I Spotted the Chicest (and Most Flattering) Maternity Outfit on the NYC Subway—Here’s How to Recreate It

Whenever I ride the New York City subway, I make an extra effort to look up, not down. If I didn’t, I might have missed the impeccably chic maternity outfit that I glimpsed on the woman holding the subway pole right in front of me. (She declined a seat.)

Let me preface this by saying that shopping for pregnancy attire is hard. There are certainly staple pieces that are versatile, comfy and cute (looking at you, Storq), but they can be an investment and, depending on the style, don’t always check that sustainability box that delivers on repeated wear after you give birth.

That’s why this particular ensemble struck a chord.

Based on her belly, she appeared to be at the end of her second trimester and kicking off her third. She was taller than me (I’d estimate 5’5 or 5’6” whereas I’m just 5’2”), but I was instantly struck by the simplicity of the non-maternity pieces she’d assembled to create a look that works not only for pregnancy, but postpartum life, too.

Here’s what you need: a slip dress to start, an oversize blazer to finish. She accessorized with a work bag, a pair of sneakers and a necklace. (Statement earrings would have worked, too.) It not only looked incredibly professional and polished—my guess is that she was on her way to the office given the rush hour timing—but I loved that each piece was something you could mix and match into a variety of other outfit combos down the road. Heck, these are pieces you likely already have in your closet. (Slip dresses in particular have been trending for quite some time.)

Taking my cue from this stranger on the subway, I decided to put the look to the test with my own burgeoning bump. A few style notes from a gal in her third trimester: While I was tempted to size up in the slip dress, I ultimately didn’t after reading reviews of the fit. Should you be shopping for one, this call is yours to make. (If you do size up, all you’ll need postpartum is the help of a good tailor to adjust, NBD.) An oversize blazer is a style staple, no matter what, which makes it an investment worth making. I rounded out my own look with a pair of Veja sneakers (the V-10s are my forever go-to) and a necklace.

I felt pretty and put-together, but most importantly comfortable—a pregnancy necessity, of course. Better yet, I felt empowered. After all, there’s a thrill that comes with shopping for non-maternity wear that you know has a place in your closet on the other side of your pregnancy journey. (Although I’ll admit, with sustainability in mind, I’m looking forward to passing my tried-and-true maternity clothes along to another expectant mom, too.)

As for the subway and the sartorial inspiration that abounds: Please forgive me if I continue to stare down my fellow A train passengers. I can’t resist mirroring the style of New Yorkers. It’s that good.