So here it is, I finally got round to filming and photographing my maternity wardrobe. But be warned: it’s quite edited!
I haven’t spent much on clothes at all this pregnancy – not even on shoes to make me feel glamorous! I’ve really worked with what I already had and just updated with a few elasticated waistbands.
Probably the most useful thing I did in the first trimester was move clothes that didn’t fit out of sight (I put a lot in the loft). I left oversized shirts, coats, stretchy jumpers and dresses – and this gave me a bit of a blank canvas to start my maternity wardrobe with. So I pretty much worked with a capsule wardrobe these last few months and only bought maternity clothes which would compliment these pieces.
I also found that loungewear has really come into its own for me, and this was probably where I bought the most maternity items – nice pyjamas and slouchy joggers so I felt less of a slob at home (where I have spent 80% of my time through the first and last trimester!). The first thing I have done most evenings when I get home is put on some comfy pants, an oversized cashmere jumper and nest for the evening.
I have also preferred ‘under the bump’ clothing personally, I found it less restrictive and easier to feel more like myself when my wardrobe hasn’t exactly felt like ‘me’. These straight leg jeans from Asos have been the closest I have felt to my ‘old’ self jeans.
And as much as I have tried to stay true to my original style, I also think sometimes you just need to adapt – a bodycon knitted dress is as far from my style as you can get BUT there is something quite empowering about showing off the bump and being proud of your new figure that I’ve been enjoying tightly fitting clothing and I have had far more compliments when I’ve shown off the bump rather than hiding it.
Maternity brands I have lived in over the past 8 months have been: Asos Maternity (dungarees, pyjamas and denim), Topshop Maternity (jeans), H&M (bras, underwear and leggings) and Next Maternity (faux leather leggings, harem pants).
But do remember to look on the High Street for other pieces to mix in like a great coat, oversized knitwear and tunic tops. I found H&M great for dresses, M&S for coats and elasticated waist skirts, Cos for tunic tops and And Other Stories for essential knitwear.
Here’s the link to the video below…and there will be more videos to come on a regular basis this year (we have one on our finished study next in the pipeline if you’re not into maternity style!):
Not sure if they still do them but I loved the Topshop nursing bras for when I was breastfeeding. They were so much prettier than others I found and came in a range of pretty colours. Best wishes x
Oh yes, good point! I’ve found bras very tricky as have been so sore, have had to take most off in the middle of the day! x
Fab idea about putting the extras away. That is what I would do. Definitely! I’d feel terrible if I couldn’t wear everything visible in my wardrobe.
Rachael xox
http://www.rachaeldickinson.com
And made getting dressed so much simpler!
You have amazing style, that outfit you have on is a perfect example.
Lovely! I was wondering what size you got the other stories jumper in? pre pregnancy I was a 34-36 there but I wouldn’t want it too tight…
I got a 10 (36 I think) – it’s quite long and oversized already xx
You look incredible in that dress! Show it off, girl!
http://www.workandwhatshewore.com
Hi Alex — I love those Ollie Quinn glasses can you please tell me which ones they are?
Awesome inspiration as always.
They’re called MJ x
Hey are you going to do a tutorial on your hair?
YES! I just need to learn to perfect it myself, first. This was shot the day after the expert did it (so looking extra good!) x
Yes! Just need to organise filming (and make sure I can definitely perfect it, first!) x
Thank you for the tips Alex. I’m in the first trimester and feeing pretty awful, but look to your posts as a beacon of hope for the future when I’m feeling msyelf again! I love the idea of taking staple pieces from my current wardrobe and just adding a few new touches. Have you had to get maternity tights to wear with dresses? And do you have any tips for getting through the nausea and fatigue in first trimester? Sarah x
Oh sorry to hear – hope you get through it okay….I actually filmed a video on the first trimester too as I felt so awful for a long time – it’s so tough! I found that curly fries and a can of coke helped me (the ONLY thing that gave me any energy or kept me sitting upright – ginger biscuits did nothing) – and try not to feel guilty about what does work, just get through it. Once I was feeling better I upped my greens – and it feels like a lifetime ago now! xx
I have been waiting for this to come out!! Thanks for such a great and helpful video. I can’t find the links to the next hareem pants and the topshop jeans, could you point me in the right direction?
Thank you! Have loved following your pregnancy.. you give such great ideas for when I am stuck with what to wear!
Xo
http://www.happygirlcards.etsy.com
great tips! I really loved the jeans with elastic hold.
I love this look!
xx
https://www.closettostreet.com/
I LOVE this post! I am 11 weeks pregnant and really looking forward to experimenting with clothes once the bump arrives. Your tips and suggestions are really helpful and I’ll definitely be referring back to this post in a few weeks!! (LOVE that dress and your hair too!!)
Hannah xx
http://www.hannahandtheblog.com
Congratulations! Yes I’ve found dressing quite liberating – not too much choice! xx
Such a delight watching you tackle maternity wear. My daughter is 32 but I wore dungarees as well back in the eighties ! ( not sure I would want to bring back much else from that era)I have a few friends who have taken their current straight leg jeans to a tailor to add a stretch band.
Oh that’s a good idea – a few friends wore their old jeans with a bellyband – but might definitely wouldn’t stretch past my hips after the first trimester! x
Hey Alex – absolutely love the camel jumper hanging at the front of the rack, but I don’t think you mention it in your vlog. Would you mind telling me where you got it from? Thanks!
Oh yes, this is a layering piece from H&M – had it for ages – but I was instore yesterday and they still have practically the same one! x
You look wonderful as always Alex! Pregnancy just adds that extra glow?; your down to earth approach hasn‘t changed and you‘ve been stylish and true to yourself. It‘s still inspiring for not moms to be on many levels!
Thank you 🙂 xxx
I have been waiting for this to come out!! Thanks for such a great and helpful video. I can’t find the links to the next hareem pants and the topshop jeans, could you point me in the right direction?
Thank you! Have loved following your pregnancy.. you give such great ideas for when I am stuck with what to wear!
Xo
http://www.happygirlcards.etsy.com
Thank you! The links are in the info section here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG_W21BpNIs&t=5s
Great collection and choice as well.
https://www.leacarve.com/
Thank you for sharing the tips! Love your maternity wardrobe!
https://www.yooying.one/
This article was so timely for me. Lovin your pregnancy style, tips and advice!
Oh… It’s really good for me. Because currently i am pregnant so it would be helpful to me. Already bookmark this site for future reference. Thanks for the sharing such an informative article.
YES, THANK YOU! I’ve been searching far and wide for a blog like this – I am in desperate need of some inspo as found it really challenging on how to dress bump. Also, LOVE your suitcase… where is it from please?