Bump, Baby & Beyond: Maternity-Friendly Style with OnceWas
Pregnancy is one of the most transformative seasons in a woman’s life, and with it comes constant change. While your body is working overtime to grow a little human, your wardrobe should do the opposite: support you, flatter you, and make getting dressed effortless.
Maternity wear should never feel like a compromise. Too often, maternity fashion falls into the trap of fast fashion, worn only for a short time, then discarded. We design differently. Our pieces are made to carry you from bump, to baby, and well beyond, so every investment lasts for years to come.
Why Our Designs Work So Well During Motherhood
Confidence in Every Wear: Luxe fabrics, thoughtful prints, and silhouettes that celebrate your figure help you feel beautiful at a time when your body is changing dramatically. That extra boost of confidence goes a long way.
Adaptable by Design: Elasticated skirts, flowing dresses, and tops with button-down features make room for a growing belly while remaining wearable postpartum. Many of our dresses can be unbuttoned and layered as a coat, and button-through styles are breastfeeding-friendly. Most dresses are designed to be worn multiple ways: drawn in at the waist with a matching belt, worn without a belt, or left open. Flowing fabrics and non-fitted shapes provide comfort and flexibility for a growing belly.
Longevity in Your Wardrobe: Each piece is designed to be worn well beyond pregnancy, making them a smart and sustainable alternative to disposable maternity wear. OnceWas is about timeless style, not short-lived fashion.
We recently welcomed Chloe and her 5-week-old daughter Isla into our Melbourne styling studio to explore pieces that fit seamlessly into her new lifestyle.
The Catalina Embroidered Cotton Silk Dress, worn with it's matching belt, worn open for a looser fit & unbuttoned for breastfeeding.
As a full-time marketing manager and influencer, Chloe’s days are packed, juggling her career, time with her husband and family, workouts, and catch-ups with friends. Pregnancy brought major changes to her active body, and she admits it wasn’t always easy to adjust.
The Emersyn Linen Viscose Dress, unbuttoned at the top to allow for breastfeeding.
Left to right: The Callisto Cotton Shirt & Cordelia Shirred Silk Cotton Skirt, the Astra Embroidered Tencel Blouse and the Juno Viscose One Shoulder Top.
“I exercise a lot, and I found it confronting to see my body change so much. What helped me was dressing in beautiful clothing, it boosted my mood and my confidence. Even before pregnancy, I have always been a fan of OnceWas, especially their bombers. The fabric is incredibly luxe and soft. I love wearing them with my gym clothes to elevate my look, but they also work perfectly for a night out.”
The Sybil Chevron Faux Fur Bomber in Moss & the Rylie Reversable Print & Faux Fur Jacket in Black.
Like many women, Chloe tried traditional maternity clothing but found it limiting. “I really tried to embrace maternity clothing, but it never made me feel good. I didn’t want to spend money on things I could only wear for a short time.I did invest in some good maternity leggings and work out clothing.”
From bump to baby, Chloe found freedom in choosing timeless designs that worked through every stage, whether it was a breastfeeding-friendly button-down blouse for brunch with friends, an elastic-waist skirt for busy days, or a statement dress that layered beautifully as a coat.
“When I put on a OnceWas dress, I felt like me again.”
Chloe wearing the Delray Reversible Cupro Cami and the Pandorea Viscose Dobby Yoke Skirt.
Left to right: The Callisto Cotton Shirt & Cordelia Shirred Silk Cotton Skirt, the Astra Embroidered Tencel Blouse and the Juno Viscose One Shoulder Top.
Chloe wearing the Carman Silk Cotton Maxi Dress.
Chloe wearing the Theia Viscose Scallop Dress.
Left to right: The Alexis Silk Cotton Midi Dress, the Amara Tencel Embroidered Maxi Dress and the Carmen Silk Cotton Maxi Dress.
We are deeply committed to designing clothes that last & designs that empower you to look and feel incredible at every stage. Every piece is created with care, using natural or sustainable fabrics, thoughtful production, and a focus on longevity. We believe in fashion that celebrates women through every season of life, not fast fashion that serves a moment and is quickly forgotten.
We’d love to connect with you in person, visit us at our fortnightly Styling Studio sessions in Melbourne, where you can try on pieces, explore your personal style, and see how OnceWas can support you through bump, baby, and beyond. Or please reach out to us via e-mail, phone or social media DMs!
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