J Brand Maternity jeans at Net-a-Porter
The floor sweeping maxi at Mother Blossom and Child
The drapey jersey tops at Hatch by Twobirds
The oversized cuff at Freedom Premium at Topshop
So having recently had a little girl Minnie, I have decided my next few blog entries will tackle the world of pregnancy fashion, the dos and don'ts, plus my go to labels for the most stylish mums.
DOs
1. In the first trimester it is all about camouflage - this is not the time to get overzealous about buying stretchy jersey pieces - that comes later.
2.For now its all about a-line shapes in drapey fabrics like silk, jersey and loose knits.
3. Invest in good fabrics - as these will be the items you can wear after the baby arrives to disguise the post baby blubber and easily breast feed in.
4. Highlight legs, decolletage and arms, in particular wrists - these will be unaffected by weight gain at this point and draw attention away from the tummy.
5. This is where accessories come into their own - refer to my previous blog Bump it up! http://pennybennett.blogspot.com/2011/07/bump-it-up.html
6. Go for neutral colours that can be mixed and matched for longevity. Your accessories will make your outfit pop
7. Think about proportion; if your top is voluminous your bottom half should be narrow
DONTs
8. Avoid highlighting the waist (you will find that it is disappearing anyway!) Which means ditch any belted items or high waisted styles.
9.Don't raid your partners wardrobe and his old baggy shirts - tailoring is key and will highlight your shape
10. Don't forget to have fun with your pregnancy style - this is such a special time for a woman and you should make the most of your beautiful bump.
KEY PIECES (pics above)
1.Maternity jeans in a style to flatter you whether it be straight skinny or boot cut in dark indigo denim
2. A-line tops
3. Empire line or trapeze dress, go for a dark neutral colour or a beautiful print that will distract the eye to what is underneath
4. A floor sweeping dress will elongate the body. Summer is a great time to be pregnant as you can stock up on maxi dresses
5. Black leggings, practical and comfortable and easy under jumper dresses
6. Long line tops in drapey jersey
7. Stretchy pencil skirt, perfect for work with wedges or on the weekend with boots
Accessories
8. Put your dainty fine jewellery to the bottom of the box, invest in pendant necklaces, cuffs and cocktail rings
9. Flats are great for running around in but invest in wedges that will give you extra height, balance the bump but still offer support
10. Supportive underwear is essential. Your body is changing so get measured by a professional. Underwear is the foundation of any outfit and should not be overlooked
DOs
1. In the first trimester it is all about camouflage - this is not the time to get overzealous about buying stretchy jersey pieces - that comes later.
2.For now its all about a-line shapes in drapey fabrics like silk, jersey and loose knits.
3. Invest in good fabrics - as these will be the items you can wear after the baby arrives to disguise the post baby blubber and easily breast feed in.
4. Highlight legs, decolletage and arms, in particular wrists - these will be unaffected by weight gain at this point and draw attention away from the tummy.
5. This is where accessories come into their own - refer to my previous blog Bump it up! http://pennybennett.blogspot.com/2011/07/bump-it-up.html
6. Go for neutral colours that can be mixed and matched for longevity. Your accessories will make your outfit pop
7. Think about proportion; if your top is voluminous your bottom half should be narrow
DONTs
8. Avoid highlighting the waist (you will find that it is disappearing anyway!) Which means ditch any belted items or high waisted styles.
9.Don't raid your partners wardrobe and his old baggy shirts - tailoring is key and will highlight your shape
10. Don't forget to have fun with your pregnancy style - this is such a special time for a woman and you should make the most of your beautiful bump.
KEY PIECES (pics above)
1.Maternity jeans in a style to flatter you whether it be straight skinny or boot cut in dark indigo denim
2. A-line tops
3. Empire line or trapeze dress, go for a dark neutral colour or a beautiful print that will distract the eye to what is underneath
4. A floor sweeping dress will elongate the body. Summer is a great time to be pregnant as you can stock up on maxi dresses
5. Black leggings, practical and comfortable and easy under jumper dresses
6. Long line tops in drapey jersey
7. Stretchy pencil skirt, perfect for work with wedges or on the weekend with boots
Accessories
8. Put your dainty fine jewellery to the bottom of the box, invest in pendant necklaces, cuffs and cocktail rings
9. Flats are great for running around in but invest in wedges that will give you extra height, balance the bump but still offer support
10. Supportive underwear is essential. Your body is changing so get measured by a professional. Underwear is the foundation of any outfit and should not be overlooked
Go to labels
- Acne and COS are two labels I was able to find great pieces that weren't maternity but worked with a bump
- Blossom Mother and Child
- Isabella Oliver
- Seraphine maternity
- ASOS maternity
- Mama la Mode
- Hatch by Twobirds
- Most highstreet stores offer a maternity range but use the tips above to scour the non-maternity ranges and vintage stores and rock something totally original.
