For work, Séraphine—a label well known among style-conscious mums-to-be—refuses to compromise on fashion, and even less on comfort. From wide-leg to slim and bootcut, maternity denim follows the trends and, to accommodate a growing bump properly, comes with elasticated waistbands.
Alongside those, a few hard-working tops to choose plain or dressed up:
A feminine frilled V-neck T-shirt, a long-sleeved wrap top or a flutter-sleeve blouse: pretty, practical pieces for a growing bump without giving up on glamorous little tops.
Work outfits need to be smart and comfortable at once, so Mammafashion is a good place to look for polished pieces that do the job. Think wide-leg ecru cotton trousers, a sheer muslin blouse and practical ballet flats.
We love this pretty, feminine and casual outfit: a midi skirt, a baby-pink top and ballet flats that tie at the ankle, perfect for summer days.
A square-neck fashion T-shirt, a skirt and a scarf tied under the bump: this gives the silhouette structure and supports the bump beautifully.
It is also worth playing with belts to show off the bump and add a fashion touch to your outfit. Take this Séraphine cardigan fastened with a satin belt: chic, fashionable and easy to copy.
Fancy being dressed up to the nines? Then pick from Séraphine's line for exactly that: a little skirt, ballet flats and a wrap top, an essential little black dress, a very elegant evening dress... enough to make you want to show off a lovely round bump with no self-consciousness at all.
This little black dress is utterly lovely: clean-lined yet very elegant, fitted just enough to flatter your curves. Envie de Fraises.
A pair of smart cotton trousers that works as well with a shirt as with a simple top, and adapts to your life in no time. Perfect for work and holidays alike, it looks elegant and comfortable at a glance. Also from Envie de Fraises.
Holiday style
Comfort is the watchword on holiday: heat, heavy legs and the weight of the bump are three good reasons to choose light, easy clothes. At Mammafashion, we like this outfit that is simple with a slightly bohemian edge: a long skirt with a wide elasticated waistband, a very simple little top and ballet flats. Spot on.
Same site, same reliability: bright little cotton dresses give you total comfort and a lovely summer look. Choose blue or yellow, belted over the bump, with floral prints if you like a romantic finish.
We also like a punchy orange dress with stretch from the neckline right down over the bump, spot on with flip-flops and a wide-brimmed straw hat for the beach; a bustier-style blouse to wear over cropped trousers or a little skirt; and an original, lightweight printed set.
When it comes to swimwear, it is a choice between bump out or nicely covered, with Séraphine bikinis and tankinis.
And the Envie de Fraises one-piece, pink trim on a black background, understated and chic.
At Formes, don't overlook the short skirt, white or pink and lightly pleated: a simple vest top and a pair of ballet flats, and you are dressed and elegant.
Stars have worn the long dress throughout pregnancy, and it is easy to see why: it has real advantages. Perfect for reliable comfort on hot days, it is also elegant and always in fashion, and it lets anyone who would rather not show legs tired by pregnancy wear a dress anyway. Envie de Fraises long dresses.
Same site for this long skirt in light, airy cotton with a very simple top: a perfect outfit for lazy days. We like its vitamin-bright colour and easy shape.
And because sometimes all you need is zero fuss, look to Bidon-ville for a pair of cropped trousers and a long-sleeved cotton top designed for round bumps.
It is a fact that mums-to-be today are lucky. There was a time when maternity clothes looked gloomy and shapeless, and offered only a limited choice. Today more and more designers and brands set out to make comfortable, well-designed clothes that are fashionable too, and, honestly, they have succeeded. Elegant shapes, skirts, dresses, fashion tops, bikinis and even evening dresses: there is plenty of choice, and choice means competition, which is good news for consumers with a growing bump — and the trend is not about to stop. Put simply, pregnancy is no longer something to camouflage; bumps are shown with pride and maternity style is there to be enjoyed — and why not?
In practice, your shape changes, and so does your centre of gravity: standing for long periods tires you quickly, especially when the bump feels heavy. A few minutes lying down with your legs raised, or a pair of shoes that support the foot well, often helps. If heavy legs or twinges become a regular problem, speak to your midwife or GP.
Budget
On price, maternity pieces most often sit somewhere between £30 and £100: expect roughly £40–£90 for jeans or trousers, £30–£70 for a top or blouse, and £60–£150 for a dress or evening outfit. The differences come down to fabric (cotton, linen, jersey with varying levels of stretch), finish and brand. At the end of the season, buying second-hand or using maternity hand-me-down swaps between mums-to-be can turn up lovely pieces at gentler prices — useful when you know a pregnancy wardrobe will only be worn for a few months. Before buying online, check the returns policy, and if you are ordering from French labels, check UK delivery too: sizing changes quickly.
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