Styling Through Motherhood

Two pink lines; something so small but so powerful can change everything for you in a split second.

One of the changes you feel most day to day is your body – our bodies all shift in some form during this experience and no one pregnancy is the same. From the initial bloat to the bloom of the bump, morning sickness & fatigue, we experience it all in our own ways. Pregnancy can be a whirlwind, a beautiful, emotional experience but it doesn’t come without its challenges. 

As a first-time mum-to-be, navigating my wardrobe has taught me how to not only dress for comfort but to also celebrate this journey and fall in love with fashion in a whole new way.

First Test to Final Trimester

The first trimester was all about keeping this life altering shift a little under wraps and at this stage it isn’t so much of a baby bump as it was bloating. During this time, I wanted to keep things a little bit of a secret, especially in those first few weeks of knowing. I leaned into relaxed silhouettes — oversized tees paired with maxi skirts that felt elevated through lace, fun prints or subtle details, along with button-up shirts and statement trousers (the ones that still fit), cute activewear sets, and the occasional dress.

The second trimester, which I am currently in, is where things got interesting – the bump started to bloom. At this point I was no longer hiding it and was more into styling it. I delved into bodycon styles and pieces with a bit more stretch & flexibility to it such as the Elliot High Sleeveless Mini & Maxi Dresses (a go to piece that I love pre pregnancy & now during). I even found myself layering more, a fitted dress with a chunky knit jumper, a pair of low-rise jeans, longline tank & oversized denim shirt were just some of the options I started sporting. 

And now as I go into the third trimester & as the weather gets warmer for me, I know I will have to add a little more practicality to these looks with two-piece sets & flowy dresses that are in breathable and flexible fabrications.

Queen of Comfort

To be honest, there are also some days where I lean more to comfort-first styling with leggings and oversized tees or jumpers as there are some days where everything is harder, hormones are rushing, you feel swollen and tired and all you want to do is slip into something easy and soft. And that is more than okay. 

For me comfort and style can be the perfect pair, and I have learnt that just because I am pregnant doesn’t mean that I must give up my style or comfort just to have the other. The secret to this is fabric and fit – stretch, jersey fabrications, knitwear, lightweight and breathable cottons and linens are just some of the ones I have been loving and living in. In terms of silhouettes & fit – bodycon or fitted tops, skirts or dresses, adjustable & elasticated waistbands & some oversized tops that move with me than against me are a massive win for me. 

My go-to outfit when running errands or even a casual day in the office is the Hansen Blue Pinstripe Set with the Maeva Scoop Tank in Ivory, layered with some gold jewellery and some white sneakers or neutral sandals. It makes me feel put together while also feeling comfortably stylish. 

The Elliot High Sleeveless Mini Dress is also one of my favourite go to dresses as of late and can be styled casually or for going out. Paired with an oversized blazer on top with stockings, some chunky platform boots & jewellery make for an elevated look while again feeling comfortable.