Pretty Pregnant Blog

Maternity Style: Tips from the expert...

Now we know that maternity can sometimes be a minefield when it comes to fashion, so who better to solve all your style worries than the wonderful Beth Dadswell?  Previously senior stylist at the Independent and with many other titles Beth’s now turned her talents to personal styling and is now on hand to answer all your Spring/Summer style dilemmas.

I think the issue for most women is knowing how to dress their newly formed bump! Suddenly nothing fits around the waist and they either panic-buy unflattering kaftan style tops which make them look huge, or struggle on wearing jeans that get increasingly uncomfortable!

2.Which was your biggest worry throughout your pregnancy and how did you get around it?

I was fortunate that I was able to continue wearing my normal clothes for quite a while, but once I got to 6 or 7 months I finally had to admit defeat. I am not normally a dress wearer, but I found a few simple stretchy dresses that looked good worn with leather boots. You just need a few pieces that you make you feel really great and like ‘you’.

3.What would be your top 10 tips for women shopping for maternity wear?

1- Experiment. Your shape has changed so you will need to try some different shapes and cuts. Don’t be tempted just to hide under huge kaftans or baggy jumpers for 9 months!

2- Style. Don’t panic, as there are loads of great maternity styles to choose from now, so you can continue to be stylish and have your own ‘look’. Don’t be tempted to buy anything frumpy or unflattering just because it is comfortable.

3- Sexy. Even if you don’t feel it, your new curves will make you look sexy. Embrace your new cleavage, buy some pretty maternity underwear and show it off!

4- Mix. Invest in a few great maternity items that will work with your existing pieces, and stock up on stretchy cotton tops from the high street that you can layer with and wear post pregnancy too.

5- Essentials.  Invest in a couple of pairs of maternity leggings, cosy wrap cardigans, tights with a bump panel and a pair of skinny maternity jeans. Other than dresses, these are the things that you will wear the most, so it’s worth getting them right.

6- Trousers. Even if you are tiny, finding trousers that are comfortable and flattering is almost impossible when you have a bump, so my advice is not to bother. Stick to leggings worn with a tunic or skinny jeans if you are petite.

7- Dresses. These suit everyone, regardless of age, size or style, so spend some time hunting for 3 or 4 that will stretch along with your bump. You may be able to wear them post pregnancy too, so they are worth investing in.

8- Colour. Your pregnancy hormones should be making your skin & hair glow, so now is a great time to wear some bold colour. Coral, blue & red will make you look confident and stylish, especially when worn with prints.

9- Body conscious. Keep clothes really fitted to emphasise your bump, as this will  make you look slimmer everywhere else. You may even be offered a seat on the bus !

10- Enjoy. You are only likely to be pregnant for a few months of your life, so make the most of it by looking the best that you can.

4.If a lady came to you with 3 dilemmas needing outfits for eveningwear, everyday and then the office what you recommend from Pretty Pregnant?

For eveningwear, I would recommend the turquoise shoulder drape dress worn with a little black 3/4 sleeved cardigan & black heels. It is sexy without revealing too much flesh, and you could wear it with either black opaque tights or bare legs for a night out. For everyday, I really love the red poppy print puffy sleeved dress. It would look amazing worn with a pair of flat sandals in the summer,  and could also be dressed up with heels for dinner or a party. And for the office, I would suggest the silk a-line dress (look 1) worn with a cropped cream cardigan and tan wedges. Add a great bag and you will look effortlessly chic.

5.What’s your top pick of the season from our collections?

I really love the bold colours and geometric prints in the spring summer collection, and I would advise everyone to try them. For petite figures, I would recommend the Jackie O style sixties print couture dress, and for fuller figures, the draped dress. You will want to wear both of these post pregnancy too!

To book a one-to-one pregnancy or post pregnancy personal styling session with Beth, visit www.mypersonalstylist.co.uk