the trick with its simple, understated design and ruched side seams to flatter all kinds of curves.
Solid Shorts
I never thought I'd don shorts at eight months pregnant, but the maternity over the belly denim short by Liz Lange for Target have become my go-to bottoms ever since temperatures hit the 70s. These feel just like my pre-pregnancy shorts, except for the ever-helpful full-elastic waistband of course. And they're the only thing I can wear to keep cool during long walks outside.
An Embellished Tee
How easy it would it be to wear plain-Jane t-shirts and tank tops all summer long? When I started to notice it had been weeks since I wore anything "fun" with a print or pattern, I decided to find something a little more special to wear. This maternity lace t-shirt with embellishment by ASOS was an easy choice because it looks nothing like traditional maternity clothing and quickly got me out of my monotone fashion rut.
A Super-Casual & Loose Maxi Dress
There's nothing quite as comfy for a changing body as a big, forgiving maxi dress with plenty of room to grow. The "That Was Then" maternity maxi from Fillyboo fits the bill with its super-relaxed silhouette. Its chunky braided neckline and loose arm holes allow the dress to hang without pulling or pinching at skin.
A Trendy Tankini
Swimwear is one of the categories of clothing for which I really thought I could get away with wearing my pre-maternity stuff. But I've quickly learned that even my stretchiest triangle bikinis and Speedo one-pieces aren't quite cutting it. A trendy tankini like this side ruched ikat print from A Pea in the Pod is about the only thing I've been able to squeeze into.
Slip-On Sandals
While the Birkenstock Madrid slip-on sandals aren't specifically made for pregnant feet, they should probably just be automatically given to women after their first ultrasound. They're some of the only shoes that don't require bending over to put them on and the adjustable buckle means your expanding feet will always have a home.
A Humongous Hat
It's no secret that pregnant women easily heat up. And I find myself avoiding the sun more than ever now that I'm carrying some extra weight. The best investment for keeping hot rays off my face has been the Columbia Sun Ridge II Hat. It holds its own against wind too.
A Nursing Nightgown
After months of wearing my oldest, rattiest shirts to bed, I decided to take the plunge and buy proper sleepwear that I could throw on right after dinner during these hot summer nights. The Jessica Simpson lace nursing nightgown from Motherhood Maternity has been a total dream and I fully plan to wear it throughout the first year of breastfeeding.

Trinity School

Come join us for another summer of fun, exploration and discovery. Our campers get to engage with each other in the following activities: Swimming, Golf, Chess, Lego Robotics, Art, Dance, Multisports and Storytelling (subject to change)&hellip;and of course, ice cream or ices every day! We will supply our campers with a daily snack but you will need to provide your own lunch. Come join us for a fantastic summer!!! Camp runs from 8:30am - 3pm. Session #1: Tuesday, June 20th - Friday, June 23rd (closed Monday 6/19th) Session #2: Monday, June 26th - Friday, June 30th&nbsp; Session #3: Tuesday, July 3rd - Friday, July 7th (closed Tuesday, July 4th) Session #4: Monday, July 10th - Friday, July 14th&nbsp; &nbsp;Session #5: Monday, July 17th &ndash; Friday, July 21st&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information, please contact: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seth Goldberg, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Director of Afterschool Programs &amp; Summer Coordinator&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ph: (212) 932-6849 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E: seth.goldberg@trinityschoolnyc.org &nbsp; &nbsp;

World of Discovery Day Camp

Over 30 Years of Summer Day Camp Fun &amp; Excitement in Bayside, Queens! For kids ages 4 to 15.&nbsp; An Adventure A Day...&nbsp; At World of Discovery Summer Day Camp of Bayside, Queens, NY summertime is a season for children to expand their horizons, explore new territories, and discover new and exciting things about themselves. Whether the children are enrolled in the Discovery Sports Academy or the Discovery Summer Day Camp, they build new skills, discover new things, make new friends, and realize a new found confidence. &nbsp; Through our structured programming, campers are encouraged to participate and excel in those activities that interest them the most. Both group and individual instruction is offered, and children are generally grouped according to age. Positive reinforcement and encouragement are the cornerstones of all World of Discovery Summer Day Camp programming.

WCS Education - Wildlife Conservation Society

Explore nature, learn about the planet, and get close to animals&mdash;all in New York City! WCS zoo and aquarium day camps are for every young adventurer, from toddlers to teens. Campers experience hands-on learning, from STEAM classrooms and animal exhibits to nature trails and the beach. Recognized as industry leaders, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Education Department was the first of its kind to offer zoo camps and continues to provide award-winning programming. Visit wcs.education/camps to explore summer camps at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium!