Share
13th March 2016
08:00am GMT
Lucky women can get away with dodging the stretchy pants for months into their pregnancy while others have bumps that pop overnight during the first trimester.
Whichever camp you fall into while gestating (I fell into a third camp I liked to call "I look like a sweaty, boiled ham") pregnancy does demand a few adjustments in the style department. Even during the first trimester, while the bump may not be there yet, the bloating most certainly is which is a why low rise jeans are much more comfortable than high waisted options (and why we spend pretty much our entire day counting the SECONDS till we can put on our pjs).
A complete wardrobe overhaul is unrealistic and totally unnecessary but simply mixing and matching some of these budget-friendly basics will get you on your way to a stylish bump.
Jeans
In the first trimester lots of women can stay in their usual jeans but if you're finding it all a bit of a squeeze then by all means bound into the nearest stretchy jeans. The high street have loads of great options to choose from. Alternatively why not buy a cheap regular pair of jeans in the size up from your usual size to buy you a bit of extra time in the land of zippers and waistbands.
Maternity jeans €14.99 from New Look; maternity jeans €22.99 from New Look; skinny jeans €19 from Penneys
Jackets
Choose a draped style of jacket to give you lots of room to expand as the months go on (left). Alternatively a slightly trapeze shape (centre) will allow bump-room, or as it's Ireland and there's no danger of not getting enough wear out of your coat spring for a maternity coat like this one from H&M (right).
Draped jacket €55 from River Island; trench €59.95 from Zara; maternity parka €49.99 from H&M
Top
Choose tops that are long and roomy for a slouchy, comfy yet still chic maternity look.
Striped top €12 from Penneys; shirt €39.95 from Zara; tunic €29 from &OtherStories
Dresses
Experiment with non-maternity style dresses – each of these are less than €30 and would all work with tights and boots.
Denim dress €18 from Penneys; tee-shirt dress €29.95 from Zara ; maternity dress €25.35 from Asos
Accessories
A wise person once said "clothes without accessories, is like sex without an orgasm" – No matter how well you're feeling during pregnancy, there are some days when you just feel crappy and fed up. These are the days when a little sartorial pick-me-up is essential to your well being. And anything that distracts the eye from our pregnancy jowls is always welcome.
CW from L-R: Phone cover €9 from &OtherStories; Earrings €10 from Topshop ; Necklace €45 from &OtherStories; Sunglasses €20 from Topshop
Explore more on these topics:
