“I have NOTHING to wear” is a phrase heard in most households across the country, but none more so than when there is a pregnant woman in residence. Out of nowhere, your body distorts, fills, droops and swells in ways you’d never have expected, and all of your favourite go-to pieces or bursting open, digging in or just look downright odd.
I’m 24 weeks pregnant, and I can’t cope with living in my husbands t shirts 4 times my size and leggings any longer. I thought I’d get away with a few oversized items and wouldn’t have to buy any new pieces, but now I realise how foolish this was! Not only does this make me feel frumpy at home, as someone in a customer and client facing role it is affecting my confidence at work too. None of this is good for mama-to-be who wants to be feeling tip top physically & mentally!
However, I don’t want to go wild and fill my wardrobe with a whole bunch of stuff I’m only going to wear for a short period, so I need some rules:
- Each piece must last longer than *just pregnancy*
- Must work within my current colour palette so I can tie in accessories I already have easily
- Bear in mind that we are going into winter, so I need layers and warmth
- It all must work together; mix and match is king!
So, after much deliberation, here is my capsule pregnancy wardrobe!
1.The Shirt
A long lined shirt is a must. I adore the wrap waist enabling two different ways to wear and cut of this beautiful piece means it hides a multitude of lumps and bumps. Isabella Oliver creates this as part of her ‘forever’ collection, designed to be worn long after the bump becomes baby.
2. The LBD
You can never go wrong with an LBD, and this one is bang on trend with its revealed shoulders on it s bardot neckline. I’m going to be pregnant over the christmas season, so this will cover me for all the parties as well as hopefully squeezing in a few date nights with the husband to savour the last few weeks of our pre-baby life! The simplicity of this dress leaves room for it to be sexed up for those nights with heels, belt & lippy, or toned down with flats and a statement scarf.
3. The Skirt
Simple, classic and stretchy! This will work like a dream with my shirt pick, and also with vests and cardigans. Again, easy to dress up or down so I think this is going to be a real staple.
4. Tops: Basic
This ‘Toronto’ kitis SUCH good value! 2 longer line long sleeve tops in black and white with flattering ruching, plus a long line vest with built in support for £49. For wearing along or layering up, you really can’t go wrong with these.
5. The Jeans
Always a good basic. I prefer a skinnier cut in jeans, and I think the dark wash on these is perfect, as the colours I wear tend to be white, black, grey & navy. I also prefer over the bump styles (more on this at the end!). Again, this is going to work beautifully with the shirt, or any of the basic tops. As it gets chillier I have a collection of long line cardigans and gilets that will work over both with these as well (and they aren’t affected by how big I get!).
6.The Trousers
For something a bit dressier I love this 2 pack of peg trousers. I was never sure on the peg style previously, being a pear shape I couldn’t ever imagine it working, but with heels or ankle boots these look really trendy without being too try hard and a nice alternative to cigarette trousers.
The choker trend at the moment reminds me so much of my early teens in the 90’s, I can’t help but love it. Combining it into the top like this gives a slightly more ‘grown up’ edge to it than wearing the choker alone, and there is something a bit sexy about it too! And sparkles! Who doesn’t love sparkles!
8. The Jumper
Is this not the cosiest looking jumperyou have ever seen? No, it isn’t specifically maternity, but this is designed to be cut bigger, and Elvi (a plus sized brand) are such good quality I can’t resist this! In deepest darkest navy, this appeals to all of my autumnal loves. Also, it is part of the ‘Hayley Hasselhoff’ collection; I have no idea who that is but I really, really hope it is THE Hoffs daughter.
9. Secret Saviours Bump Band
Pre pregnancy, I was a huge advocate of wearing the right underwear, and shape wear would give me a huge amount of confidence. I love that feeling of being held; not tight but supporting me in all the right places & smoothing the lumps. Ofcourse since being pregnancy I’ve not worn any shapewear, but this bump band gives the same kind of support, and helps to prevent stretch marks at the same time - what’s not to love!? In addition, an extra layer helps cover any gaping when wearing separates. Look out for my full review on this soon!
10. Accessories!
I am an accessory sucker, so this isn’t anything I’ve had to invest in. As mentioned earlier, I plan on teaming a lot of these with cardigans, longline gilets, blazers and coats I already have. I also have one gorgeous bright silk scarf and one knitted scarf, plus jewellery ranging from statement to subtle to finish off the outfits. A good belt, bracelets or cuffs and hats or hairpieces can make these basics your own and fit into your individual style, whatever your budget.
So, what would be in your capsule pregnancy wardrobe? What’s going to stop the screams of “I have NOTHING to weeeaaar” in your home? Let us know how you’re going to #rockthebump
