The latest maternity styles to boost your wellbeing

Even though pregnancy is a blessing, there’s no denying that it comes with its own fair share of hardship. Managing a growing belly can take its toll on your body and self-esteem. You may also feel frustrated that clothes no longer fit or you don’t know what to wear that won’t make you look like a tent.

When I first became pregnant, back in 2010, I wasn’t sure where to look for maternity clothing. I pictured dowdy jumpers and oversized shirts, paired with leggings or tracksuit bottoms that catered for the growing bump. I also wasn’t prepared that I had to make that decision quicker than anticipated.

My bloated tummy 3 months into my pregnancy meant I already could not button up my favourite jeans and my baby shower was a good few months away, so I had to source my own maternity wear. I didn’t even know what the latest maternity styles were. Where would I find clothes that would work for me? How can I look trendy during pregnancy? And do maternity clothes need a style upgrade from the bog-standed leggings and oversized shirt?

I searched high and low for decent city-type clothes for work and fashionable wear for the evenings and weekends – not an easy job when hit with the typical fluctuating weather in London. And shopping during my last trimester was a nightmare. I hated waddling into busy clothes stores and trying to fit my sausage feet and tree trunk thighs into maternity trousers, strutting my big stuff for all to see.

In the end I got stuck in a rut and lived in black leggings and baggy vest tops, occasionally stepping outside of my comfort zone and wearing maxi dresses when it got too hot (I cannot stress enough how comfortable maxi maternity dress styles are when you’re pregnant!)

During my second pregnancy in 2012, I was a bit more prepared for change and armed myself with the knowledge of maternity fashion that I had picked up from my last pregnancy. I still lived in my leggings, but I definitely looked more feminine. After my second pregnancy, I did my research to prepare for my next baby and I was directed to a much wider variety of super trendy maternity wear. Now, that is what I’m talking about!

And now online stores take the hassle out of shopping when pregnant, especially during those lazy and heavy days of the third trimester. But what maternity clothes are worth buying when you have your trusty leggings and oversized top at home?

In this article, we will discover the latest maternity styles that will not only help you feel good but boost your wellbeing too.

What to wear when you are newly pregnant?

When you are newly pregnant, especially if it’s your first pregnancy, you’ll be thrown into the world of maternity wear and you may not be sure where to look first. Before you wonder about the places to shop for the best maternity clothes, let’s look at the latest maternity styles of clothing that you should look at.

What week should you start wearing maternity clothes?

Most women can still fit into their normal clothes after three months but it’s important to wear the right-fitting bra, which may grow before you need maternity clothes. Opt for looser fitting clothes for comfort during this time and then when your bump starts to grow, at around four to five months pregnant, you may need to switch to maternity clothes to accommodate the expanding bump.

Dress appropriately

There are a lot of options out there that can help you; you just have to embrace the change in your appearance. Go for maternity clothes that are the right size for you. Knowing your body type is the secret behind looking fabulous during maternity.

If you’re carrying extra weight, try to emphasize your length and not the width. A long draped sweater can work like magic for such body types. Go for black tops that are large enough to cover the belly. Black can actually make you look leaner. If you’re not into black, then go for natural hues like tan, grey or even khaki. Opt for long skirts for bottoms and low wedges as footwear.

If you are carrying low weight, then wear clothes that help rebalance your proportions by making your legs appear longer. Empire waist-tops are an ideal choice, while options such as V-necks will draw attention away from your belly.

Consider comfortable underwear that supports you from the inside

A growing bump also comes with other growing parts of the body and they need to be supported properly, not just for your health, but for your sanity too. There are tons of maternity underwear out there at the moment that have been stylishly designed for pregnant and new mums and is ideal for everyday use. The double cup also cleverly allows for discreet feeding or use with your breast pump.

Save £35 SnuzCurve Pregnancy Support Pillow here* – Valid: April 3rd to 16th 2023

Shapewear 

You may wonder why you need shapewear, but during the initial stages of pregnancy, you may have a pot belly you’d like to hide from the world (especially work) until the 12-week mark.

Maternity shapewear can hold things in place and help you feel secure under your clothes. This underwear collection can be a comfortable way of accentuating the shape of your body or smoothening out other parts of your body while you still have a waist. As long as you’re comfortable and embracing your beautiful bump coming up, it’s the perfect item to have postpartum too.

Consider comfort on the outside too

While picking out clothing for your maternity wardrobe, keep comfort in mind. Maternity jumpsuits, complete with sleeves, offer a loose fit and the coverage makes them a great option for a stylish pregnancy.

With the bottoms, maternity jeans come in a variety of fits: boot, cut, flair, boyfriend and even straight leg. Go for a style you wore pre-pregnancy – if you were comfortable in it before, you would be comfortable in it now.

Keep up with the latest trends for major style points. With prints, clean stripes, abstract florals and intricate prints are trending in maternity fashion – these are patterns women prefer to stay away from during maternity, but they can look just as good during this time.

Pair your outfit with a comfortable outer jacket or coat. The best maternity jackets and coats are flattering yet protective and don’t make you look like a bus!

Comfortable trousers can look glam too

Black maternity trousers have been a staple favourite for many years because of its sheer versatility and usability. You can pair black trousers with absolutely anything on top, so it’s well worth having a token pair of black trousers in your cupboard.

Opt for long skirts

Venture out of your comfort zone and go for a skirt during pregnancy. Skirts can instantly make an outfit look smart and elegant. Tube skirts can not only look comfortable and protect the bump, but they look warm enough to keep those legs covered nicely when the temperature starts to plummet.

Going out somewhere nice? You don’t have to wear black

Summer barbecues are on their way, and if you are attending an informal event and you are not sure what to wear, then go for glam pregnancy gown styles that looks great with a pregnant bump. Add accessories like some bling jewellery and you can even wear the dress on nights out (if you have the energy!) The best dresses for pregnant women are stylish yet effective at flattering the body and helping mum feel good.

And don’t forget when going for more formal attire, the best maternity formal wear will help you look a million bucks but still allow for room for your bump to shine, as well as offer the flexibility to get in and out without breaking your back.

If you do want to wear black

Evolving pregnancy dress styles are paving the way for a new kind of stylish mama. I especially love the low smocked waist of black maternity dresses, elongating the body and flattering the pregnancy bump. The lightweight material dress styles for pregnant women makes for comfortable wearing during those summer days and the timeless tunic dresses are specially designed to suit all shapes and sizes.

There’s even a black breastfeeding dress for post-maternity, which is just as chic, yet efficiency is not compromised.

The best maternity dresses offer convenience and comfort, so go for inverted pleats which conceal a panel with openings to make breastfeeding simple and stylish.

Leggings can still look great with anything

Leggings are a favourite for pregnant mums because they are so versatile and they go with absolutely anything on top. I lived in my leggings, often opting to change it up a bit with shirts, vest tops and off-the-shoulder blouses. The best maternity leggings are comfortable yet flexible and versatile.

You can even opt for jeggings or jean leggings to get away from the token black legging look. The best maternity jeans that double up as leggings will help you look stylish yet keep you feeling comfortable all day.

You can’t go wrong with vest tops

Vest tops can be worn on their own in the summer or layered up with shirts, cardigans or jackets when the weather is unpredictable. If you’re not up for showing off your bump, then a camisole style vest to, hides the first/second-trimester pot belly quite well! 

Florals look great during pregnancy

Floral prints epitomise elegance and beauty. A light floral top’s material glides over the bump, making it comfortable and loose in warmer climates. This style is perfect for the spring weather but can be worn with a lovely jacket to accommodate the coming autumn months.

Some tips on what to look for when shopping for maternity dresses online

You love dresses but you’re pregnant so you’re probably thinking, what dress is best for baby bump? Look for maternity empire dresses that close in just under the bust, as they create an illusion of a smaller frame, but loosely cover the bump – these are great especially during the summer.

Go for light cotton material so your bump can breathe. The best casual maternity clothes don’t contain heavy material that weighs on your bump, especially during the third trimester when you’re already uncomfortable.

The best affordable maternity clothes have bright bold colours that can really accentuate a pregnant figure and make you look glamourous and elegant. Don’t go too heavy on the patterns – florals are great, but if they’re too busy, you may end up looking like a beach ball.

Team dresses up with compression garments like stockings and pantyhose, to help aid circulation in the legs. The best maternity clothes for work are practical, flexible and professional enough to pull off a pregnant mama who means business!

Long maxi dresses are perfect for the warmer weather and they are so comfortable to wear because they are generally made of lighter material and loosely frame your figure.

Maternity bras don’t have to be boring

Maternity bras are great because they are so comfortable during pregnancy and they can be worn after birth too.

From experience, I would advise you not to buy bras in bulk during pregnancy as the size of your breasts vary drastically throughout. If you are able to, get a professional to measure your bra size during the first trimester, the third trimester and post-birth, so that you are wearing the right bra size for you, to maximise ease and comfort. The best maternity underwear and bras cater for the growing bump and boob and offer flexibility throughout.

Gingham is all the rage right now

I love Gingham style tops because they are so trendy and they can brighten up your maternity outfits to no end – stripes can also look just too cool for school!

Tights can complement a dress, keep you warm and dress up an outfit

Maternity tights are great because they hold everything in (including those wobbly bits on the thighs) and cooling tights can keep you cool and comfy, especially with the warm weather on its way. Not only that, they can be worn with any maternity dress, so they are versatile. I cannot advocate maternity tights enough because they are so cheap and if you ladder them, just buy another!

If you’re pregnant, grab your free pregnancy pack now – details inside!

Don’t shy away from swimsuits

Are you going away on holiday but worried about looking like you have eaten too many pies? The best maternity swimsuits offer tummy control over the waist and a flattering shape while you’re easing into your pregnancy. The latter stages swimsuits are catered for that growing bump and they show if off in style!

Some other great maternity ideas include:

• Brrr Triple Chill Cooling Seamless Maternity Leggings
• Blanqi Everyday Maternity Belly Support Leggings
• Joes The Lara Ankle Cigarette Maternity Jeans
• Madewell Maternity OverTheBelly Skinny Jeans
• Gap Maternity Inset Panel Girlfriend Jeans
• Lively For Maternity And Beyond
• Kindred Bravely Pack Maternity Briefs
• Pink Blush Black Smocked Long Sleeve Maternity Midi Dress
• Hatch Everything You Want In A Maternity Dress
• Old Navy Maternity JerseyKnit LongSleeve Nursing Tunic Top
• Storq Not Your Normal Maternity Clothes
• Storq Easy Maternity Button Down
• Gap Maternity Turtleneck Rib Midi Sweater Dress
• Angel Maternity Classic But Fresh Workwear
• Angel Maternity Knit Midi Maternity Dress
• ASOS Design Maternity Longline Trench Coat
• Modern Eternity Lightweight Down In MaternityNursing Jacket
• BB Dakota by Steve Madden Zoey Herringbone Maternity Jacket
• Seraphine Slate Blue Maternity And Nursing Maxi Dress
• Galaxy OneShoulder Maternity Gown
• Kimi and Kai Floral Print Long Sleeve Maternity Maxi Dress
• Summersalt The Maternity Ribbed Current
• Kindred Bravely Nursing And Maternity Wrap Swimsuit
• Motherhood Beach Bump Ruffle Maternity Swimsuit
• Ankara styles short gown and maternity dress
• Butterfly TOP DASHIKI topAngelina top free topmaternity top
• African fashion, i.e. African print and African maternity dress / African dress

Feeling good in pregnancy is not just about the clothes you wear

Pregnancy can be a time when you blossom; or it can be stressful, difficult and leave you feeling frustrated. Clothes make you feel good on the outside but what about your insides? Here are some tips on how to feel good on the inside too:

1. Pregnancy can cause your hormones to really go wild; this can lead to greasy or oily hair and skin. Wash your hair regularly and try a dry shampoo or hairspray to keep it in good condition, in turn, making you feel fresh and clean during pregnancy.
2. At the end of a busy day, what could be better than a little foot pampering? Whether it’s accompanied by a nice soak in a massaging foot bath or half an hour with your loved one helping you to relax, a great foot massage with your favourite foot care products is the perfect way to help you feel good during pregnancy. Close your eyes, listen to some soothing music and feel your stresses and strains slide away.
3. A lot of time during pregnancy is spent in hospital or doctors’ waiting rooms – these can often lead to dry or chapped lips thanks to the air-conditioning. Carry a pot of lip balm with you and apply generously.
4. Get the hairdo you’ve always wanted: mums-to-be can often feel less than glamorous, especially as they grow out of their clothes and move into more comfortable maternity wear. One great way to help make you feel more pampered again is by getting a new sleek hairstyle; you may not be able to party like before, but you can certainly look the part!
5. Drink plenty of water-based drinks – water is not only reputed to be good for your skin but staying hydrated will help ward off any nasty cramps and aches. Whether it is tap water or a specially formulated drink containing essential vitamins and minerals, staying hydrated will help keep you feeling great too.
6. Take a long warm soothing bath – the water will not only help you feel clean again, it’ll also help to support baby’s weight and make you much more comfortable, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Close the door, drop in an exotic bath bomb to add some fizz and enjoy a little “me time”
7. Visit your local beauty shop and take a treatment when you have some spare time – whether it’s getting your nails done or a quick head massage, you’ll be amazed how much more relaxed you’ll feel in just 15 minutes.
8. Indulge your skin with body butter – not only does body butter help with the less-enticing aspects of pregnancy such as stretch marks, you’ll smell and feel luxuriant; for many pregnant women, a heightened sense of smell can be a real downside: coating yourself with a beautiful balm will bring instant relief and help you unwind. It’s also wise to adopt a great beauty skincare regime, especially when the raging hormones from your pregnancy starts playing havoc with your skin.
9. Feeling a little run down or unattractive? Pop on some bold bright lipstick to give you an instant perk-up before heading out. You’ll feel more confident and ready to face the world again.
10. If all else fails, treat yourself to a spa day with your best friends or close family, and really and indulge; once the little one arrives you’ll be rushed off your feet so take the time to unwind, chill out and forget about your cares for a few hours. Whether it’s an Indian head massage, a great pedicure or a long massage, you’ll feel far more relaxed and spoilt afterwards!

Here is an infographic on the 10 essential beauty and unwind tips for mums-to-be that you can print out and put up on your fridge, so you don’t forget to take care of yourself!

If you’re pregnant, grab your free pregnancy pack now – details inside!

Don’t forget, what truly matters is that you’re feeling comfortable and well-supported while also feeling fantastic about your own body. The added confidence will be a huge boost and help to make this pregnancy a journey to remember!

FAQ

Can I just buy bigger clothes instead of maternity clothes?

Other questions asked were:

• Why should I buy maternity wear?
• Do maternity clothes grow with you?
• What should I wear during my pregnancy?
• What should I wear in the last weeks of pregnancy?

Buying a size bigger or plus size clothes is not the same as wearing maternity clothes, so they may not fit correctly. However a size bigger may accommodate a growing bust size or help you feel more comfortable if you prefer looser fitting clothing.

Where can I find the best affordable maternity clothes?

Other questions asked were:

• What are the best places to buy maternity clothes?
• What are the three must-have maternity clothes?
• What are some cute inexpensive maternity clothes?
• Where can I try on maternity clothes?
• Where can I buy some cute inexpensive maternity clothes?

Luckily we live in a world where stores are increasingly recognising the need for stylish maternity wear. Stores like New Look and H&M have some great maternity clothes at such a cheap price, so check them out.

What are the best brands for maternity activewear?

Other questions asked were:

• What are the best maternity workout clothes?
• What are some good wholesale sites for maternity clothes?
• Where are the places to shop for the best maternity clothes?

Check this article out for a list of the best maternity activewear out there at the moment.

Does Forever 21 sell maternity clothes?

Yes they do.

What kind of fabrics and colours are suitable for a pregnant lady? Why?

Please see article above.

*Collaborative feature post*