Style hack – dressing the bump in non-maternity

Whilst I fully believe there are certain pieces worth investing in for these special few months (lingerie drawer and jeans, I am looking at you), I really try to avoid spending my pennies on items that are only going to work for pregnancy.  Instead, there are a few tricks and tips worth bearing in mind when shopping if you are pregnant or hoping to be soon in order to future-proof your purchases and make them go the miles…

HOW TO SEARCH ONLINE – The high street is full of voluminous shapes all year long and searching for ‘swing’, ‘trapeze’ and ‘floaty’ usually brings up a few options.  I love Asos* (Asos White* in particular throws up a lot of loose fitting finds), Zara, H&M* and Free People* for high street options and if you have a little more to invest then get scouring Zimmermann*, Cecilie Copenhagen, Innika Choo* and Ganni* (full marks if you can score something on sale).

BELT IT UP – Belts are your new best friend.  The end.  Personally I love a loose mini dress because showing that bit of leg easily balances out the volume up top but when hemlines venture closer to the knee or beyond you need to create a silhouette.  Belts are the no.1 easiest way to do that – cinch in at the waist pre/post baby and belt above the bump during pregnancy.

GO FOR STRETCH – All those figure hugging dresses you never felt confident enough to pull off?  Now is their time.  One of the most wonderful things about being pregnant is never having to suck it in.  Show off that lil’ bump and hit the high street for ‘ribbed’ and ‘stretch’ pieces on a budget or check out Enza Costa on The Outnet* for some great designer options that will not bust your baby savings (two of my go to dresses, this one and this one, from my first pregnancy were from here and they are already firmly back in rotation this time around).  And if you are looking for a little more modesty these stretchy pieces create the perfect base for layering – knot a tee, shirt or jumper over the top, above the bump, for some extra coverage and detail.

SMARTEN UP WITH AN OPEN BLAZER – Open blazers and jackets are a brilliant addition to your maternity wardrobe and no doubt something you already have.  I truly do not care if my blazer does not button or my biker does not zip and if I am feeling the chill a big scarf in the gap does the job nicely.

 

HIGH STREET

 

HIGH END

 

I found myself on the cusp of this rather daunting stage of pregnancy, five months in now, where none of my regular jeans fit and anxiety started to creep in.  It is rare that I feel inspired by traditional maternity wear and creating this post was a great reminder of the style hacks that make ‘normal’ pieces work during these months.  And the pieces I have invested in, like this H&M number* (which sold out so fast), are pieces I love which not only work with my new shape but which I will continue to wear for years to come.  Win win.

*Denotes affiliate links

 

OUTFIT DETAILS

flounced dress – H&M Conscious*
boots – Pavement
headband – Asos
Ray-Ban square aviators – Sunglass Hut*
feather pendant – Dower & Hall* (gift 2018)
straw basket bag – Next* (gift 2018)