Maternity Style Ideas for Spring
by Anna Bastiaenen
Spring is finally upon us, which means the days are getting longer (hooray!) the flowers are blooming (hooray!) and meanwhile so are our bumps (yikes!). Naturally the change in temperature is going to mean some changes to your pregnancy style, too. What to replace all the chunky knits and cosy coats with? Spring is the perfect opportunity to introduce some lighter, brighter fabrics to your maternity staples and prep yourself for all weathers with comfy-chic layering.
Maternity style tip #1. Dresses can be glammed up or paired down
After an entire winter under wraps, the thought of bringing your bump out of hibernation might be bringing you out in a cold sweat. But fear not because there are solutions to dressing for warmer temps without feeling too exposed. Dresses are a great place to start; the bonus being they can be accessorised up or down (when you’re expecting, it’s all about practicality). From a t-shirt dress to floaty floral, find a shape that suits and pair it with some stylish sneakers or snake-print flats. Check out the new organic cotton jersey dresses from NINE+QUARTER; cut in a loose fit to accommodate a growing bump, the grey tie-dye teamed with a leather jacket and some on-point combat boots will give you a paired down but chic silhouette.
Maternity style tip #2. Transitional wear
Spring weather is always unpredictable, and now that our climate is increasingly off-kilter it’s never been more so. From one day to the next you may be faced with sunshine, snow or anything in between. In confusing conditions it’s wise to invest in a few reliable transitional pieces so you’ll stay high and dry in the torrential downpours. Think soft maternity tees, light jackets, practical footwear, breezy layers - and a good umbrella! It just takes a few key maternity pieces to sail through to summer in style.
Maternity style tip #3. Layer, layer, layer
When tackling weather that’s being a little indecisive, it’s all about light layers. Stock up on a few maternity tees, tanks and tops; a worthwhile investment when they’re properly tailored for your growing bump. Layer on a loose-fit shirt for off-duty wear, or a classic trench or oversized blazer for effortless but put-together workwear chic. Later in the season you can rock the tees with your maternity jeans or bright skirts as the weather heats up. Top tip: when layering, a long line elongates your shape and balances a big bump.
Maternity style tip #3. Layer, layer, layer
Maternity style tip #4. Mix and match
Mixing fabrics of different weights and textures will keep your outfits versatile - for example if you’re not sure you can step out in your floaty maternity dress without freezing then wear a light turtleneck or t-shirt underneath, it’ll keep you warm while adding a pop of colour to your outfit. Clashing prints are also on trend: not only will a perfectly calculated clash elevate your outfit instantly, but it's so much more exciting than a safe maternity look. Slogans and animal prints look great together for example.
Maternity style tip #5. You can keep your edge
If you want to keep your fashion edge while pregnant, you most definitely can. Easy-to-rock but low maintenance; NINE+QUARTER organic maternity tops can be thrown on with skinny maternity jeans and a leather jacket and you’ll still feel effortlessly cool. Keep an eye out for the utility trend which will be everywhere this season in all shades, fabrics and styles - which means it should crop up in a few maternity collections too. Practical yet pleasing, it’s great for housing bumps (and providing a few useful pockets). You can also add a touch of masculinity to your feminine florals, blouses and slip dresses with a pair of military boots, so you’ll be comfy and chic no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
For an effortlessly cool look throw on your maternity top with washed out maternity jeans and a leather jacket.
Maternity style tip #6. Stay on-point with accessories
Finally, belt-up! Pairing loose fitting shapes with strategically placed belts can give maternity workwear a polished finish. If you’re having concerns that an empire line silhouette might look a bit ‘cutesy’, remedy this with a strong dose of edgy accessories: a sculpted bag, bold jewellery or some fierce footwear are the perfect antidotes to a slightly saccharine outfit. In terms of accessories, this season will see the return of high-shine metallics, enormous earrings, boho scarves, fringing - and 1980s neon, if you dare! Also, great news for us, flats are back, and boy are we going to be needing to spend this season in comfy, fancy footwear (for the sake of fashion of course).
Found this interesting? Read Anna’s “Maternity Style Tips”
As Deputy Editor of luxury lifestyle publication Lusso Magazine and Interiors Editor for influential property journal PrimeResi, Anna draws on a decade of experience in the buying department at Harrods and previous to that Event Coordinator for London Fashion Week, fine-tuning her wisdom of what’s merely expensive and what deserves its high price tag. She now juggles journalism and a busy family life with her husband, three year old daughter and another little one on the way.