Maternity style can be hard to master. With a changing body and growing bump to consider, adapting your usual look can be a challenge.
Here we speak to three women, including CF’s own Gemma Louise Deeks, about their pregnancy style journey, from the brands to know to the struggles they faced.
Gemma Louise Deeks, Fashion Editor
At 26 weeks pregnant with identical twin boys, CF’s Fashion Editor, Gemma Louise Deeks, is expecting at the end of December, and has quickly figured out what works for her.
How has your style changed?
I used to live in denim, I have an almighty collection! I had to forgo my jeans pretty quickly, which I struggled with and I was not thrilled by maternity jeans. I started to buy jeans in a larger size and wear them under my bump so I can stay true to my usual personal style.
What is your go-to pregnancy uniform?
When I’m not in London at the office, I wear leggings, trainers and a cropped jacket – I love this scarf coat from Jovonna London and Wolford leggings are my go-to, they are super sculpting and hold you in! Otherwise I’ll wear Citizens of Humanity Neve jeans, a Commando ballet bodysuit and ballet pumps.
Have you bought any pieces from maternity-specific brands?
I’ve been wearing a lot from Bumpsuit, as they have something for every occasion. The jumpsuits are perfect for day-to-day, and the dresses are just what I need for date night – comfortable yet chic.
What was the most special pregnancy outfit you wore?
I think it’s been the Kivari The Label dress I wore in the Amalfi Coast to announce my pregnancy! I don’t think it would fit over my bump now, but I am looking forward to wearing it again post-babies.
Any advice for mums-to-be when it comes to maternity dressing?
Stretchy dresses will be your best friend. Even in the winter, you can layer underneath chunky knitwear and ankle boots.
What have you struggled with most when dressing your new body?
Aside from the aches and pains, I’ve really marvelled at my changing body. I can’t believe it’s carrying two babies and I feel very proud of that. Clothes-wise, I haven’t really struggled; I’ve still been wearing what I want to wear, just comfier versions.
The piece of clothing you can’t wait to wear post-baby?
All my usual trousers – denim and leather included. I also have so many silky slip dresses that I wear in the summer, so am looking forward to wearing those again too.
Has anyone’s maternity style inspired you?
I’ve been a forever fan of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, so I’ve looked to her for pregnancy-style inspo.
Francesca Saffari, Digital Creator
First-time mum-to-be and London-based style muse, Francesca Saffari is in her third trimester and due a baby boy in December.
How has your style changed?
My style hasn’t really changed. However, I have adapted certain elements of it. For example, I’ve always been a huge fan of oversized, androgynous pieces, but during the late second and third trimesters of pregnancy I found it more flattering to opt for pieces that either hugged or showed off the bump rather than covering it with oversized items.
What is your go-to pregnancy uniform?
It depends on what time of year you’re pregnant, I was in my second trimester in the summer so it was elasticated-waist linen trousers, vest tops and linen shirts. Flowy summer dresses were also so comfortable on the bump. Now that I’m in my third trimester (and it’s autumn) my uniform is jeans or knitted trousers with layered knitwear and a brown leather jacket.
Have you bought any pieces from maternity-specific brands?
I’ve invested in a couple of good pairs of maternity jeans. I love H&M before and after wide-leg jeans which sit under the bump, and ILOUTY do the best over-the-bump jeans; they have the perfect wide-leg cut and a belly-hugging band that grows with you through the nine months of pregnancy. I also love For The Creators, the first pregnancy-friendly clothing rental service.
What was the most special pregnancy outfit you wore?
I have my baby shower at the start of November and am planning to rent a nice dress for that – as none of my favourite wintery dresses fit me at the moment!
Any advice for mums-to-be when it comes to maternity dressing?
Embrace the change in shape. I think the pregnant silhouette is so beautiful, and I think it’s all about showing off the bump with linen trousers and crop tops in the summer, or figure-hugging dresses. I think historically women have felt that they needed to cover up the bump – but now there’s a real celebration of showing it off which I love. I would also encourage you to invest in a good pair of maternity trousers or jeans (or skirt/dress if that is more your style) in a similar style to a non-maternity pair you own, as it allows you to style so much of your own wardrobe in your usual way.
What have you struggled with most when dressing your new body?
My non-pregnancy wardrobe didn’t fit me in the same way, so having to learn to dress a new silhouette. It takes a little bit of time to figure out what you like and feel comfortable in, and can be a bit disheartening at first; feeling like nothing fits. But invest in a couple of new pieces – whether you size up or go for some maternity-specific pieces – to allow you to create a kind of pregnancy capsule wardrobe.
The one outfit/piece of clothing you can’t wait to wear post-baby?
I’m really excited to fit back into my jeans (fingers crossed). I’m a big denim girl and I love high-waisted jeans, none of which have fitted me after the first three to four months of pregnancy, so I’m really looking forward to wearing them again.
Has anyone’s maternity style inspired you?
I use Pinterest a lot to search for maternity outfit inspiration. I have a board with looks I love and then I just use things in my own wardrobe to recreate something similar.
Hayley Buchanan Daines, mum and content creator
Hayley Buchanan is an Edinburgh-based mum-of-two, who stayed true to her personal style during her pregnancies – here’s how.
How did your style change or adapt when you were pregnant?
My style had to adapt because I was in a relationship with my high-waist jeans pre-pregnancy. They were quickly retired by the end of my first trimester, but I tried to stay true to my aesthetic, as that gave me more confidence in my changing body.
What was your go-to pregnancy uniform?
For the cooler months, it was maxi dresses and chunky boots. Lots of stretch and comfort. I also loved maternity leggings, knee-high boots and longline knits with a gilet.
Did you buy any pieces from maternity-specific brands?
Not really, the only maternity-specific items I bought were bras.
Any advice for mums-to-be when it comes to maternity dressing?
Yes, find other mums that reflect your style. Instagram was the biggest inspiration for me, and really helped me find my style on days I felt a bit lost. Make a folder on Instagram or Pinterest to save maternity outfits you love and can refer back to later. Also, find a formula that works for you and stick to it. I wore waistcoats with everything; I undid the buttons as I got more pregnant, and then wore them open and over dresses when I was heavily pregnant.
What did you struggle with most when dressing your new body?
I sometimes found it hard to stay true to my own style. Some days it took a long time to find an outfit I felt comfortable in.
The one outfit/piece of clothing you couldn’t wait to wear post-baby?
My high-waisted jeans! This is one item I did invest in post-pregnancy. I bought a bigger size for my new body and wore them all the time.
Who’s maternity style inspired you?
So many. And I love seeing maternity outfits now. Monikh, Francesca Saffari, Tezza Barton, Kenzas, Vanessa Breuer, Maria Kragmann, Jules Sariñana to name a few.
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Any Questions or Tips to add?