Rock Your Bump: Alyssa Julya Smith's Guide to Killer Pregnancy Fashion

Pregnancy

Jul 3

Hey mama,

This week, we're diving into the world of maternity fashion with the fabulous Alyssa Julya Smith. A television host, lifestyle expert, and mama of two from Beverly Hills, Alyssa has spent over two decades in the fashion and entertainment industries. While raising a rambunctious toddler, a sweet baby, and a giant Rottweiler, she's managed to keep her style game strong—proof that fashion and motherhood can indeed go hand in hand.

Alyssa graciously shared her personal journey and tips for dressing during pregnancy, ensuring you can look and feel your best as your body transforms.

Evolving Your Style: Alyssa's Journey

During her pregnancies, Alyssa found herself gravitating towards a whole new style. "Most of my closet didn’t work with my new body shape, but I wasn’t really drawn to most pregnancy clothing," she explains. The solution? Dressing for comfort. "I hardly wore jeans or pants because having something digging into my waist was really uncomfortable. I decided to dress for comfort, and if I did wear separates, I always put the waistband below the bump."

Her go-to pieces included stretchy dresses, elastic waist skirts, and drawstring pants. She even embraced the crop top trend, rocking a "bump out" style during her summer pregnancy. "The late 90s / early 2000s trend really lent well to my pregnancy. Crop tops, front-tie tops, baggy parachute pants, and long stretchy skirts all became staples in my life again."

Balancing Comfort and Style

Many women struggle with balancing comfort and style during pregnancy, but Alyssa's approach was clear: "Comfort came first because I was already kinda uncomfortable in my body." Her advice? Embrace your bump as your best accessory and show it off! It's okay to be off-trend and prioritize comfort during this special time.

Investment Pieces for the Long Haul

Alyssa recommends investing in pieces with four-way stretch, empire waists, knit fabrics, and elastic waistbands. These designs will grow with you and still look fabulous post-bump. "I invested in a few gorgeous stretchy Missoni and Pucci dresses. They looked amazing on the bump and now look amazing post-bump."

Stylish Yet Affordable Maternity Wear

For stylish yet affordable maternity wear, Alyssa suggests knit and maxi dresses as the base of your wardrobe. "I would rotate five or six of them and style them with sweaters, open button-down shirts, blazers, or coats." Brands like Bumpsuit are her top picks for daily wear. For special occasions, renting maternity clothes from Rent the Runway can be a lifesaver. "They now have a dedicated maternity clothes section which can make life a lot easier," she adds.

Navigating Post-Pregnancy Style

The post-pregnancy period can be challenging fashion-wise. Alyssa's solution? Loose matching sets that made her feel more put-together than sweats. "Bumpsuit and Nothing Fits But make great sets with relaxed waists. I still wear these all the time!"

Fashion Advice for Expectant Mothers

Alyssa's most important piece of fashion advice? Focus on accessories you already have. "Shoes, bags, sunglasses, hats, jewelry—these can elevate any outfit. Also, try to enjoy dressing the bump! You will weirdly miss it when it’s gone." And remember, give yourself tons of grace when trying to fit back into your pre-pregnancy clothes. Enjoy all your curves—it's all temporary.

Here for you,