Knowing what to wear for different occasions can be tricky at the best of times – even with an overflowing wardrobe, why is it that we never seem to have anything to wear? So, when you add a growing bump into the mix, is it any wonder that the clothing conundrum becomes even more of a challenge?
Don’t worry. We get it. And that’s why we’ve collected our best tips for dressing your bump in style, whatever the occasion…
For Weddings and Parties
It seems to be pregnancy lore that as soon as you no longer fit into any of your favourite event outfits and party dresses, you’ll receive an invitation which reads ‘dress code: fabulous’.
Thankfully, we’re here to take the stress out of shopping for occasionwear with a growing bump. Whether you’re heading to a black-tie event, a wedding or a birthday party, we have dresses, jumpsuits and tailoring that won’t feel like a compromise on your personal style.
As a general rule we’d recommend a classic empire line dress for a special event. Cut to fall from the bust, this style will allow you to show off your shoulders and leaves plenty of room for your bump to party without being restricted.
If you want to give the illusion of more length – especially if heels aren’t feeling comfortable at this stage in your pregnancy – choose a halter neck style. A halter neck naturally draws the eye up, giving the impression of more height.
To make sure you are super comfortable for the entire event, consider fabrics, linings and straps. All our fabrics are designed to be super soft, breathable and non-irritating, while linings are standard for extra comfort and support. Any fastenings or straps are also designed with maximum comfort in mind.
"Being pregnant doesn’t mean you have to miss out on wearing a gorgeous dress!"
seraphine
Three Occasion-Worthy Maternity Styles
The reversible Olethea dress is a fantastic choice for anyone in search of an elegant, contemporary style. The beautifully draped halter neck will elongate your silhouette, creating a long, fluid line of fabric that falls beautifully over a bump.
Fitted with a detachable pointelle-knit top to offer multiple mix-and-match options,
the Peyton dress is a versatile occasion style that you’ll return to time and time again. We love how the tactile pleated skirt allows for plenty of room to grow while elegantly draping over any lumps and bumps.
Whether you’re going for strapless, halterneck or skinny straps, event dressing always seems to pose a challenge in the underwear department! That’s where our multi-way Elisa bra comes in. And to avoid VPLs under clingy dresses, opt for the Sanaya under-bump thong.
For Work
Feeling well put together at work makes a huge difference when it comes to feeling cool, calm and confident. Whether you’re heading into the office or working from home, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing clothes that not only look stylish and professional but keep you feeling comfortable all day long.
As your bump grows, we recommend investing in a few key pieces designed specifically to support your changing body. Add in some trusty maternity base layers like longline vests and bootcut leggings that you can mix and match throughout your wardrobe and you’ll have plenty of options to choose from throughout your working week.
Longline shirts worn with classic tailored maternity trousers that are designed to grow with you will always look chic. We also have plenty of jackets that are designed to skim your bump if you want to look extra smart.
For more relaxed days in the office, loose trousers and an oversized shirt will keep you feeling fresh and comfortable. Wear a co-ord set with trainers for an informal look or dress it up with a pair of loafers.
A sleek midi dress is an incredibly versatile work item. Choose a dress with inbuilt stretch to keep your bump supported and layer up with loose-fitting knitwear and jackets or wear a fine knit underneath if you need some extra warmth.
"Comfort and confidence are key when it comes to dressing your bump for the office."
seraphine
Three Maternity Workwear Buys
A Co-Ord Set
The co-ordinating Livvy shirt and matching Lulu wide-leg trousers are the perfect blend of smart and casual. You can mix and match these pieces for lots of different outfit options, but we love the look of top-to-toe pinstripes the most. This fluid and contemporary interpretation of a traditional suit will give you serious style points in the office and you’ll feel wonderfully comfortable all day long.
A Classic White Shirt
The Marella cotton shirt is a classic white button-down with a long, curved hemline that looks super stylish untucked and provides plenty of coverage for your bump. You can layer it up with knitwear to fend off that office air-con or wear it with a tailored jacket for a chic pared-back look.
A Sleek Midi Dress
A simple form-fitting dress like our smocked Aja bodycon dress is another easy to wear item that you can dress up and down with different accessories. This is a great dress for giving your bump a little added support too.
For Babymoons and Holidays
A trip away while you’re pregnant is always a good idea. It might be your last chance to really recharge and relax before your baby arrives. Packing a pregnancy wardrobe is super easy if you think about creating mix and match outfits that can be dressed up for dinner and dressed down for lounging by the pool. Super stylish and supportive maternity swimwear that is comfortable enough to lounge in all day long should be top of your packing list and don’t forget loose airy layers to cover up when you need to. Breezy linen trousers, cotton sundresses, a loose cover-up for throwing on over swimwear, super comfy maternity shorts and a special dress for evenings out are all on our list of holiday essentials.
"A babymoon is a great time to celebrate you, and all your body has achieved. A few treat buys to make you feel amazing are definitely approved!"
seraphine
Three Maternity Holiday Essentials
Maternity Swimwear
Our new crinkle texture swimsuits and bikinis look incredibly stylish while hugging you in all the right places. We love bright shades that shout sunshine and holiday. The square neck of the Cove maternity swimsuit is super flattering and on trend, with plenty of support for the bust.
Linen Trousers
There’s nothing like wafting about in wide-leg trousers when you’re on holiday somewhere hot. Our gorgeous linen blend Elan trousers are designed to sit comfortably under your bump with an elasticated drawstring waistband. They’re perfect for dressing up or down and mixing and matching with the other items in the collection.
Maternity Shorts
Agreat pair of maternity shorts cannot be rivalled for comfort during the hot summer months. Our beautifully cut Amias jersey over-bump shorts are super soft and the drawstring-fastening stretch waistband will make sure they fit perfectly all through your pregnancy. Oh, and there are pockets too!
For Your Baby Shower
Celebrating your pregnancy calls for an outfit that's as special as the occasion itself. However, since you’ll most likely be holding your baby shower late in your second or early in your third trimester, your bump will very much be taking centre stage (as it should be!)
It's about feeling confident and comfortable, so choose empire-waist dresses with flowing silhouettes that give plenty of room to relax. Your baby shower is also the perfect time to show off your bump, so a cool co-ord set can be a great way to showcase your blooming belly. You’re the star of the show so, ultimately, it's all about understanding your own style and owning the moment.
A Breezy Dress
Planning a baby shower can be overwhelming enough, so concentrate on enjoying the event by opting for an easy breezy dress. With its playful polka dot print and flattering shirred bodice, the Carmen dress has that laid-back, no-fuss energy we love.
The Cool Co-ord
Featuring a stylish graphic print that feels fresh and contemporary, our Karine
shirt is cut to a relaxed oversized fit and pairs perfectly with the matching Anthea trousers. Unbutton the blouse to reveal your growing bump for extra maternity style points.
The Bodycon Fit
Form-fitting styles are the perfect way to embrace and showcase your bump, while the soft and stretchy figure-hugging material has the added bonus of giving you a bit of extra support. The Arbor dress in bold red or blue makes an elegant baby shower option.
There’s no reason for your personal style to take a nine-month hiatus when it comes to dressing for special occasions, exotic trips and important work meetings. With our guidance, the options are endless for a confidently put-together finish, wherever your plans might take you. There’s no need to buy a whole new closet, but investing in a few key pieces will give you enough options to ensure your wardrobe can be as versatile as your plans. This transitional period is short, so have fun and express yourself!
