Occasion Maternity Wear

It goes without saying that comfort is a maternity must but that does not mean that style must be sacrificed. Forget the myths that suggest comfort cannot be achieved in stylish clothing. In fact, when it comes to maternity wear, stylish comfort can be found in a number of key pieces. Before you begin perusing the various looks however, set yourself a budget and force yourself to stick to it. You will be tempted to splurge but just remember that your bump is constantly changing and certain items may not fit you as comfortably after a few weeks. The key to establishing a diverse and fashionable maternity wardrobe is to invest in a few staple maternity items and build around them with more inexpensive pieces. Whether you are attending a Christmas ball or an office party, we have compiled a selection of dressy maternity items from Galway’s high street shops such as Next, Dorothy Perkins and Debenhams.

 

Look 1

This is my favourite maternity dress! Its so feminine and has such a wonderful shape to it. If you don’t like the accompanying ribbon, fret not, its detachable! When buying skirts and dresses during the early stages of pregnancy, avoid hemlines that sit above the knee at all costs. The more your bump grows, the higher the hemline will rise up. Most maternity skirts and dresses on the other hand however will have elasticated front panels that stretch along with your bump.

Black lace dress – Next – €66

Suede Mid Heel Court Shoes – Next – €46

**

Tip: When shopping for tops, buy them slightly longer than what you would normally go for. You will need the extra length for coverage when your bump means the top will rise up slightly.

**

Look 2

If you don’t like the idea of your bump peeping out between your trousers and your top, then invest in a bump band as this will cover any exposed skin. Very often however, maternity trousers such as these from Next will already have the bump band stitched in. These trousers are definitely an investment as they have added stretch and a clever cut to give a neat, comfortable fit with plenty of room for growth. This makes it a staple item to have in your maternity wardrobe as you will get so much wear from it. The Ice Blossom embellished shift dress is not maternity wear however it is loosing fitting enough to be worn very comfortably by a pregnant woman in her first and second trimester. (If you don’ want to wear it as a dress then I would suggest pairing it with maternity skinny jeans.)

Whether you want to disguise a growing baby bump in the third month of your pregnancy or if perhaps you wish to cover up post-birth baby weight, then get your hands on these two beauties! 

Ice Blossom embellished shift dress (also comes in fuchsia)

- Evans – €52

Maternity straight leg tweed trousers – Next – €35

Cowl neck corsage top – Next – €26

Gold look flower ring – Next – €10

 

Look 3

This maternity maxi dress has a detachable sequined waistband so you needn’t worry about it feeling tight or restricted. It also comes with detachable straps for those who require additional support. As we all know, pregnancy brings with it sudden temperature changes so avoid heavy materials that you can’t immediately remove when a hot flash hits. Nicole Ritchie for instance was a huge fan of chiffon kimono’s (pictured) and would twin them with plain dresses so as to inject some colour into her looks. This maternity kimono from Dorothy Perkins is an ideal way to add a dash of colour to a plain black dress.

Black Maxi Dress (Maternity) – Next – €50

Pewter Sequin Soft Tassel Bag – Next – €34

Maternity black floral kimono – Dorothy Perkins – €35

 

Look 4 

Your transitional wardrobe is what will carry you through that awkward phase during the first trimester where you begin to outgrow your normal clothes but may still be too small for maternity wear. When you reach this stage, begin by buying a few inexpensive staple items such as shirts, long tops, leggings and jeans, in a size bigger than you would normally are. These should discreetly conceal your new bump in a stylish, comfortable way. Even at this early stage, comfort should be your priority, so swap your fitted trousers for inconspicuous elasticised waistbands. Begin sourcing maternity clothes the moment your bump begins to show, but don’t be tempted to resign your transitional items to the attic too quickly. You will need them in the months following the pregnancy when your body starts to return to its pre-pregnancy size. This top and blazer from Next is a classic example of stylish transitional wear. I would suggest that you pair them with gold wedges to complete the look. Don’t risk wearing heels when pregnant. For a start, your feet will suffer immensely, and secondly, your new bump may have slightly disturbed your balance, and wearing heels will only increase your risk of serious injury should you become unsteady.

Grey ponte jacket – Next – €37

Blue/white sequin heart t-shirt’s – Next – €24

Look 5

Try to inject your look with colour whenever possible. Accessories such as handbags and jewellery are particularly good for introducing a dash of instant colour into your look. Whether it’s a red belt, a purple scarf or a turquoise necklace, it will make such a difference to your style and your mood! If you tend to dress mostly in black, then make a point of giving yourself a colour boost particularly during those days when you’re feeling tired. This black dress from Next (which is very similar to that worn by Emma Bunton during her pregnancy), is immediately brought to life with a detailed clutch bag.  

Black jersey maternity dress – Next – €30

Black suede mid-heel court shoes – Next – €46

Mono leopard print clutch – Next – €25

Pewter embellished bag – Next – €22

Nude sequin feather clutch – Next – €34

Silver gem encrusted flap over clutch – Next – €41 

 

**

Tip: Maternity clothes can be expensive so shop around and be creative. If, for example, you have a very large bump, browse the plus size section of department stores for casual wear. Don’t forget to also have a look in the menswear section of department stores for extra large stylish T-shirts and plain shirts.

**

 

Look 6

This black tunic from Red Herring Maternity is so beautiful and will suit most women in their second or third trimester. To dress it up for a Christmas party, just turn to accessories, like this sequinned bag for instance. For comfort, I have paired it with maternity palazzo trousers however it will also work with maternity skinny’s, if that’s your preference.

Sometimes, women are often tempted to skip the expense of maternity trousers by buying ordinary trousers in a bigger size, but this is not advisable. As your bump grows, these trousers will become uncomfortable very quickly. Ordinary trousers, regardless of their size, are simply not designed to accommodate a bump, nor are they made with the needs of a pregnant woman in mind. Maternity trousers on the other hand, have a number of specific features such as breathable fabric and a discreet, elasticated waistband, that will make your life more comfortable!

You will find that some maternity trousers are designed to sit under the bump while others will sit over the bump. Maternity trousers that sit directly on the bump are less popular as they cannot be used in the months following the birth.

Black tunic – Next – €42

Black maternity palazzo trousers – Debenhams – €33

Black sequinned bag – Next – €27

 

 

Look 7

Try to look for clothes that will stretch as your body grows. Jersey fabric, for example, is a wonderfully flexible material that is very soft and comfortable. It’s also important to look for fabrics that stretch discreetly. When trying on clothes, ask yourself if the item looks as though it is being stretched because good quality maternity wear fabric will not appear stretched. This particular maternity dress from Next is made from jersey material. The best thing about this dress is that it will take you from day to night. Just pair it with a black blazer when at work and then remove the blazer and add on some sparkle when you are heading out to the office party that evening.

Women are usually advised to start wearing a maternity bra in the fourth month of their pregnancy, however it’s perfectly fine to begin wearing one in the earlier stages. The general rule of thumb is that you should start wearing a maternity bra when your breasts have begun to swell and become more tender. Your normal bra, even if worn in a larger size, will not provide the adequate comfort and support your bust needs during pregnancy. Don’t forget, you will be wearing your maternity bras for many months before and after your baby is born, so make sure you buy good-quality maternity bras that have three or more back closures so as to allow you to adjust the bra in conjunction with your changing bust size 

Red and black jersey maternity dress – Next – €34

Black micro-suede mid-heel platforms – Next – €33

Pack of two black 60 denier opaque maternity tights – Debenhams – €15.50

Miriam Stoppard nurture maternity bra – Debenhams – €27

 

Look 8

If the smell of fake tan makes you nauseous, then have your wardrobe give a hearty welcome to maternity tights! Maternity tights are designed with special panels and stretch in every direction thus giving you a flattering fit that grows with you. Just choose the tights in your normal size.

This purple maternity dress from Dorothy Perkins is a wonderful item for a woman who may be conscious of the additional weight on her arms and bust as it discreetly covers both areas without losing its dressy appeal.

The teal dress from Awear is not technically a maternity dress however it would be a very good item to have in your transitional wardrobe. It is also available in up to a size 16 so depending on the size of the bump, it may suit a woman in her second trimester.

Teal Katie Chiffon Bow Dress – Awear – €60

Maternity purple dress (also in black) – Dorothy Perkins €25

Maternity 7 Denier bare cooling ladder resist tights – Debenhams – €6

Look 9

A wrap dress is a maternity must have. It’s elegant, stylish, extremely comfortable and better still, it can be worn to any occasion! Just don’t forget to inject it with some colour through jewellery, shoes, a handbag, broach or a neck scarf. The wrap dress pictured really flatters the bump. It’s one of those valuable items that can be worn from the first trimester to the third, as it can be tied at the back to suit whatever fit. Its almost identical to the one worn by Denise Van Outen during the latter stages of her pregnancy.

Purple / Black Maternity Wrap Plain Jersey Dress – M&S – €32

Look 10

A pair of good-quality maternity trousers is a must-have in every pregnancy wardrobe. Black maternity leggings and trousers are particularly good for dressing up, while maternity jeans and khakis are wonderful for comfortable everyday wear. It is definitely a good idea to spend a little extra for quality maternity trousers as you will be wearing them so often throughout your pregnancy as well as in the months following the birth.

Black and cream print tunic – Next – €32

Black slim fit ponte trousers (Maternity) – Next - €33

Black patent round toe ballerinas – Next – €24

**

Tip: Fabric should not irritate or itch your skin in any way, so always remember to pay attention to the lining of your clothes when trying them on. This is precisely why I would not advise buying maternity wear online.

**

Look 11

It’s usually best to wait until the latter stages of your second trimester before buying clothes for your third trimester. Sometimes women rely too much on the prosthetic tummy they try on in shops. While this will give you an idea as to how the clothes will look when you have with a bigger bump, it is not 100 per cent accurate as everyone’s bump varies greatly. Your bump (and bust) will change in many different ways as your pregnancy progresses, so don’t depend too much on the prosthetic bump when trying on clothes, particularly dresses. 

Maternity maxi dress – Next – €53

Ice blossom blue maxi dress (also in black) - Evans – €70

Look 12

This maternity dress from Dorothy Perkins is a wonderful number for expectant mums who would like to appear less top heavy. I would suggest pairing it with a long black coat (or blazer) and a low black heel. When shopping for ‘maternity shoes’, look for ones that have good arch support, non-slippery soles and, preferably, a cushioned lining for extra relief for tired feet. If you find that your shoes are somewhat uncomfortable, bring them to a cobbler and see if they can adjusted in any way.

Maternity red drape dress – Dorothy Perkins – €30

Gold leaf stretch bracelet – Evans – €10

 

Look 13

If you are not comfortable wearing this item as a dress, you could wear it as a top over white slim fitted maternity jeans. Steer clear of clothes, such as  your normal jeans, that dig into the midriff. They will eventually become more and more uncomfortable. Instead, look out for maternity clothes that have a stylishly disguised elastic waistband.

Black Peter Pan collar short sleeve maternity dress – Next – €46

Black maternity 20 denier tights – Next – €8

Animal print block heel dolly shoes – Next – €49

**

Tip: Buy only a few maternity pieces at any one time. Your bump is constantly changing and items that were once the epitome of cosiness will lose their comfort appeal faster than you think.