17 April 2020

5 Spring/Summer Outfits With A Bump

As soon as we heard Katie Impey, aka The Mum Life Styled, was expecting baby number three, we knew we had to tap her for tips. One of our favourites when it comes to cool, replicable style, she explains why you don’t need the maternity department to look good when pregnant, and shares five of her favourite outfits...

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My number one pregnancy style rule is don’t feel like you need to buy maternity wear. Look for pieces that can work both now, and for later. If you are determined to pick up a few bits, however, you can’t go wrong with Topshop and ASOS.

I’ve learnt a few clever maternity dressing tricks during my pregnancies. For instance, I use a hair tie looped around my jeans button, through the button hole and back around the button. This hack means I’ve never had to own a pair of maternity jeans.

Paloma Maxi Slip Dress in Rich Leopard, £45 | Dancing Leopard

I’ve been buying men’s cashmere ever since I was pregnant with my second daughter and raided my husband’s wardrobe to find something cosy to cover my bump. I’ve layered it with a slip dress, here, which will be your best friend day-to-night.

Brigitte Maxi Dress, £620 | Kalita

There are lots of people on Instagram to turn to for great maternity style. @thefashionbugblog is pregnancy style goals – she isn’t expecting at the moment but has three under three so you don't need to scroll back too far for some bump inspo. Elsewhere, @saashaburns is the ultimate Byron Bay boho babe – she made pregnancy look like a breeze. Finally, although @rocky_barnes recently gave birth, I loved her maternity style. She adapted her regular looks to suit her bump perfectly.

Don’t bother buying a dress for an event if you’re pregnant. Renting is a great way to try out a new designer or a style that may not fit or suit in a few months’ time. There are some great companies offering some amazing pieces, such as My Wardrobe HQ & Hurr. I actually got my second look from this shoot from the former – I hired it, but loved it so much I bought it for a lot less than the retail price. It was brand new with tags.

I’ve had my eye on a Kalita dress for a few seasons now, and I know wearing this will cheer me up when I’m at the huge, fed up, waddling stage.

Lou Jean Babydoll Dress, £118 | Free People

Smocked Cotton Dress, £34.99 | H&M

You don’t have to buy dresses specifically designed for maternity wear – there are plenty of shapes that work well with a bump. Empire line, drop waist and elasticated pencil styles will all accommodate a growing waistline.

I’ve been more relaxed this time around, which is very different from my first pregnancy. It might mean I’m not that prepared, but I know from experience there is nothing better than a baby in a white baby grow – you don’t need all the gadgets. That said, I’ll probably start panic buying about a week before the baby’s due.

By baby number three, I know exactly what I want in my hospital bag. Pillows from home are my absolute essential, plus a room spray – I love Jo Malone’s Pear & Freesia. Then I’ll pack Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream, Eborian BB cream, Batiste dry shampoo and high-waisted leggings from Sweaty Betty and an oversized sweatshirt to wear home. Plus, of course, a cute cashmere two piece from Belle Enfant for the baby to arrive home in.