This is how our fashion editors navigate pregnancy style
Whilst Kate Middleton's and Meghan Markle's maternity style were on point, it's not always that easy to pull off IRL, especially if you don't want to spend a fortune on a new wardrobe.
Which is why I asked all of Marie Claire's editors to share their best pregnancy style tips.
Lucia Debieux, fashion editor, found the perfect jeans and maternity dress
"I'm currently going through maternity style so I am all about this! Citizens of Humanity and Paige denim are the best maternity jeans around (I have these). Don’t get from the regular collection and size up, invest in the maternity styles. Yes they are expensive but you already feel like your body is changing so much and you don’t feel like your normal stylish self so to have something like a pair of jeans that you know will with everything in your wardrobe is a win win. Plus you can wear them after the baby when you body is settling into its new shape.
'Ganni and their smock style has been a lifesaver for me, I went up a size to make room for pregnancy boobs which are a thing FYI! But essentially the empire line smock shape that Ganni does so well is perfect for maternity. I bought this in black but have also seen it in a multi coloured leopard which would be perfect for a wedding I have coming up when I will be full term.'
'Don’t think that you can't still wear the trends, silk slip skirts and slip dresses are perfect with a growing bump. With skirts, just look for a elasticated waist that will work with a bump, I have this that I wear with a oversized sweater or a white shirt tied up. Slip dresses are perfect and I have a wardrobe full from last summer so it's a dream. With silk being naturally stretchy it's a must have in your maternity wardrobe and beyond.'
'Lastly don’t forget your lingerie drawer, I'm all about a big pant and pregnancy is no different. Gap and Hanky Panky do a great sexy stretch lace option, not a whiff of a granny pant to be seen. When it comes to bras, it's not advised to wear underwired so seek out triangle bras. I LOVE Rossell England, they are so comfortable and super stylish.'
Jess Wood, fashion features director, swears by tube skirts
'My favourite tricks were to go up a size in non-maternity clothes – and stretchy tube skirts! I bought lots of loose printed boho dresses from River Island and some stretchy knitted skirts from Topshop main collections and wore both to death. When I got to the third trimester and the bump was very much out there, waistband extenders (in packets of three different colours, from Amazon) were my best friend. I’d use them on all my skirts and some of my jeans and got away with not splashing out on much maternity gear.'
Tanya Philipson, executive fashion director, recommends buying as little as possible
'Buy nothing until it’s impossible and then but something that you can wear over again - staple pieces that will grow with you. I only needed to buy a few maternity basics that I combined with my usual wardrobe. I bought maternity jeans, leggings, tops, bras, and easy dresses.
Go back into your wardrobe and see what you can actually wear with your bump, you will be surprised how many treasures you have. Investing in a great pair of denim jeans is a must as you won’t get away with wearing your normal ones. J Brand I think have the best selection. THE OUTNET was great for any occasion pieces you may need to feel you are wearing something special but without the price tag as you may never wear it again.'
Katie Thomas, digital beauty editor, is buying normal clothes one size up
'I’m four months pregnant, so it’s still really early days for me so I haven’t actually bought any maternity clothes yet. However, my plan is to shop exactly as I do now, but buy bigger sizes and find designs that will suit my new body shape better. For example, I love a floaty dresses and big tunic dresses so I’ll stick to that style, but go up a size if necessary. I really don’t want to spend lots of money on clothes that I perhaps wouldn’t wear again. However, I’ve been told maternity jeans and trousers are a must, so I’ll definitely be adding a few of those to my online shopping basket.'
