Q. Like Beyonce, I’m only a few months pregnant and I’m very proud of my little baby bump. I’m also a huge fashion fan and don’t want to sacrifice my ‘Diva' style - despite the fact that I’m getting bigger every day. Have you any advice for mums to be who want to stay fabulous and in fashion?
A. Mums-to-be are easy to spot, and not just because of their rounded bellies. Pregnant women have a special glow and most say they have never felt more beautiful ... that is until they try to find clothing to fit their expanding bodies. It can be difficult to retain your own unique sense of style, especially when your figure is changing so drastically but a great place to start is with the basics.
While you're pregnant is clearly not the best time to splurge on anything wildly expensive but choosing core maternity cuts to flatter you from the early stages through to at least three months into motherhood when you start regaining your shape is a good tactic.
It may be necessary to buy a few key maternity pieces, investing in a few essentials, such as black pants and jeans and basic tops. I also recommend investing in "something pretty" to help you through those more tiring months at the end. However, the number of "strictly pregnancy" pieces you buy will depend on how dramatically your body changes, and the adaptability of your current wardrobe.
You will also find that many non-maternity styles will easily work with your bump, and would be a better investment because you will be able to wear them afterwards. Contemporary fashion is very adaptable, so there will be many high street looks that will work well with your expanding tum without compromising your ‘Diva’ style! Stretchy, fitted tops are fantastic for bellies, provided you are comfortable showing off your tummy. Loose, flowing tops, with or without elasticised hip-bands, are also great. I love all the floaty, chiffon and lace tops around right now (Asos has great ones).
Try layering a couple of long tops over a pair of pregnancy jeans. Topshop has some great skinny maternity jeans and no-one will ever spot the elasticated waistband! A great wardrobe staple is the wrap dress, as this can be adjusted while the bump grows, or try dresses or smocks that can be worn over leggings.
MUM-TO-BE STYLE MUST-HAVES
BELLABAND:
One essential purchase for every pregnant woman is the BellaBand, from Ingrid & Isabel. This elasticised band helps you wear your regular pants or skirts longer (by concealing an open zipper), holds up too-loose maternity pants early in pregnancy, and helps you fit into your normal pants sooner, postpartum.
MATERNITY DENIM:
A great-fitting pair of jeans in a cut that you like will probably be the most important clothing purchase you make during pregnancy.
For maximum wear, buy a darker wash that dresses up for work or play, day or night.
A NOT-SO-LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
The little black dress is a pregnancy staple. Look for wrap dresses, empire waists or something with ruching in black that can be dressed up or down, depending your shoes and accessories.
SEASONAL TOPS:
A black or dark grey oversized top for fall and winter is a chic, slimming staple you won't want to do without. In warmer weather, a few quality T-shirts and twinsets can keep you comfortable and greatly extend your wardrobe.
