I scored two great pieces from my last StitchFix (read about it here) after asking my stylist for items that would help me bridge the gap between my usual wardrobe and maternity wear.

Both the Henley and the Dolman sweater I chose have worked out great; not only are they comfortable and stretchy, but their bright prints have also helped camouflage that first-trimester “baby beer gut” I’ve been sporting .

For my eighth fix, I warned my stylist that I’d be 20 weeks pregnant, so we’d be starting to venture into Belly Territory. Between one pair of inset panel and two pairs of full-panel jeans, plus a few belly bands, I told her I was set with bottoms.

So I requested some forgiving tops and sweaters for fall, along with a potential dress for a maternity dress for any special occasions that might pop up.

New to StitchFix? Read all about how it works here. 

Let’s take a peek at what came in this month’s box, shall we?

First up was the Laila Jayde Placer Knit Poncho ($58). It may not look like much at first glance, but the fabric immediately won me over because it feels super luxurious and soft.

It’s that same Dolman style that I’ve seen in my previous two fixes, however, and hubby wasn’t crazy about the neckline when he saw me with it on. Honestly I felt a bit like a bat with wings when wearing it, but between the forgiving black color and stretchiness to accommodate a growing belly, I decided to mull it over as I went through the other items.

Next was the Pale Sky Flanders Pintuck Detail Maternity Blouse ($68). Right off the bat, I wasn’t crazy about the pattern, but I have several similar blouses that I wear quite often, so I figured it was worth a shot.

Once I had it on, it was quite cute — and something I could dress up with leggings or dress down with denim. And even though it’s an extra small it’s pretty roomy, too, which is perfect for both during and after pregnancy on those days when I’m just not feeling like wearing anything too clingy.

Third was the Brixon Ivy Lawley Cable Knit Open Cardigan ($68). It’s a rayon, nylon and angora cashmere blend, so this also felt pretty amazing to the touch — a lot more expensive than the price tag.

I love the design, particularly how the neckline swoops down into deep pockets. But (bummer!) the feedback I got while modeling it was “frumpy,” which is exactly what I’d like to avoid when I’m already feeling that it’s becoming more challenging to dress my rapidly-changing body.

After that was the Mystree Bethany Pull-Over Sweater ($68). Did your heart just sink, like mine did when I saw that there was a second gray sweater in the box?!

The acrylic knit was soft, but between a ‘blah’ design and a ‘meh’ color, I decided pretty quickly that this piece wasn’t worth it. Especially when I tried it on and wasn’t thrilled with the fit, which hit awkwardly at the hips and was snug in all the wrong places. Boo.

And, finally, came the Leota Maternity Dariah Maternity Abstract Faux Wrap Dress ($108). I swore up and down when I got pregnant that I’d never wear one of these rayon/spandex wrap dresses, but I stand corrected.

Again, lesson learned about needing to try a piece on before passing judgement because it fits perfectly, hugging in all the right places. Besides the bump (which you can’t really see from the head-on pic below), I actually feel like some semblance of my old self while wearing it, which is is WIN.

So what did I end up keeping?

The dress was a keeper, no question, along with the blouse, which I figure I’ll wear quite often over the next year or so while I’m expanding and (slowly) bouncing back. But the three sweaters didn’t make the cut; I just couldn’t justify paying $60-70 for each when I wasn’t bowled over with any of ’em.

My next fix is scheduled for early January, and I requested some more belly-friendly maternity clothing since I’ll be about 30 weeks along by then and probably looking for some fresh ideas for dressing the bump (other than sweats). I’m excited to see what kind of magic my stylist can work!

Want to try StitchFix? Use my referral link to fill out your style profile and get started.

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I simply love the service and think it’s fun to share my experience. I pay for Stitch Fix on my own. If you sign up using my referral link, I’ll get a credit…so thanks in advance for fueling my next fix!