I love the moment in pregnancy when the awful (well, for me anyway) first trimester has passed, you can tell the world your exciting news, and you finally have something to show for the months of sickness and mood swings – a little bump!
I started wearing my old maternity jeans fairly early on in this pregnancy (I dread to think what 9lb 6oz Henry did to my stomach muscles), and I’m looking forward to finding cute jumpers and dresses to wear during this Autumn and Winter. Henry was an August baby, so I have some pretty summery tops and dresses, but am woefully short on anything warm! Now the cold is creeping in I’ve been seriously window shopping, and here are my favourites.
I can’t say enough good things about these skinny jeans from H&M. We don’t live close to a H&M so I bought them online, and I’m never sure what the quality of their clothes will be like, but these are fantastic. I’m usually a size 8-10 and bought these in a size 10, and they’re lovely and fitted with a low rise and jersey band over my bump, so I’m hoping there’ll be lots of room for growing. They’re miles comfier than my (more expensive) Seraphine jeans, and it is so nice to have something that feels ‘fashiony’ when expecting. I’ve worn them with ballet flats and Superga pumps, with long-sleeved jersey tops, vests and cardigans, and this petrol jumper below.
This jumper, also from H&M, is a really fine knit (I’ll wear a vest underneath as the weather cools), and has ruched sides, so plenty of room for expansion! The petrol shade is super flattering, and it is also available in pale pink.
I’m a huge fan of JoJo Maman Bebe, and who doesn’t love a Breton stripe? This striped cardigan is lovely, too.
Maternity coats are kind of an unwelcome necessity. If you’re pregnant and with a sizable bump in the colder months you really have to invest in one, but most of the maternity coats I’ve found tend to be functional – padded, waterproof or parka styles. All have a place, but how gorgeous is this charcoal cape? Smart and super-flattering.
This beautiful dress is from the Swedish company boob (great name!), who create functional, stylish clothes designed for pregnancy and nursing. The genius B-Warmer dress has a fleece-lined front overlap (how good does that sound?) to keep your boobs warm, while the rest of the dress is a light organic cotton. The fleece fabric is made from recycled PET bottles. boob clothing is available in stores in the UK (click here for a full list) and online. I love the Audrey and Ginger dresses too.
I love this ruched Berry maternity dress from Seraphine. The colour is gorgeous, it can easily be dressed up with heels for work or a night out, or dressed down with trainers and a denim jacket for weekends. AND, it is currently in Seraphine’s mid-season sale, where it has been reduced from £45.00 to £36.00.
I love, love, love this Brigitte Bardot inspired Croft Maternity Top from Isabella Oliver. Understated yet glam, it would look lovely with skinny jeans (I’m thinking the H&M ones at the top of this post). According to Isabella Oliver it can also be worn after pregnancy. Check out the Granville Maternity Shirt and Harley Maternity Top, too.
And finally, I’m massively into scarves at the moment. Along with chunky necklaces, they add interest to plain jersey maternity wear. My favourite is this over-sized Heyford scarf from Joules. You could use it as a nursing cover once your baby is here, too.
What are your maternity must-haves, and what brands would you recommend? I’d love to know.
Emma xx
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