Pregnancy won’t kill my Swag
Style lessons from a leopard playsuit - if you're pregnant or not
I’ll be honest: pregnancy and I weren’t exactly vibing at first.
Forget the mythical “pregnant glow”—the reality was constant bloating, jeans that refused to stay comfortable, and a closet that felt like it had betrayed me. My pre-pregnancy clothes didn’t fit, and most maternity wear? Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly sparking joy.
For 4 months, I felt like I was losing my sense of style, and with it, a little piece of myself. Every outfit felt like a compromise.
Nothing felt like me.
…And then came the leopard playsuit.
It happened one ordinary sunday. I pulled it out of my closet, the price tag was still hanging. At that point, I was 6 months pregnant, surely it couldn’t fit….ant yet, I zipped it up, glanced in the mirror—and I swear, it was like flipping a switch. Suddenly, the tired, uninspired version of me was gone, replaced by someone who looked fierce, confident, and very much alive.
That leopard playsuit wasn’t just an outfit; it was a rebirth.
After that moment, something clicked. I realised I didn’t have to settle for the “safe” or “practical” options that pregnancy seemed to demand.
My body was changing, yes, but my style? That was mine to reclaim.
The massive ruffled playsuit that made me feel like I was walking the runway at Paris Fashion Week came next…
… followed by the 70’s hippie-petrouchka
Sequins started showing up in my daily rotation.
Pregnancy didn’t dull my shine; it challenged me to find new ways to express it.
Style Lessons from a Leopard Playsuit - For Everyone, Pregnant or Not
That playsuit taught me a few things about fashion, pregnancy, and life:
Forget the “rules.” Who says maternity wear has to come from the maternity section? Be creative, have fun.
Tip #1: Accessories are armor. Giant pearl necklaces, chandelier earrings, or oversized sunnies—wear something that makes you feel untouchable.
Tip #2: Ruffles are a mindset. Whether it’s a dress, a blouse, or a playsuit with sleeves that could double as parachutes, ruffles = drama = power.
Tip #3: Clash with confidence. Stripes, leopard, florals—throw them together like you’re hosting a party on your body.
Style is a state of mind. The right outfit doesn’t just change how you look; it changes how you feel.
Fashion is your armor. On days when I felt like hiding, that playsuit reminded me to show up and show out.
This isn’t just about pregnancy—it’s about anyone who’s ever felt stuck in a style rut.
We’ve all been there, staring at a closet that feels uninspired and wondering if we’ve lost our spark. Let me tell you: that spark isn’t gone—it’s just waiting for the right outfit to reignite it.
So, here’s your challenge: this week, pull out that one piece in your closet that makes you feel unstoppable. The one that turns heads, sparks compliments, and reminds you that you’re the main character. If you don’t have it yet, this is your sign to go find it.
Pregnancy didn’t take away my swag; it reminded me how much I needed it.
If you take one thing from this, let it be this: Style is never just about clothes. It’s about self-expression, confidence, and showing the world exactly who you are—on your terms.
And it doesn’t matter if you’re pregnant, running errands, chasing dreams, or just trying to survive the week. You don’t have to wait for a “perfect moment” to bring your style A-game. The right outfit can turn an average Tuesday into your personal runway. So stop saving the good stuff for “someday.” Wear it now. Be loud, be unapologetic, and be your own damn muse.
Everyone deserves to feel that unstoppable.
Until next time, keep glowing, keep swagging, and remember: You’re always one outfit away from who you want to be.
Swaggy Steph, Leopard & Third Trimester Glow Queen
PS - today is my half-birthday!!! A concept invented by me, for anyone who suffers from having thei actual bday in the middle of summer school holidays.