Fed up with your pregnancy wardrobe? Fashion expert Julie Cobbe of Style Fish shares her top tips for pregnancy style — practical, honest advice to help you feel like yourself while your body (and your wardrobe) changes.
Being pregnant is not a licence to disappear into shapeless clothes — and it won’t make you feel any better if you do. Flatter your new shape and let the world see you’re proud of your bump. What we wear, and how we feel in it, has a real effect on our confidence — and that’s worth paying attention to, bump or no bump.
Here are eight practical tips to help you dress with confidence through every stage of pregnancy.
#1. Invest in a few quality items
Buy a few well-made pieces that will wash, wear and last, rather than trying to kit out your whole pregnancy wardrobe in one go. Shop every few weeks so your clothes keep fitting comfortably as your bump grows, rather than buying everything at once and hoping for the best.
#2. Throw a clothes-swapping party
Ban the men from the house for an evening and invite round your pregnant friends, along with mums who’ve already been through it. They’ll likely have maternity pieces they’re happy to pass on, and might enjoy borrowing some of yours in return.
The swap doesn’t need to be permanent — turn it into a fun evening with stories, tea and maybe a few silly games.
#3. Use specialist maternity shops — selectively
You don’t need to fill your whole wardrobe with dedicated maternity wear — the high street offers plenty of options. But for leggings, support tights, underwear and jeans, specialist maternity pieces are often worth the investment. The extra quality and support can make a real difference over nine months.
You might also enjoy: Advice on Pregnancy Style
#4. Enjoy the experimentation
Pregnancy opens up a whole new world of fashion — enjoy it! Don’t try to hide your bump; choose shapely pieces that make you feel comfortable and confident showing it off. Maternity-specific websites and high street ranges have both grown a lot in recent years, giving you far more choice than pregnant women had in the past.
#5. Treat yourself to some lovely accessories
Accessories work through the fat days and the thin days, and they say something about you before you’ve spoken a word. They let you put your own stamp on simple basics and can make an outfit feel finished. You don’t need a huge wardrobe — a few good key pieces, styled well with accessories, will take you a long way.
#6. Use the internet to ask questions
There’s a wealth of blogs, forums and expert resources out there for pregnancy style advice — don’t be afraid to use them when you’re stuck for ideas or reassurance.
You might also enjoy: Pregnancy Style Files
#7. Buy clothes in your normal size
Resist the urge to size up. Stick to your usual size in maternity ranges — they’re cut to accommodate your bump without you needing to go a size larger.
#8. Don’t be afraid of colour
It’s tempting to reach for the nearest all-covering black outfit, but think again. Don’t be afraid of colour during pregnancy — bright colours and patterns can genuinely lift your mood. And wearing shades that suit you can bring life back to your skin and brighten your eyes, however tired you’re feeling.
Weddings or important events
If you have a wedding or a big event to attend while pregnant, try not to overspend on something you’ll only wear once. Realistically, most of us don’t get much repeat wear out of occasion outfits even when we’re not pregnant — so consider hiring something special for the day instead.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate maternity wardrobe?
Not entirely. Many high street pieces work well throughout pregnancy. Specialist maternity wear tends to be most worthwhile for items like leggings, jeans, support tights and underwear, where the extra support makes a real difference.
Should I buy maternity clothes in a bigger size?
No — buy your usual size. Maternity ranges are designed to accommodate a growing bump within your normal size, so sizing up usually just means loose, ill-fitting clothes.
How can I save money on pregnancy style?
Buy a few quality basics rather than a full wardrobe at once, and try swapping maternity clothes with pregnant friends or new mums — it’s a low-cost way to refresh your options as your bump grows.
Is it okay to wear bright colours while pregnant?
Absolutely. There’s no reason to stick to dark, shapeless clothing during pregnancy. Colours and patterns that suit you can boost your mood and help you feel more like yourself.
About the author
Julie Cobbe is the founder of Style Fish, one of Ireland’s first fashion schools for women, combining in-person classes and consultations with an online members’ club. She set up Stylefish.ie in 2009 to bring together her love of teaching and her love of fashion. Style Fish appeared on RTÉ’s Dragons’ Den, securing investment from media entrepreneur Gavin Duffy and Harmonia Publishing CEO Norah Casey.
Style Fish helps women become their own stylist through personalised body shape and colour styling classes and consultations, held in shopping centres and department stores around the country. Graduates get access to the Style Fish Members Club, with weekly recommended buys tailored to their shape.
Do you have a tip to share for pregnancy style? Share it with us in the comments below.
Related articles
- Advice on Pregnancy Style
- The Pregnancy Style Files
- Dressing Your Bump: Maternity Wardrobe Essentials
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