Maternity Style Tips

Previously Junior Fashion Editor at popular glossy women’s magazine InStyle, freelance fashion stylist Pip Hamilton has heaps of experience pulling together on-trend looks. With bump in tow she was the perfect choice to style our Parenthood shoot, showcasing our new maternity clothes and post pregnancy range.

Pip joins us on set with her growing bump, not long before her second baby is due. ‘Just because you’re becoming a mum yourself, it doesn’t mean you have to start dressing like your own!’ she says, ‘Be true to yourself and your style’. Becoming a parent and navigating pregnancy, especially for first-time mums, comes with challenges, so it’s no surprise style sometimes takes a backseat.

Our new Parenthood range is designed to offer trend led pieces with the comfort and core functions of maternity wear in mind. Pip, having road tested the range, talks us through her favourites. ‘The black sweatshirt is so comfortable, and it has that little bit of extra length that is crucial. The white poplin shirt is a such a winner - seeing a white collar peeping out from under knitwear makes any outfit look more stylish and polished. The black womens activewear leggings are genius, my others slip down over my bump but these have clever ruching at the side and stay put all day long – I’ve had so many compliments.’ Does she have a favourite? ‘The grey wrap over loungewear set. It’s so so soft my husband thought it was cashmere! I’ve worn it several times both inside and outside of the house. The crossover detail makes it incredibly comfy over my bump but means it will be perfect for breastfeeding once baby arrives.’

2020 was an unprecedented year, how did it feel to be pregnant during such turbulent times? ‘It’s had its ups and downs. I discovered I was pregnant in the first week of lockdown - it was strangely peaceful having this wonderful secret only shared with my husband. An easy secret to keep when you’re not actually seeing anyone!’ she laughs. ‘I also felt very unwell in those first few weeks so not working was a blessing. The hardest part has been attending all of the appointments and scans on my own. Plus, so many of my midwife appointments have been remote, that’s tough if you’re anxious about your pregnancy.’

Although having a baby is a joyful time, pregnancy itself can be tough, so undoubtedly the global pandemic added challenges to an already stressful period. However, as Pip describes, there has been some unexpected perks to a pandemic pregnancy.

‘Because of COVID I’ve been spending a lot of time at home with my daughter Polly and it’s been so special to grow a new baby whilst spending so much time with her. She is so interested in my growing bump despite being so young so that has been very special. She keeps asking me to “open” my tummy - I guess she’s looking for proof of this baby we talk so much about! The physical demands of pregnancy as well as the physical demands of caring for a 22-month-old have been hard.... I don’t think I’m the first second time mum to say that!’

‘You cannot beat hours of cuddles with a newborn,’ says Pip when we ask what she’s most excited about this time around, ‘I am hoping this baby sleeps as much as my daughter Polly did and I’m so excited to see what this baby looks like. It’s a boy this time around so I’ve got lots to learn.’ Are there any stages of Parenthood she enjoys most? ‘I’m looking forward to getting to know his personality. I think every child is so different and you cannot help but have your mind blown by the development of a human being, it’s incredible!’

With fashion at the forefront of her day job, what tips can Pip share for mums-to-be that are struggling with what to wear? ‘Firstly, I would say don’t try to prep or buy anything too early on. As soon as something you own becomes uncomfortable that’s when you’re ready to go shopping. Remember that your body is doing the most incredible thing and your changing shape is a wondrous thing – don’t fight it! Embrace your new shape, its beautiful. Most importantly, be comfortable, if something is digging in first thing in the morning then by the end of the day it could really hurt, bumps grow as the day goes on!’

There’s a preconceived notion that maternity wear can’t be stylish too, but Pip disagrees. ‘Loose fitting shapes and clothing that allows space for a bump can still be super chic’ she explains. ‘A capsule maternity wardrobe has worked really well for me, one where piece can be mixed and matched easily. When you’re looking for maternity wear choose pieces that can be worn with everything and styles that will last your whole pregnancy, I love pieces that can be worn again and again in lots of different ways.’

So how do you create a capsule wardrobe, and where should we start? ‘I always invest heavily in denim pieces during pregnancy, a strong selection of jeans and dungarees definitely helps when trying to dress stylishly each day. For this second pregnancy, I’ve stocked up on sweatshirts too, they go with sporty leggings or jeans and their easy to wash, which is essential when I have a messy toddler to deal with on a daily basis.’

What about maintaining your own personal style throughout? ‘Don’t just buy things because the buttons do up’ Pip says. ‘You wouldn’t do that ordinarily! Try things on but be honest about whether you feel good and feel like ‘you’. Keep wearing accessories and shoes that you love and make you feel great too.’ So, is there any hope in sporting some of our existing wardrobes still? ‘Loose fitting dresses and tops can be worn for quite some months into your pregnancy,’ Pip explains ‘you can try wearing shirts open with a stretchy maternity top underneath too. Sadly anything with a waist, like jeans, won’t be comfortable for long!’

As well as providing plenty of stylish maternity essentials, our Parenthood range is also packed with pieces that work post-pregnancy too, such as nursing bras and wrap tops with easy access for breastfeeding mums. We asked Pip what new mums need to consider? ‘It takes time for your body to recover in both shape and feel after having a baby so it’ll be a while before you can slip into your pre-pregnancy clothes,’ she says. ‘If you choose to breastfeed then think about pieces that will make it easier for you to feed your baby, especially when you’re not at home.’

‘I’ll be wearing that grey lounge set forever,’ says Pip when we ask her if she’ll be sporting any of her maternity wear once baby arrives. ‘Definitely my jeans too, they’re still a great shape on the legs and bum and the bump band will keep my core warm in the winter!’ Finally, we asked Pip to describe Parenthood in three words. ‘A privilege, challenging and astonishing,’ she said.

Since our interview Pip has given birth to a beautiful baby boy, she even took our Parenthood range for a spin in the delivery room, congratulations Pip!