How To Look Stylish When You’re Pregnant
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How To Look Stylish When You’re Pregnant

Stylist Sarah Corbett-Winder is known for her eclectic fashion sense – and now, with a baby on the way, she’s out to prove you don’t have to compromise on your personal style just because you’re pregnant. From her favourite maternity brands to the pieces worth the money during pregnancy, here’s her advice – plus, five looks to try if you’re expecting and in need of some inspiration…

Your style doesn’t have to drastically change with a bump. Obviously, everyone has to adapt in certain ways (I’m no longer able to wear high-waisted trousers for instance!), but in general, there’s no need to change your style too much when you’re pregnant. Don’t think of pregnancy dressing as a huge thing – you’re still you and there are plenty of positives to come out of this period, too. For example, it can actually be an opportunity to become more creative with your existing pieces and make your accessories work harder. 

Shop for things you can wear beyond the pregnancy. I don’t enjoy buying things to wear just when I’m pregnant, so instead I look for floaty dresses, oversized menswear shirts and good blazers that will work now and afterwards, once I’ve had the baby. Clary and Peg and Maria de La Orden are two of my favourite brands, and on the high street, & Other Stories and Mango have a great selection of floaty dresses – just remember to size up to accommodate a growing bump. That said, there are a couple of maternity pieces which are worth investing in. Pregnancy jeans are one – opt for a cropped wide leg; showing off your ankles when possible is always a good move. ASOS have some great, affordable options. The second is pregnancy dungarees – Topshop have plenty, and they’re particularly useful during the last few weeks of pregnancy.

Invest in some great accessories, too. Shoes, earrings and bags are all good treats to yourself at this time, as they aren’t as dependent on a changing body and have the power to elevate your look. A colourful shoe, like a red velvet ballet flat, can inject a bit of personality, and when it comes to earrings, both Zara and & Other Stories have some excellent statement options. Don’t be afraid to wear these things during the daytime, either – when you’re pregnant, you’ve earned the right to glam up your everyday looks so if it makes you feel good, then wear it!

Comfort is key. Not just for your body, but for your mind, too. Don’t feel confined to wearing what you think you should, just because you’re pregnant. If an oversized shirt swamps you, then go for something else that feels more ‘you’ – make sure you wear your clothes and they don't wear you. Enjoy the journey, too – don’t get me wrong, I often find myself looking longingly at smaller waists but pregnancy really is the most magical thing. 

Adapt your style as your bump grows. The early stages of pregnancy can be tricky because you don't really look pregnant, just a little plump! So, for this stage try wearing loose fitting clothes. It’s also a time when you often don’t feel your best, so try to use accessories, like hairbands and statement earrings to help you feel more like yourself. As time goes on and you look more pregnant, that’s when it might be time to embrace the bump. You can wear tight dresses and waist belts to highlight it, but it’s equally lovely to wear a breezy, oversized frock if that feels better for you.

Look 1 – At Home 

My days at home with the kids are all about comfort and you can’t beat a pair of dungarees for that. You can be sure your top will stay tucked in, which is key when you’re pregnant, and the exposed stitching on this Mango pair makes them look far more expensive than they are. I’ve layered another of my husband’s shirts underneath and added these simple slides, which are both super comfortable and chic. 

Look 2 – Wedding

There’s nothing worse than being pregnant and feeling uncomfortable as a wedding guest, so it makes sense to invest in something you feel good in. DÔEN create the most beautiful occasion dresses, in my opinion and this one really plays to pregnant people’s strengths – it hugs your boobs perfectly. You could add a pale green blazer draped over your shoulders, but I added neutral accessories to complement the look, like this Uterque bag, which almost steals the show!

Look 3 – Evening Out

I’m not usually one for a tight dress, but this time around I’m enjoying embracing my bump a bit more. Maria de la Orden Studio has some fab figure-hugging dresses, which are stretchy enough to grow with you and stylish enough to wear beyond pregnancy. Just add some statement earrings and some comfortable, velvet flats to complete the look. 

Look 4 - Meeting

Don’t be afraid to raid your partner’s wardrobe like I did with this shirt – because a bump makes you look more feminine, it’s even easier to get away with wearing men’s clothes. To add a bit of sex appeal, ensure the neckline is buttoned down low, then layer on some gold jewellery for extra interest. I love these beige trousers, which also belong to my husband, and have kept the look tonal with some ballet flats. I used to be more of a round toe girl, but the square finish on this pair elevates the ensemble.

Look 5 – Brunch

Surprisingly, I’ve worn a lot more colour this pregnancy and this broderie anglaise dress is the perfect piece to throw on for brunch. Its roomy shape makes it so comfortable, but its vibrant red colour still makes a statement for all the right reasons. I’ve teamed it with some burgundy sandals, plus my favourite Dragon Diffusion bag.  

Follow @SarahCorbettWinder on Instagram 

Photography by Victoria Adamson

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