NON-MATERNITY MATERNITY FASHION

 
 

Chunky platform boots for the win! As discussed in a previous post here, my approach to dressing since the addition of the bump hasn’t changed all that much (she says as she navigates the final couple of months…). The last thing I wanted to do was go out and buy lots of clothing that I’d only wear for 6 months when I already have a whole wardrobe full of pieces that can do the job (plus no social plans for the foreseeable anyway!). Below are a few of the shapes and styles that I’ve found comfortable, which help me feel myself and definitely don’t scream maternity — and of course will continue to work post-pregnancy too.

 

1. OVERSIZED

I’ve definitely been reaching for anything oversized (if baggy isn’t your usual style, why not raid your partner’s wardrobe for shirts or t-shirts? Nick is the king of “saving for best” so I’ve even christened a few of his newer pieces too!) — comfort during pregnancy really is key. This jumper from Akojo, a platform for emerging African designers, pairs perfectly with my maternity leggings from Isabella Oliver, one of the few pieces I’ve bought specifically for pregnancy.

2. THE TENT DRESS

My pregnancy has timed perfectly with the trend for oversized tent-style pieces — think no shape but plenty of volume! This striped number from sustainable brand Closed is a pre-pregnancy piece that I wore early days bare-legged with flat sandals and has also worked perfectly as it’s got colder with tights from Swedish Stockings.

3. STRETCHY

In total contradiction to the above (!) — I’ve also loved wearing figure-hugging pieces to show off my bump loud and proud. The ‘70s were home to plenty of stretchy maxi numbers and thanks to the elasticated waistline this style works just as well now, as it does sans bump. I picked this piece up from Creative Wardrobe but whilst vintage/charity shops are sadly shut, you can still take a look at Ebay, Etsy and Oxfam Online for similar styles.

 

4. EMPIRE LINE

Empire pieces aren’t something I have a lot of but those I do have worked wonders in my pregnancy wardrobe — they’re flattering and comfortable. I rented this piece via rental platform HURR for an event and was surprised how well it fitted, sitting just above the bump — search “vintage empire line” on your favourite second-hand platform to find similar styles.

 
 

5. DUNGAREES

A maternity-wear classic… but they don’t just have to be denim! These are made from old ‘90s bed sheets — a genius designer from Essex, who I met at a vintage fair in Peckham earlier this year, has turned ‘90s duvets and blankets into cool jackets, dungarees, coats and even outfits for the dogs. These dungarees are so loose they’ve been ideal for the duration of my pregnancy worn with a t-shirt in summer and layered with thermals, leggings and this jumper from Navygrey underneath for winter.

6. ACTIVEWEAR 

2020 was the year of activewear — all other outfits seemed to give way to pieces that offered comfort and ease, and “athleisure” was bigger and better than ever. Workout leggings have been a godsend — being stretchy and comfortable, many of my favourite leggings pre-pregnancy have grown with me, as have my go-to tracksuits. This co-ord from Danish brand Lola Studio is made from organic cotton; I picked it up in the sales in a size larger (as it’s all they had) but it will still look oversize-cool post-baby.

7. LAYERING

I’ve always been a layer-er, with a dominant Dosha of Vata, I can never get enough! It’s also the perfect way to make more summery pieces, especially dresses, work for the colder months. My Isabella Oliver leggings make the perfect base layer for pieces like this bright tomato-red dress from Henrik Vibskov — a brand I discovered via Zalando’s new edit of eco brands. I’d also wear it over a roll neck or any type of knitwear to keep the cold out but keep a swish in my step.

8. KNITWEAR

I’m a knitwear addict and you’ll pretty much find me in some form of it all year round. Cardigans are on trend right now and while ideal for the summer months with a dress, they are an autumn/winter/spring MUST-HAVE! Herd is a new brand and uses Bluefaced Leicester breed wool sourced exclusively from Yorkshire and Lancashire. Because the brand only uses organic detergents and water to clean their fleeces and wool, their yarn and garments are completely natural and even beneficial for the soil at the end of their life as they contain high levels of potassium. Herd’s pieces are definitely an investment but thanks to their high quality, when looked after, they’ll last a lifetime.

Jasmine Hemsley