Who Says Pregnancy Cant Be Fashionable

So I’m about to turn 22, I’ve taken the next year off Uni and plan to spend it learning French, taking cultural holidays and working as hard as I can to save as much money as I can so that I can travel the world with my friend Karen in two years time.  Back home however, my school friends are planning their weddings and are having their first or second children.  Even my best friend has recently told me she is about to begin a family. 

This is the girl who I’ve spent the past ten years of my life with, from getting detention for back chatting teachers to that fateful night with the apple schnapps where Kelly woke up sprawled across the bottom of her staircase (I won’t elaborate as it isn’t strictly PG)

Initially I was ecstatic for her, what best friend wouldn’t be happy at the idea to have a gorgeous little baby to spoil without the worry of sleepless nights.  However, as time has gone on I’ve found Kelly and I have less and less to talk about and I cant keep pretending to be interested in details of the latest midwife appointment, and its felt though we are drifting apart as she discovers new friends who will gladly discuss the difficulty of breast feeding or the pros and cons or finding out the sex before the baby is born, where as all I want to talk about is clothes.

So, after a few weeks of feeling like a useless friend, I realised that whilst I may not be good for discussing how traumatic ‘baby hospital’ is, I can actually help her in one way, with wardrobe tips, as even those of us not interested in children know how difficult it must be to cope with dressing ourselves for those 9 months.  So Kelly, this ones for you.

Normally, up until 16 weeks your can easily adapt the clothes in your wardrobe as your body wont noticeably change.  Try teaming a blazer with flared jeans and flat pumps or converse and use an oversized scarf to conceal your stomach.  Topshop currently have a great range of scarves in beginning from only £16, such as this black floral snood, that will last right through to the winter.

I know from previous friends stories that maternity jeans aren’t exactly the most popular item in the maternity section.   For the first half of the pregnancy normal jeans can be worn and secured with hair band and safety pin then covered with a long top – no one will notice the difference – although you should be careful not to pull anything too tight over the stomach.  Once into the second half of the pregnancy, most retailers offer fashionable options in their maternity sections.

Jade Maternity Leigh Jeans £38 Topshop

Low Rise Straight Leg Maternity Jeans £178 Jbrand

Cup sizes grow rapidly in the first few months so it is important to get fitted properly at a store.  This can be done at any good underwear retailer – from La Senza to Selfridges.  I’m one of those girls who is not obsessed with handbags or shoes, but underwear.  So i know the importance of a decent set.  Just because you are pregnant, that’s no reason to stop making the effort.  Jojo Maman Bebe even stock Elle MacPherson Intimates for pregnancy.

Elle MacPherson La Mere Maternity and Nursing Bra

£35, available online and from Jojo Maman Bebe

If you're full-figured, borrow shirts from your partner. Wear them slightly open but with a jacket for a sexy, comfortable, basic look that goes well with jeans or dresses and makes the most of the naturally enhanced cleavage.

Everyday Biker Jacket, £369 Isabella Oliver

The empire waist dress has a form-fitting seam above the stomach, just under the breasts, that helps give your body shape. It doesn't hide your stomach, and it's not supposed to, unlike most maternity dresses, which drape shapelessly over the body as much as a potato sack. The empire waist dress is elegant and simple and should be a part of any mother-to-be's wardrobe.

South Maternity Lace Bow Dress

£38 very.co.uk

South Maternity Floral Printed Dress

£29 very.co.uk

Limited Edition Sequin Dress

£299 Isabella Oliver

Working in Topshop and having been given the task to dress the maternit wall on one eventful nightshift, i know all too well that maternity clothes can be a bit basic and boring in terms of colour.  This, however makes these pieces perfect for showing off new jewellery.  Large pendents and diamond (or cubic zirconia, depending on your income) studded cuffs are the perfect way to accent any simple garment.

Square Filigree Bracelet

£14 Oasis

So Kelly, forgive me if I seem uninterested on the best way to breast feed the baby and unable to help you.  But I promise I'll be here the whole way to make sure you look stylish when your looking for someone who can. XOXO