The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Maternity dressing
How do you navigate a bumpy nine months of constant body changes in style? We asked the experts to weigh in
Being pregnant is exciting and exhausting in equal measure. We look at how to dress for the occasion.
The Duchess of Cambridge never looked anything less than polished and Beyoncé made expecting twins look easy. For celebrities, pregnancy fashion seems like a doddle, but for us mere mortals it can be pretty daunting. Shopping is a lot more complicated when your body is changing so rapidly. So we asked the founders of two of the UK’s best-loved maternity clothing brands for their top tips for navigating those nine months...
GET THE BASICS RIGHT
“Your breasts are going through a lot of changes and the right maternity bra is essential for comfort and confidence,” advises Laura Tenison, founder and MD of JoJo Maman Bebe. “A pair of black maternity leggings are really useful too.”
INVEST IN SEPARATES
“The key pieces I recommend buying are a good pair of maternity jeans and a selection of tank tops and T-shirts that can be layered,”says Baukjen de Swaan Arons, founder and creative director at Isabella Oliver. “Comfort is key, so look for fabrics which offer some stretch.”
REPURPOSE YOUR WARDROBE IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER
“Most items in your wardrobe will generally still fit during the first few months of pregnancy,” says Baukjen. “Oversized shirts, empire line dresses and long line tops prove useful during this time, as they can be worn postpregnancy too.”
A LITTLE BLACK DRESS GOES A LONG WAY
“A simple black dress can form the foundation of countless looks with the help of a few accessories,” Laura recommends.
TAP INTO SEASONAL TRENDS WITH PRINT AND COLOUR
“When incorporating seasonal trends into a maternity wardrobe, consider how these trends will work with a growing bump,” Baukjen suggests. “Think about print and colour. Bolder and brighter colours or prints work better when worn on the bottom half, as this will balance out a growing bump and draw attention to the legs.”
MIDI DRESSES ARE GREAT FOR THE OFFICE
“We’re loving the midi dress at the moment,” Laura says. “It’s chic, universally flattering and shows off just the right amount of skin for the office without leaving you feeling frumpy.”
STAY TRUE TO YOUR PERSONAL STYLE
“If you’re a T-shirt and skinny jeans person, stick to that,” Laura advises. “Likewise, if you like your fitted dresses, you’ll only feel dowdy if you opt for a flowing style. You’re going through so many changes as it is, keeping to your usual style will help you feel more like yourself.”