I just spent a good long time on Pinterest filling my brain with images of stylishly dressed pregnant women. Not sure if I feel better or worse! On one hand, when I look at photos of gorgeous pregnant women I feel optimistic that it’s possible to be stylish in pregnancy… but in reality, I don’t have a supermodel’s body (shame!) and I find it really tricky to be stylish and comfortable.
But… with a growing baby bump and clothes which are getting tight and uncomfortable, I spent the past week investing in a few maternity pieces which I’m hoping will help keep things somewhat fashionable around here. Here are a few good maternity pieces I found:
- I invested in a pair of Koka-Mama black leggings. They are the best! They’re nice and thick, so you feel more like you are wearing a trouser, but they’re as comfortable as a legging (I wear these practically every day).
- I also pulled out my old Séraphine secret support vests and bought myself a new white one to wear under all my tops. These are a must have (I sleep in them too!).
- I went to Topshop and got this swimsuit and these jeans, both necessary maternity items. I love Topshop jeans — they’re cheap and they fit well, even the maternity ones.
- And of course I picked up a couple pairs of these leggings (for lounging around the house 24/7). They come up over the bump, so there’s no awkward elastic anywhere near your lower belly.
- I love the look of the entire Hatch Maternity collection (pictured above)…but so far haven’t bought anything. It’s hard to spend money on maternity pieces when you know you’ll only wear it for a few months. (Although the clothes at Hatch are meant to be worn both during and after pregnancy… so maybe it’s worth the investment?!)
What about you? Do you have any must-have maternity pieces I should know about? And… are you like me — do you immediately take your jeans off the minute you walk in your door and swap for something comfortable? Or am I just a major slouch?! (I think my postman thinks I only wear leggings and a big jumper!)
x Courtney
PS – Images from Hatch.
Comments (12)
I liked Next for maternity clothes. There was a huge discounted one near where I lived and it made all the difference. I do think you can look stylish when pregnant, but I also think you need to feel comfortable most of all. Leggings are great!
Also, I’m a big no-no for high heels and baby bumps. In my world they just don’t go hand in hand, it is true though, that heels and I just never get along.
Hi Courtney, Congrats on your pregnancy! I like Akua-Ba fair trade maternity wear, and not only because I create them myself 🙂 X
You do end up wearing the clothes for longer than you expect – especially if you plan to have more than one baby..definitely worth splashing out a bit, as it’s a good pick me up when you feel huge!! That said, indoors lived in maternity joggers and t’s!
I invested in Isbella Oliver ruched jersey dresses and a beautiful cape/wrap coat I brought from there, and a White Company wool poncho. I also had Mama Spanx (for under the dresses – they are good support. That was obviously in winter – I’d dread to be heavily pregnant in a Hong Kong summer – it would be kaftans the whole way…
I am coming to the end of my pregnancy, baby is due in early june – this hot weather is making it extremely uncomfortable. I also love legging when i am pregnant, especially in the later stages like now as everything else just feels so uncomfortable. I got my best bits from topshop, had some amazing pregnancy skinny jeans from there which i got when i was first pregnant, which is still wear – and manage to make even a beached whale looking good. I bought some striped tops from Isabella Oliver’s maternity sections and i have found those to simple/stylish and most importantly comfortable. I also bought some superga trainers – although they are not specifically maternity wear – they are super comfortable especially when doing the school run. Would love you to do a post on unisex newborn-wear , as will need to get some for this little baby as the stuff from my other kids looks well past it’s best.
Also, forgot to mention – asos maternity wear is pretty good:
http://www.asos.com/Women/Maternity/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=5813&r=2
Ugh – I know EXACTLY what you are going through! I can’t believe it’s so hard to find stylish and functional maternity clothes. I don’t know how I got through my last pregnancy and this time I have several parties and weddings to go to and am finding it impossible to find a decent dress. I did have some success with TopShop as well (http://minipiccolini.com/2012/04/maternity-topshop/) but still searching for some good dresses (and great jeans in summery colours that don’t have a weird fit!).
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Dear Courtney
I’m just like you, at Home I practically live in my maternity yoga pants (which haven’t seen class too often, unfortunately). In my first pregnancy I felt it was worth spending too much on maternity wear and ended up feeling uncomfotable. So this time I wanted to look as chic as I do not being pregnant and bought a couple of clothes. I love Bellybutton where I got a cool white shirt with blue stripes, which I’ll definitely will also wear afterwards. And I also got a great white jean skirt by Paulina which is incredibly comfy. I also like their shirts, which are Quote pricey, but some button up in front and might work for breastfeeding – at least that’s my excuse…
Have a great pregnancy!
I’m looking foreward to new posts…
xxx Diana
I found the Isabella Oliver strappy vest tops with secret support the best thing in the summer and layered in winter. I had a few ruched t-shirts and tops from Isabella Oliver too, plus two dresses. They always made me feel good. But I did vow after my first daughter was born in October 2006 after a very hot summer never to be highly pregnant in summer again! Good luck!!
First, congratulations! It is so fun to have a large family, and I hope you have a very uneventful pregnancy. I will be looking for maternity wear in just a few months (yay!) for our #4 and this post could not have come at a better time. Had no idea top shop had maternity section, but I am excited to check it out. I found some good basics at GAP in the US that have held up well through the other pregnancies.
Oh, I’ve filled the Hatch shopping basket a few times now (window shopping)! It’s all so lovely. I love that jumpsuit… xxx
Hi Courtney!
I’m new to your blog and you might have had a post about this already! But I wondered if you have shared tips about a simple mommy wardrobe?? I love your simple, neutral clothes. And I know you prefer quality over quantity and classics. Would love to know where you’ve bought a few of your items!! Trying to simplify my wardrobe and make it more effortless and classic. So I can feel more content and free. Thanks!!!!
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for your comment and suggestion. It’s a great idea for a post, and I’ll add it to my list! x