In January and February 2023 Elle Courbee is all about pregnancy!
Our blog will be packed full of useful info, from must have items to have when you’re pregnant to how to plan a baby shower and lots in between! Up first…maternity wear and how to choose to best pieces for your wardrobe.
It’s wonderful that maternity clothes ranges have become so extensive – cast your mind back 20 years and it was a very different story. Women seemingly had to forsake any semblance of fashion alongside their second scan. Unless you were an All Saint of course…! However, now that choice is so vast it can feel harder to make decisions. Especially when (although it might not feel like it) the months of maternity are comparatively short. So what qualities should you look for when you’re buying maternity clothes? And what are the absolute must haves for savvy shoppers?
Your maternity clothes should be…
Comfortable
As each day of your pregnancy goes by, you’ll value comfort more and more. Your clothes can have a huge impact on your state of mind, and in pregnancy it’s all about feeling supported, snug and secure. Think about the seasons that you will experience during your pregnancy and how your wardrobe choices can travel through those seasons without leaving you too cold or hot. A hint here is that layering is key whatever the season, since your body temperature regulation will likely go a bit haywire!
Flexibile
Trust us – you’re really unlikely to be ditching your maternity wardrobe a week after giving birth. Realistically you’ll be wearing these clothes for a while yet. So think about how your wardrobe choices might support your life with a newborn as well. Prioritise support and comfort around your midriff and pelvis, for example. Use long maternity tops with low necklines as a foundation that is ideal for breastfeeding.
Good quality
Just because you’re not buying garments for a lifetime of daily use doesn’t mean that you should forsake quality. The messier aspects of pre and post natal life will mean that your clothes end up in the wash a lot more regularly than before. As a result, well made garments will withstand these pressures much better.
The real must haves…
Maternity jeans
Indisputably top of the list. You’re going to wear these – a lot! And you’ll most likely still be wearing them well into your fourth trimester (that’s the first three months after giving birth where you’re a bit shell shocked and feel like you’re holding the baby so much they may as well still be inside!) So find a style you love and invest in a few pairs. Skinny maternity jeans have the power to inject a slightly dressier feel to daily life, while wide legs or flares are both super on trend. Wide jersey waistbands are ideal for hugging a bump as it grows, and will still fit nicely on your postnatal body too.
Jojo Maman Bébé have a great range of classic and on trend styles.
Maternity dress
Yes, any old stretch fabric dress will probably do for a good few months. However a proper maternity dress will both stretch and ruche around your bump to ensure that the length and shape of the dress is not impacted by your growing bump. You’ll feel more glorious because of this, we promise! Dresses become more and more practical as you go through your pregnancy as they are simply easy to get into and comfortable to wear. That goes for whether you’re lounging around the house or going out on the town!
Isabella Oliver has a gorgeous range of stretch, wrap and button up dresses including this LBD which can be dressed up and down
Maternity cami tops
Patterned or plain, you simply can’t have enough of these. Again, they’re an amazing wardrobe staple that remain useful long after you’ve given birth. The extra length is comfortable on a postnatal midriff, and it’s great for layering especially if you’re breastfeeding. Layer under an oversized shirt for a breezy and casual look, or with maternity leggings for the ultimate in comfort loungewear.
H&M remain the best place to go for basics, with both maternity and nursing vest tops to suit any taste.
Becky is an author and copywriter who has been writing about women’s issues and underwear for several years. She also writes blogs which cover a range of topics for local businesses.
New Year Wardrobe Resolutions 
