The last thing mums-to-be want is to spend a fortune on maternity clothes – sure after mere months you’ll be done with them, and what then? What do you do with seventeen pairs of expanding jeans then you ask?
But with a little smart shopping, you can actually kit yourself out with just ten mix n’ match items that will see you though your pregnancy in style and comfort – especially during the ‘what on earth will I wear’ second and third trimesters.
1. Maternity jeans
A pair or two of maternity jeans will stand you in good stead as you wait to meet baby. We suggest investing in one dark pair in black or indigo, and one pair in a lighter wash. Slim leg jeans are your best bet – they look just as good with flats like Converse, high heels or tucked into boots.
2. Leggings
Is there any item of clothing more comfortable than a soft pair of leggings? We can’t get enough of ‘em – they’re cheap, easy to wash and basically expand with us. Plus we can get them in all sorts of patterns and colours if we’re bored of plain black.
3. Tunic tops
Tunics are the perfect maternity essential for a number of reasons – they’re flattering, stylish and look great over a pair of the aforementioned leggings (well they do cover our bum after all!) Equally great as part of a casual outfit or smartened up with some glitzy accessories for evening, they’re an indispensable part of your pregnancy wardrobe.
4. A beautiful soft robe
While we’re not necessarily saying a soft fleece or towelling robe is an essential for an expanding tummy, pampering your body with cosy, soft fabrics is good for the mama-to-be soul – AND your super sensitive skin.
5. Long cotton tops
Handy, cheap and easy to launder, a stock of several long and short-sleeved cotton tops in a variety of plain colours should be an essential part of every mum-to-be’s maternity wear booty.
6. Form-fitting dress
Being pregnant is a beautiful, wonderful thing, so own that shape! For special occasions proudly show off your bump in a good quality form-fitting pencil dress. We recommend jewel shades like purple, emerald green and burgundy for autumn and winter, and lighter shades of pink, turquoise and yellow for spring and summer.
7. Smart blazer
A fitted blazer adds shape and style to outfits – particularly workwear – instantly upping the smart factor. It will go just as well with your fitted dress as with jeans and a cotton top or leggings and a tunic, and will make the statement that while you might be pregnant, you still mean business.
8. Comfy day dress
A cute over-the-knee day dress is super easy to wear and looks fab teamed with opaque black tight and boots in winter, or bare legs and sandals in summer. We advise choosing a style that’s fitted to the bust and flares out.
9. Statement necklace
A chic and cool statement necklace is the cherry on the top of your capsule maternity wardrobe. It will jazz up dresses and cotton tops beautifully, for day and night.
10. A cosy long cardigan
Remember what we said about the whole soft fabrics are good for the soul thing? Well a long cardigan in a cosy wool blend is an essential part of your maternity arsenal. Choose a neutral colour like black or grey; it will soon become your go-to for slinging over jeans and a tee for a walk or for cuddling up on the sofa.
There you have it: your ten-piece maternity wardrobe to take you through work, play and vegging out on the sofa!
