Style

|18 Jun 2020|4 mins

“What I’m ACTUALLY Wearing While Pregnant”

One mum tells us the items you need and the things you can live without.

There’s a long list of ‘supposed’ to haves when it comes to a new baby. Whether it’s your first pregnancy or you’ve just done your best to forget since the last time, there are the things you truly need in your maternity wardrobe and the things that stay in the closet. Wouldn’t you just like the low down from someone who’s been there before? (Twice.) Loved for her honesty, our Creative Visual Manager Claire Wallman, lets us in on what she’s actually wearing right now (and beyond)...

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“This dress. Amazing for growing your bump. But post birth, it would be such a quick throw-on piece – still fashion, but most importantly for those mums breastfeeding, easy access to the boobies. Dress up or down with sneakers or boots for an edge.”

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“Also this. See reasons above.”

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“Must have? An oversized shirt (white’s always a classic). Great for covering the bump, so you can wear your maternity jeans, without the belly band showing. And afterwards, just another essential basic you’ll wear every day.”

“Maternity jeans – as I’ve just mentioned, they are one key purchase. They sometimes come in ‘over the bump’ or ‘under the bump’ options for whatever you find more comfortable. I prefer the over the bump (for extra support and warmth in winter). But both are great.”

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Over the Bump...

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Straight Jeans

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“Start investing in some good maternity bras – it's hard to find the ‘nice’ ones. They usually are daggy, grandma-looking things. But THE ICONIC has some more flattering (still slightly sexy for the partner) to see.”

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Warrior Plung...

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Marigold Mani...

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“Sneakers!!! Love New Balance classics. Although in the later stages of pregnancy, they get hard to put on. But that's all I live in. And once again, post baby, or chasing your toddler around, you will need a wardrobe full of good sneakers.”

“My summer alternative to sneakers for comfort and chasing those kids around are these. LOVE LOVE LOVE THEM.”

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“Mules and slides are a pregnant lady's best friend. Anything that doesn't require socks to be put on, or laces to tie up = WINNING! Contorting your body/belly just to get shoes on is a daily mission, so highly recommend another stash of slip-on options. These are great and go with any outfit.”

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“THIS because anything relaxed and floaty = win.”

Is there anything people think you need to purchase but you don’t really?
“You don't have to buy all maternity brands. There are obviously a few key things only maternity brands can do, and I SWEAR BY THEM, for example those jeans – an essential purchase – but you can also get by with a mix of non-maternity brands, just buy oversized. And post-baby you’ll get more wear out of them, as they are just a nice, relaxed fit.”

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“Body-con dresses from any brand (like this one) are great for while growing your bump. But be warned that if you are breastfeeding, they will probably not get used as they’re just so hard to access on demand! I learnt this the hard way from my first pregnancy. Brought so many, as great for bump, but only wear them occasionally since.”