Q. I’m five months pregnant and, at this stage, none of my clothes fit or suits me. I would like to buy a few fashionable – but affordable - pieces that I can wear for the remainder of my pregnancy. Can you suggest any places I can buy the kind of basics that will see me through the next few months?
A. Finding clothes to suit your figure is never easy, least of all when you're pregnant. Five years ago a woman couldn't expect to find trendy, or even fashionable maternity clothing. But with today's mothers-to-be often older, fashion-conscious and financially stable, the sexiest, funkiest clothing found in style magazines and on the racks of your favorite store are being replicated in maternity wear.
And although baby bumps might be the hottest accessory in Hollywood - you don't have to be a celebrity to keep looking good during pregnancy. Pregnant stars Natalie Portman, Kate Hudson and Penelope Cruz and A-list trend-setter Victoria Beckham are among those sporting stylish maternity wear. But for pregnant women not stepping onto the red carpet, dressing for style and comfort has become much easier.
There are, in fact, some lovely maternity ranges out there. Many high- street favourites have clocked onto the need for stylish maternity collections and stores such as New Look, Dorothy Perkins, Topshop, H&M and Asos are proving that there are fashionable alternatives to tent-like smocks.
One of the best collections is by Mamas and Papas - and the brand is riding on the crest of a star-studded popularity wave after a host of famous faces were snapped with the brand's maternity clothes and baby accessories. Alicia Keys, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Alba and Gwen Stefani are just a few of the famous mums who have helped put Mamas and Papas on the fashion radar.
The choice of jeans is comprehensive - choose from options that sit either over the bump or under the bump, with slouchy boyfriend styles, skinny jeans, jeggings, bootcut and flares. The key is in simplicity and layering, mixing simple T-shirts and cardigans with tunic tops or empire-line dresses, and bottoms between leggings, combats and denims, and then finishing the look with a jaunty scarf.
Problem solved.
