Going an entire pregnancy without buying any maternity clothes is the modern-day equivalent of, “I don’t use social media.” When I hear someone say that, I assume they’re putting themselves through the ringer for no reason. But now that I’m six months pregnant with my own baby and witnessing the state of the maternity market first-hand, I understand the desire to abstain. The market is bleak, and the options are more basic than beautiful.

I don’t wear, as I like to call them, “hard pants”—so, I definitely wasn’t going to initiate that venture while pregnant. Jeans are tricky, and leggings are a no-no for New Yorkers and work weeks. Other than maxi skirts and baggy trousers, by sticking to dresses of all kinds, I was able to maintain my pre-baby wardrobe. The general rule of thumb? Don

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