I am only a few months pregnant with my first baby and not really showing yet. My pants are starting to feel tight, but I have no idea what to buy. What should I look for in a starter maternity wardrobe? Will I have to buy two rounds of clothes as I get bigger?
Jessica P. e-mailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca; our maternity wear experts, Vanessa Knox-Brien and Baukjen de Swaan Arons (of the gorgeous maternity line Isabella Oliver), answered:
We recommend investing in a few wardrobe staples that will grow with you; pieces that you cannot live without, and designs that will act as a base to your everyday ensemble. This is your special time and pregnancy dressing should be a stress-free routine.
You should not have to compromise your style or comfort. By choosing pregnancy friendly fabrics, the clothes should carry you through your pregnancy and long after. There is no need to repeatedly buy items in different sizes; picking clothing with wrapping or ruching detail, will provide a sleek yet comfortable silhouette.
A classic cami or tank top is seasonless and will go with absolutely anything. Choose a neutral tone, and wear under warm winter layers or with a breezy skirt in the summer months. If you want to hang on to your non-maternity pieces for a little longer, invest in a maternity band that helps to hide undone buttons and creates a layered look. Fabulous under your favourite fitted tops and over your non-maternity trousers, these bands add versatility to any maternity wardrobe.
A timeless pair of pregnancy jeans is a must-have and will come to feel like a faithful old friend you can always rely on. Denim can be worn time and time again, dressed up or down, making it the perfect purchase. Wear with a relaxed T and quilted ballets for everyday or a black bandeau and matching wedges for an effortless evening look.
We hope we have helped, and we wish you the very best throughout pregnancy.
With five pregnancies between them, Isabella Oliver creators Vanessa Knox-Brien and Baukjen de Swaan Arons only sell clothes they have designed, created, worn, and fallen in love with. Based in London, Isabella Oliver designer maternity wear offers brilliant, easy-wear maternity clothing for pregnant women who won't compromise their sense of style.