At the time of writing, I'm 27 weeks pregnant with my second child, and my approach to maternity dressing has changed massively. Despite similar due dates (both May/June babies), when I was pregnant with my daughter I was adamant I wouldn't go near a maternity brand, which I'll admit I considered a bit naff.
Instead, I stretched my knitted dresses to their limits through the colder months—some of which never quite pinged back—and sought out floaty dresses in summer, all to sidestep the stereotypically un-chic maternity outfits I had in my mind.
This time, though, I've had a change of heart. I've got bigger more quickly and have fully embraced comfort dressing, seeking out pieces that have grown with me. After weeks of researching, I'm pleased to report that the maternity clothes I've worn on repeat have nothing naff about them whatsoever. I hope you'll agree.
For those who balk at investing in clothes that won't last beyond nine months, many of these maternity brands sit on the high street or can be worn postpartum—and if all else fails, there's always eBay where they're sure to find a new home. Scroll on for my edit.
The Best Maternity Clothes I Actually Reach For
Maternity Wear Basics
If you find yourself losing your sense of style during pregnancy, my advice is to pare it right back and focus on good quality, timeless basics. Of those, Isabella Oliver has bucket loads. There's something so 90s about a white tank top and black jersey skirt which I love. This will be my go-to summer maternity look, but right now I'm layering the skirt under oversized jumpers.
The label designs ethically environmentally-friendly capsule collections which work in any season, so great if you are sustainably-focused.
H&M Maternity Wear
If you're looking for affordable and stylish maternity wear, then there is no doubt that H&M is the place to shop. Firstly, the choice is second to none, they have pages and pages of 'Mama' pregnancy outfits to choose from. Secondly, you have a mix of trend-led as well as timeless pieces, plus looks for any occasion, from workwear to gym clothes and party looks.
I am biased towards their co-ords, which make dressing decisions so much easier (anyone else suffering from pregnancy brain?). I've already worn this satin skirt and belted top (which is now sold-out but there are similar styles available) to a work event, and can see myself wearing it all through Spring too. You can easily wear them post-partum, too.
Maternity Wear For Work
On my office days, I like to look put together, especially when I have lots of meetings. I really rate Seraphine for tailored workwear and smart dresses, as well as good quality basics for pregnancy and beyond. I have lived in their ultra soft jersey tops which have lift-up details for breastfeeding later on.
For now, I'm loving this on-trend chocolate brown suit and the new season neutral is equally chic. The trousers have a stretchy over-the-bump band that will grow with you, with the tailored trouser sitting below the bump, which I personally find more comfortable. The look worked well with an old Vince blouse I own.
Summer Maternity Wear
I'm a sucker for linen no matter the season, and Beyond Nine happen to have a lot of stylish linen outfits perfect for summer. They're a brand I especially love because the designs are trendy yet timeless, and are designed to be worn pre and post-partum. For example, these trousers have an elasticated waist that makes them comfortable to wear wherever you are in your pregnancy journey. Plus, there's a plethora other colours and patterns to choose from.
Best Maternity Jeans
From my experience, and from chatting to other pregnant friends, good maternity jeans are very hard to find. Enter The Female Archetypes, founded by Alice Holland-Lu, a fashion industry expert who wanted to tackle the universal challenge many women face: fluctuating body sizes. So Alice designed a capsule wardrobe of excellent quality basics that will see you through pregnancy, menopause and everything in between.
These one-size-fits-all jeans can be adjusted at the waist and tapered at the front, depending on your mood or body at the time of wearing it. The shirt is another great item from the capsule, and comes with inserts to make it bigger at the sides, also handy for nursing if you choose to.
Maternity Wear Rental
Of course, if you don't want to commit financially to a whole new wardrobe, you can simply opt for an online clothing rental. No matter your pregnancy stage, For The Creators lets you borrow clothes occasionally or monthly. It's a mix of maternity brands and non-maternity labels that are also suitable for pregnancy, and you can filter your search by trimester, which I found incredibly useful. There are also postpartum, breastfeeding friendly and even C-section recovery options on the site too.
I loved this Nine The Label vegan leather jumpsuit which I wore recently for lunch with friends, and they have some great party clothes too.
