My maternity wardrobe top tips

As I now fly towards the 7th month of pregnancy I'm starting to get the hang of all these dressing business (family and friends could say differently...) so thought I'd pass on my top tips from my discoveries:

Red Herring Maternity Jumper for £22 at Debenhams

1) Buy maternity clothes if you can instead of bigger sizes: maternity clothes are designed to flatter and show off your bump whilst keeping your waist. The various pieces I've bought in larger sizes are also larger at the waist so you end up looking bigger then you really are and that gorgeous bump is flattened. 

Seraphine's Luxe skinny jeans £6

2) Invest in your maternity jeans: I found my skin became really sensitive during pregnancy and cheap, harsh materials made me itch and just feel uncomfortable. Plus pregnancy is harsh on your figure so a flattering cut in your trousers can do wonders especially in confidence. The rest you can hide with longer tops

Bump band from Red Herring for £7 @Debenhams

3) Get some bump bands for the 2nd trimester: You can get away wearing some of your favourite tops for so much longer with bump bands by using them to create a layering effect to cover any gaping flesh - never ever a good look. 

Leggings from Jojo Maman Bebe at £20 (also available in navy and charcoal)

4) Leggings!!: Buy several pairs of leggings as they really are a pregnant woman's best friend. They're comfy and can be worn under long tops and dresses whilst hugging your legs to show off their slimness in comparison to your top half. However please make sure your bum is covered at all times, it's not a look anyone but your partner wants to see no matter how great it looks. 

Evening dress from Crave for £90

5) Empire line dresses and tops: Are by far the most flattering look for you during pregnancy because they have heavy fall on your sides, keeping your waist looking small and clearly show off your bump in front. They dresses are particularly useful in summer and to wear to weddings as made in the right material they can keep you cool and looking elegant. 

6) Check the label: Your thermostat can go through the roof during pregnancy making sure you wear breathable fabrics like cotton is so important or you could end up in a rather sweaty, not to mention embarrassing situation. I've been disappointed that this isn't more of a consideration amongst a lot of the brands I've checked out. 

JoJo Maman Bebe 4-way maternity cardigan for £39

7) Layer: Particularly towards the end because you'll be constantly taking things off and putting them on again as your inner temperature likes to play tricks on you. Plus it helps you to look slimmer. 

8) Get yourself measured: a comfy bra is an absolutely must as well as losing the under wiring. You'll find you change sizes several times so don't invest loads in the beginning and make sure you keep going back. I've had some really nasty marks left on my rib cage where circulation has been restricted when I grow.

Dune's MAP Tall Knee High Riding Boots at £159

9) Flat, comfy shoes: I still love heels for meetings and evenings out but they can put an added strain on your back so should be worn for minimum periods. The rest of the time flat shoes are your friend but make sure they've got some room as your feet can grow during pregnancy and towards the end they might start to swell - nice. 

Seraphine nursing top £49

10) Think slightly longer term: the frustrating thing about dressing for pregnancy is that all your clothes have such a short shelf life and can still cost you a fortune. So look for items that could also work when you're getting back into shape and for nursing. That way you can get more for your money. 

Take care,

Mrs W xxx