With just a few weeks to go until my due date, I thought it was about time I shared some of my favourite maternity style must-haves with all you amazing mums to be.

Everything on this list has been tried and tested, and LOVED, by me. They are quite simply, the best maternity fashion secrets I’ve uncovered. Feel free to share them with your pregnant friends and sisters :-)

On the High Street

• H&M – Cheap, stylish and on-trend, this high street store is brilliant for affordable pregnancy fashion. Their maternity vests are the best I’ve found for shape, fit and comfort and they offer a great selection of pregnancy jeans in a variety of cuts and washes.

• Mothercare – Go and stock up on their incredibly comfortable maternity tights and leggings. I’ve lived in these throughout my pregnancy and they haven’t let me down. Just avoid the maternity vests – not flattering for pregnancy figures at all.

Impressive pregnancy brands

• Zoe Alexander –  Visit this amazing site for chic dresses that are excellent quality, comfortable to wear and ideal for work or play.  I’m the proud owner of one stunning Zoe Alexander dress and I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve received whilst wearing it thanks to it’s flattering fit.

All garments are manufactured in the UK and are designed to be worn post-pregnancy too so go and invest.

Rocking my bump in my beloved Zoe Alexander dress…

• Hire Expectations – This new online boutique offers a fabulous maternity rental service for mums to be. If you’re looking for an amazing dress for a special occasion, then this is THE site for you. Whether you’re attending a weddding, black tie event or going to the races, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect frock here as the site only offers the most stylish maternity labels. Renting a dress is quick and simple. I was kindly invited to test out their service and so ordered an evening gown for my bump shoot which I absolutely loved. The dresses are  to die for and the service is amazing. Get in there quick before word gets round.

Non-pregnancy fashion that works

I’m including this section because on the whole, my pregnancy clothing has actually been non-pregnancy attire!

I’ve been lucky in that apart from growing a large bump, I haven’t put too much weight on, so I’ve managed to get in some of my pre-pregnancy wardrobe. But also, when I have shopped, I’ve tried to be savvy with my money and buy clothing that not only suits my pregnancy shape now, but that I will be able to wear post-baby too…

• ASOS – With such an amazing choice of fashion, the worst bit is actually choosing what to buy when browsing this mammoth site. For my pregnancy, I ordered some oversized tops / dresses that I’ve teamed with leggings or tights throughout the nine months.

• Boohoo – With ridiculously cheap prices, it’s no surprise that this online retailer is becoming HUGELY popular with women of all ages. The quality isn’t the best (you get what you pay for) but if you’re looking for affordable, fashionable items to suit your bump, you can’t go wrong. Their accessory range is well worth a look too. My best pregnancy buys? A stunning lace empire line dress and a pair of ankle boots with a sturdy, pregnancy-friendly heel.

• Ingenue London – I came across this label whilst working on a wedding fashion feature. Made from thick, soft, luxurious jersey, Ingenue London dresses are perfect for bump dressing and are an absolute joy to wear. Invest in one of their gorgeous 70’s style maxi dresses for the summer or treat yourself to a classic knee length number. This brand is loved by celebrities so go A-list and splurge.

• Cocorose London  – As my blog names suggests, I am a HUGE high heels fan, but even I have had to succumb to wearing flats  during my pregnancy (rubbish I know). Thankfully I came across this amazing brand that designs the chic-est  and most comfortable ballet pumps around. What’s more… they even fold up in half too, meaning you can just pop them in your bag and whip ’em out to give your pregnancy feet a much needed rest from those dastardly heels when you need to. Genius.

Stylish ballet pumps from Cocorose London

 

• Invest in ANY skinny, stretchy belt – It doesn’t matter how much it costs, if you come across a belt that fits this description, buy it! Mine came from Primark and cost me the un-princely sum of £2 and I’ve used it constantly to add shape to my pregnancy outfits. Just fix the belt under your bust and go for frumpy to bump-tastic in an instant.

Finally… if the thought of dressing your bump is just too much for you to bear and you don’t know where to start, fear not, help is at hand.

• Bump It Up Book – I ordered this book early on in my pregnancy and it’s been a good, loyal friend. From advice on pregnancy style basics to ideas on how to dress your bump at various stages in your pregnancy, it’s packed full of useful fashion advice and inspiration. It’s also a really good read! You can get it on Amazon here.

For style inspiration…

• Seek help from a personal shopper / stylist – More women than ever are using the skills of stylists when it comes to updating their wardrobes so if you’re stuck in a bump rut, don’t be afraid to seek some help! Most department stores such as Debenhams offer personal shopping services now in store or if you prefer, you could always hire a stylist to go shopping with you.

• Try a pregnancy bundle! – Online retailer Bundle-O-Joy offers maternity clothing bundles to suit all needs. Simply choose which ‘bundle’ you like and let the postman deliver your new outfits direct to your front door.

Who said shopping for maternity clothing had to be stressful?! ;-)

Till the next time,

Katie

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