My Pregnancy Style Rules: Laura Vidrequin
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Stay true to yourself. That’s my top rule during pregnancy – it isn’t just about buying something because it’s comfortable. I have to really think about whether I like the colour, fabric and shape. It’s a rule that applies throughout the entire nine months. Plus, you’ll soon realise it’s easier to dress during pregnancy if you don’t change your approach too much. Question yourself on every purchase and don’t fall into the trap of buying only maternity wear.
Make an exception for denim. Khaite jeans are my favourite but even one month into my pregnancy, I realised I couldn’t wear them. Instead, I found a pair from a Stockholm-based brand called Ilouity which I wore a lot. A rapidly evolving waistline means you have to have some support and these jeans come all the way up to sit under your bust. Heaven. I also live in my vintage men’s Levi’s that I bought in a second hand shop. They sit lower than women’s jeans and settle just under the belly. I know post-pregnancy I can have them altered, too.
Find your reliable outfit formulas. For example, I’ve lived in jeans and tops and I also have a good collection of feminine blouses from brands like Isabel Marant and Sea New York that I know I can fall back on. I’ve also loved wearing cycling shorts with an oversized cotton shirt and K. Jaques sandals. I have a pair in black and grey which are from H&M and I've probably worn them once a week ever since I fell pregnant. They work with everything and because cycling shorts are a trend, I don't feel like I’m wearing maternity clothes. When it comes to tops and tees, I love Uniqlo or American Vintage. Dresses are always easy to wear, too – last time I was pregnant it was winter, so I wore knitted styles from brands like Totême – but in the summer, I’ve been wearing more two-pieces.
Pick up a great denim shirt. I really don’t think you can go wrong with Ralph Lauren’s denim shirts – I have one in a medium which is a size I’d buy anyway, and I knew I would wear it throughout my pregnancy and beyond. It’s the kind of piece that can be easily updated with jewellery, too.
Buy maternity underwear straight away. I did and it was the best decision. Uniqlo does some of the best. It’s not particularly feminine or sexy but everything is so comfortable. I bought five pairs of knickers which are extremely high-waisted and protect the bump.
Express yourself through your accessories. When I’m not pregnant, I’m really comfortable just in the right jeans, sneakers and t-shirts but when I am pregnant, I feel I need more – probably because the t-shirt doesn’t fall properly and the jeans don’t sit where I want them to, so I always add something else. Hats, bandanas and layered necklaces all act as a bit of a distraction and they’re a great way to be creative. It might seem boring to wear the same shirt week after week, but if you wear gold jewellery one day, a colourful rope necklace the next and a cap and sweatshirt the next, then you can change up the look a lot.
Stick to flats and trainers. I have the Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance trainers which I love. I also have the Superga x Vans collab. And when bending over becomes a challenge, I opt for Venetian slippers and clogs. I just bought some Khaite clogs that I’ll be wearing right through to the end of the summer. They feel a bit more elevated than a Birkenstock.
When in doubt, wear what’s comfortable. I’m obsessed with natural fabrics like cotton and linen and I like to mix high, low, second-hand and designer pieces. When it comes to investing in designer clothes, I’m always tempted to wait until I’ve given birth. It’s a lot of money to spend when you’re not really feeling like yourself – and who knows? Your style might evolve even more once you become a mum.
Reinvent your favourite pieces. I recently wore an amazing Dolce & Gabbana dress to a formal event. I’ve had it for a while – it has long sleeves and is covered in polka dots. I couldn’t do the fastening up but I decided to wear it open with a shawl so you couldn’t see. Pregnancy is always a good excuse to leave a venue early, too, so it wasn’t a late night!
Finally, find the brands you know you can count on. Some of my favourites include By Malene Birger, Usisi Sisters and then supplement this with any vintage t-shirts and jeans you can find along the way. That said, I can’t lie – I am looking forward to getting back in my Khaite jeans once this baby is born.
Follow @LauraVidrequin for more style tips & inspiration.
Photography Marco Civale
Location: Summerill & Bishop in Notting Hill
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