Guest Contributors | Seraphine blog

Getting into Maternity Wear – By Ana Santi, Deputy Editor at Drapers

Ana Santi is the deputy editor of Drapers magazine and has worked in the fashion industry for over eight years. She is currently expecting her first child and plans to look fabulous whilst pregnant. All the images used are of Ana wearing our Dove Grey Multiway Maternity Dress at her sister’s wedding.

It was the water cooler that did it. Whilst refilling my glass, a fellow officer worker did a strange double-take at my stomach: an expression somewhere between surprise and embarrassment. “That was one hearty bowl of pasta she must have scoffed down at lunch” were probably her thoughts.

In fact, I was 21 weeks pregnant and, jeans aside, I was still wearing my normal clothes. But I knew then that it wouldn’t be long before I needed to buy new stuff, and the thought scared me.

I’m a fashion journalist, so what I wear matters. I also like tailored clothes. Two factors that, when combined, don’t make for easy, carefree maternity dressing.

So I decided to consult my pregnant friends and those who already had children. They told me: Invest in skinny jeans. Avoid skinny jeans. Buy normal clothes a few sizes bigger. Don’t buy normal clothes a few sizes bigger. Buy cheap maternitywear – you’ll be sick of the sight of it after the birth. Invest in quality.

At first, the mixed messages were overwhelming, but I soon realised that they made perfect sense. These are friends with their own, individual styles. They dress to suit their tastes and body shapes. They like to – and do – look good, and did so whilst pregnant, but without altering their pre-pregnancy style.

From then on, I actually started to get quite excited about a maternity wardrobe and showing off my bump in a proper pregnant way. Whether I’ll regret it later on, I’ve decided to go for quality (I may have a second child later on) and buy several key pieces for each season. Any excuse to buy new clothes…

But the first thing I did was go through my existing wardrobe. I counted two short, loose dresses that I can wear with tights right from winter through to summer. I found, right at the bottom of a drawer, another short black dress that I haven’t worn for years (don’t ask me why, it’s still pretty) with a sort of empire line (but without being billowy; silhouettes that are too loose-fitting can actually make you look much bigger than you are) that will be perfect for smart work occasions. My legs are probably my best feature, so I realised that shorter lengths on skirts and dresses and skinny jeans would be good investments.

Still in my wardrobe, I saw that a floral print skirt with an elasticated waistband would be perfect for spring, as will several loose fitting tops for summer. One friend pointed out the brilliance of blazers – they maintain a fitted silhouette and you can still fit into them. I have a couple of those in my wardrobe.

I then made a list of clothes to buy. I’ve invested in three pairs of skinny jeans: black for winter, grey for all seasons and cropped white for spring and summer. I’m considering buying just normal blue jeans too…

I also bought a smart white shirt and a short grey skirt, which is really versatile and can be worn with or without tights. That’s it so far (underwear aside, of course).

Also on the list but not yet purchased (buy in stages as you don’t know how big you’ll get how quickly) are stretch jersey or cotton tops. I’ll be buying these as soon as the weather allows me to put away my jumpers and the bump gets too big for existing tops. Figure-hugging maxi dresses and a pair of shorts are also part of the summer spree.

Finally, don’t just think about clothes. Flat shoes are on-trend right now and will be next season too, so invest in those. Several of my friends swore by great pedicures during pregnancy. And experiment with make-up and jewellery.

But the most important thing is to be yourself. If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you care enough about how you look during your pregnancy, so have fun with it. My bump won’t flatter a jumpsuit this summer, so I’m considering some dungarees instead. Every cloud…

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Recommended by a Friend – By Beauty Editor Sarah-Jane Corfield-Smith

Sarah Jane is a freelance beauty editor based in London with a self confessed obsession for designer shoes, pugs and pink lipstick. She has written on all aspects of health and beauty for big publications including Tatler, Zest, Look and Fabulous. She is currently expecting her first baby.

I have two beliefs in life. Firstly, do whatever makes your life easier. Secondly, if three or more people recommend the same thing whether it’s a mascara, hairdresser or restaurant, then you’re onto a winner. With less than two months until our baby arrives we have bought the big-ticket items (buggy, furniture etc.) but it’s the smaller things, and perhaps the products I’ll be using all day every day, that have alluded me.

Where do you start? I decided my best buying strategy was to merge my two beliefs and only go with items that came with three or more pregnant or new-mum friends recommendations with the promise they would make my life easier. Here’s that magical list:

1) The Cocoonababy

Sleeping is one of my favourite hobbies but I’ve heard these babies don’t always share the same enthusiasm for it. So when friends told me about the Red Castle Cocoonababy Nest, and how it got their little ones sleeping soundly from an early age, I thought ‘this is for me/ us’. It’s an ergonomically designed mattress that keeps the baby’s head higher than its tummy, mimicking the foetal position, limiting gastric reflux and maximising comfort. I can totally understand why you may look at it and think it’s faddy however the common story I’ve heard is friends started with a conventional Moses basket and their babies wouldn’t settle. After nights of trying to cajole their babies off their chests and into the basket, they bought this hoping it would work, and it did, immediately. That’s no fad, that’s a genius buy.

2) Seraphine Long Line Popper Nursing Top

I honestly hadn’t given much thought to the whole subject of feeding (am I a terrible mother already?!) apart from that I wanted to give breast-feeding a go and hope it will work. But when friends told me that there are clothes that can help you do it more easily and discreetly, I was all ears. The Seraphine Long Line Popper Nursing Top is the top all my friends have stocked up on at the end of their pregnancies to fit over their burgeoning bumps and to wear on the other side, to help them feed more easily on the go – and I can see why. It has easy to un-do and do-up poppers and it’s long length covers up any wobbly bits, which I have a feeling I’m going to have plenty of. I’m also buying their Knot Front Maternity Top which you may recognise as the top version of the dress that Kate Middleton wore in her first official picture with Baby George. Also designed to be worn during pregnancy and for breastfeeding. Well if it’s good enough for Kate…..

3) aden + anais Muslins

Muslins are apparently an absolute essential for life with a baby. Friends have told me they used them during labour to tie their hair up when they realised they’d forgotten hairbands (note to self: remember to put hair bands in hospital bag), wiping off sick, swaddling, using as a blanket. Basically, if in doubt use a muslin. And when it comes to muslins it has to be aden + anais, it’s the brand that Kate turned to for Baby George, and if it’s good enough for Baby George…

4) Caboo Carrier

There’s a whole new set of vocab you learn when expecting a baby. And ‘Caboo’ is one of those words. The Caboo sling has been designed so you can carry your baby in the ‘frog legged position’. This helps prevent too much pressure being put on their hips and knees. That’s the technical side of things. What I’ve witnessed is friend’s popping their babies into their caboo, where they nestle down and go straight to sleep, leaving mum or dad with their hands free to enjoy a drink. I’ve also been told they’re exceptionally handy for when you take your baby to have injections as it keeps them calmer.

5) Water Wipes

As a Beauty Editor I have tested many make-up wipes and found most to be packed with alcohol which can leave skin feeling dry and tight. If I’m not happy using them on myself I’m not going to use them on my baby, so I was thrilled when friends told me about Water Wipes. As the name suggests, these are literally just water on a wipe. No nasty ingredients, no alcohol and perhaps most importantly, can be used instead of having to find cotton wool, water and a bowl for top and tailing. Plus, I’ve heard these are genius for cleaning up those first few sticky nappies when the last thing you want to use is fluffy cotton wool that gets everywhere. I have placed a bulk order.

Other Articles You May Like:

Get inspired to create a beautiful nursery for you and baby
How to dress a small bump – by fashion stylist Charlotte Kewley
Dressing my bump – by Fabric Magazine Editor, Liz Skone James

Things I wish I’d known about nursing – By Rosie Nixon, Editor of HELLO!

Greetings from the ‘other side’ of pregnancy. Yes, it turned out the swelling midriff I’ve been carrying around for the last nine months did actually contain a baby. And what a perfect bundle of pure joy – and milk – our brand new little son Heath is.

After navigating some new style rules as I dressed to accommodate my growing bump, it is now time to turn my attention to housing these two…how shall I put it…bouncing breasts.

All the guidebooks advise forgetting any semblance of style for the first week or so after giving birth and spend your time in bed Yoko Ono-style getting plenty of skin on skin, learning how to feed and bonding with baby – advice I strongly heed – but there are still some steps you can take to make it easier, more comfortable and with a nod to your former fashionable self. Based on a straw poll of one, with a few of weeks worth of experience fresh in my mind, here are some nursing style tips I hope you’ll find helpful…

1) In the latter stage of pregnancy invest in a couple of tops that will fit both your big bump and be suitable for nursing as soon as you’ve given birth: This is because you simply won’t ‘snap’ back to your pre-baby figure immediately and will want to feel comfy and secure in familiar clothes. The Seraphine long line popper nursing tops in black and purple, and grey knitted bamboo breast feeding top were style savers for me, they comfortably covered my mummy tummy and were hassle-free to feed in while getting the hang of things. I lived in them at the end of my pregnancy through to the first fortnight with my newborn.

2) Don’t bother splashing out on nursing bras before your milk has come in: I thought I was being super organised buying a few pretty nursing bras in advance of giving birth, but they have been rendered useless because I bought the wrong size and they are past the date of return. You may be a little shocked by how many cup sizes you crank up with your new milk-filled puppies, plus you’ll need space to accommodate a breast pad as well. I would recommend buying one nursing bra at least two cup sizes bigger and broader across your back to use in hospital and wear in bed, and hold fire on getting any others until you’re milk rocks up. And you’ll know when you’re milk’s come in, believe me. The best, most comfortable and practical nursing bras I found are the Pink & Mocha Seraphine Nursing Bra and the Seamless Black & Purple Nursing Bra, both of which look great but most importantly provide quick and easy access for nifty nursing.

3) As you get more practised at nursing, invest in a couple of tops that will give you the confidence to feed in public: After hibernating in the safety of your own home for a week or two, you’ll be starting to feel more like the old you and will want to venture out for some fresh air and to introduce your beautiful baby to the world – and this will inevitably involve feeding him in public. Gulp, it’s a scary prospect. I’m not one for erecting a tent around myself to feed, as I think it draws even more unwanted attention to you, but I quietly thanked the stars for this Seraphine top that makes breast feeding more discreet. I have this style in 3 colours and they are my spring/summer staple.

4) Make sure you own one cosy wrap: Another key piece in your nursing wardrobe should be a stylish waterfall-style cardie. This versatile wrap is ideal for cosying up with your little one at home, as well as providing a bit of a privacy shield when breast-feeding on the go. I love my Seraphine Grey Cotton & Cashmere Waterfall Maternity Cardigan – the cashmere has a gorgeous luxury feel and the buttons mean it can be worn in a variety of ways, from a cowl neck to draped open over a vest top a summer’s evening. It is a classic and I have worn it endlessly, both for off-duty days during pregnancy and nursing.

HAPPY NURSING

Other Articles You May Like:

Seraphine’s top 5 tips for simple and stylish nursing
Seraphine’s video guide to nursing clothes with Jocette & baby Roxette
Get inspired to create a beautiful nursery for you and baby

How to Dress a Small Bump – by Fashion Stylist Charlotte Kewley

Charlotte Kewley is 31 years old and lives in London. She has been a Fashion Stylist & Editor for the last 12 years working on magazines, with celebrities, private clients and for fashion brands. Beginning her career at Sugar magazine as a teenager she then went on to work at More and over the last seven years has contributed to magazines including OK!, Fabulous, Now, Grazia and Stylist and was most recently Contributing Fashion Editor at Zest magazine.

Right now I am18 weeks pregnant with my first baby. My tummy is no longer flat. But I definitely don’t have an obvious bump. I just look a little bit fat! Even for someone who styles people for a living this is a tricky time as you don’t yet have the bump to ‘show off’ but skinny jeans and a fitted top no longer cut it. And don’t even go there with skirts! My little A-line minis just ride up looking indecent, particularly for a pregnant person.

So after a lot of trying on, wardrobe editing and several carefully selected new additions I’ve pin pointed a few key, any-occasion looks and shapes for this tricky in-between time that I intend to adhere to until my bump decides to pop out!

Look 1

The blazer, tee and skinny jeans look

This look is easy to create: Black skinny jeans, a boyish V or scoop neck slouchy T-shirt (way more flattering than a round neck with my newly existent bust), in my opinion it’s worth spending money on a quality tee as you’ll wear it forever. Then to ‘cool it up’ a statement blazer. A new blazer was my investment piece to last throughout pregnancy, opt for one that’s designed not to close at the front so it never looks too small. The tailoring pulls the look together so it works for day (with Converse) or evening (with a heel). This is a look that’ll last the whole 9 months and after…

Look 2

The layered look

The key to this look is to find the right pretty dress as the base: Not a fitted shift, but not a baggy tunic and definitely not a wrap dress (yet). Something floral and a bit hippy looks fresh. I’ve been wearing an old Isabel Marant Etoile one I’ve had forever! Wear with a V-neck knit (Uniqlo’s cashmere is perfect!) over the top and add a fitted jacket to sharpen up your silhouette. Add a pair of chunky heeled ankle boots and done. Cool, easy to wear, comfortable but still sharp.

Look 3

The bodycon skirt look

My new Séraphine stretchy bodycon skirt is my best maternity buy yet. Super comfy but still that little bit sexy. Try it on in a size smaller than you’d usually opt for so it really is bodycon and wear with maternity tights and boots now, then slip on sneakers or black sandals come summer. I’ve been wearing it with my new Peter Pilotto for Target printed sweatshirt which skims my tummy but doesn’t cling and makes enough of a statement for people not to notice my expanding waistline but when I get a bit bigger I’ll wear it with a more fitted Breton stripe tee.

CHECKLIST

Do invest in some trapeze style tops or vests, they look good worn loose over skinny jeans even if you’re not pregnant so they’ll see you through to the end.
Get yourself a couple of perfectly fitting pairs of maternity jeans.
Get obsessed with accessories (we’re looking at you scarves, statement necklaces and great hats) and red lipstick. They’ll become your saviours for making a simple outfit look that little bit cooler and adding a personal touch.
Stick to your style. If you’ve never worn a smock dress why start now when there are so many other great maternity looks available.
Cosy knitwear is always great! Layer it up.

Other Articles You May Like:

Pregnancy style Q&A with Elle Commissioning Editor Hannah Swerling
My Pregnancy Style – by PR Consultant and Fashion Writer Kerry Law
Dressing my bump – by Fabric Magazine Editor, Liz Skone James

Pregnancy Style Q&A with ELLE Commissioning Editor Hannah Swerling

Hannah Swerling is Commissioning Editor for ELLE Magazine. She lives in London with her husband Max and dog Blue and is expecting her first baby in March.

1. Describe your personal pregnancy style

My pregnancy style has been more casual than my regular style and not just for comfort. Pre-pregnancy, I wore a lot of high waisted skirts and trousers so it’s been an adjustment having to avoid that shape as my bump has grown. Otherwise, my staples – jeans, sweaters, leggings and simple dresses have seen me through.

#CoatGoals #balmainxhm (Styled by @Rebecca_ELLE ) https://t.co/XVcw5yBvlo pic.twitter.com/TYpezpOGWX

— Hannah Swerling (@HannahELLEUK) October 21, 2015

2. What is your fail-safe outfit?

Black skinny jeggings (I hate that word!), a breton top and Nike Waffles

3. What is your favourite Seraphine piece?

I’ve worn the black babydoll dress throughout my pregnancy. It’s grown with me and looks stylish even when I don’t quite feel that way. The silk skirt gives it a luxe feel and the empire line shape is flattering at all stages of pregnancy.

4. What is the one style tip you want to share with other pregnant women?

Try not to think of it as dressing as a pregnant person. It should be about sticking to your personal style with a few adjustments. That way, you can still feel like yourself which is so important when everything else seems to be changing.

Other Articles You May Like:

My pregnancy style, by PR Consultant and Fashion Writer Kelly Law
Dressing my bump – by Fabric Magazine Editor, Liz Skone James
Hello! Mag Editor Rosie Nixon’s video guide to maternity jeans

My pregnancy style by PR Consultant & Fashion Writer Kerry Law

Kerry is a PR consultant and owner of KL PR + Communications. She also writes about fashion and style for a number of clients including Fashion London magazine. She is expecting her first baby this April.

I’ve even surprised myself: it’s taken seven months of pregnancy for me to finally give in and shop for maternity clothes! My growing bump, coupled with constantly tugging at my slipping waistband and too-short tops, has made me realise it’s time to invest in some proper clothing for the remaining months of this pregnancy.

I’d always been a little reluctant to do this – the words ‘maternity wear’ filled my head with images of shapeless smock dresses and baggy jeans in apologetic colours. I also wasn’t thrilled with the idea of buying a whole wardrobe of outfits that would only be worn for a matter of months.

But after being introduced to some great brands through my work, including Seraphine, I’m actually excited by the prospect of refreshing my wardrobe while being able to stick to my own personal style. Here are my pregnancy style saviours…

Over-bump skinny jeans

A post shared by Seraphine Maternity (@seraphinematernity) on Feb 17, 2017 at 5:30am PST

In my non-pregnancy state, my style tends to gravitate towards skinny jeans, tucked-in tops and whip-thin belts. My bump has forced some reassessment of that silhouette – but, surprisingly, not as much as I imagined. My black Seraphine Maternity Treggings give a great skinny trouser look and, best of all, they are super comfy with their over-the-bump band, and I balance them out with more voluminous tops.

Stylish flats

A post shared by Seraphine Maternity (@seraphinematernity) on Mar 30, 2017 at 12:45pm PDT

I’m so glad that my favourite shoe type – the flat pump – is back in fashion this season. Heels can be a challenge at the best of times, and in pregnancy (when sometimes all you want is comfort) I’d rather avoid them (although my recent trip to the Brit Awards required a pair of heels, my legs did not thank me for it!). My favourite flats look sharp and were bought second hand, but the current trend means I’ll be able to pick up lots of styles on the high-street too.

Long-line tops

A post shared by Seraphine Maternity (@seraphinematernity) on Dec 12, 2016 at 4:47am PST

I’m no fan of a crop top so imagine my horror when almost all of my regular ‘to the hips’ tops and blouses began sitting just above my waistband… I’ve discovered the need for a suite of long-line tops and tunics to pair with my treggings and jeans so I’m extra pleased with my Seraphine Zip Detail Maternity Tunic which works perfectly with them. Another bonus is that the shoulder zips are perfect for breastfeeding – its dual purpose nature definitely appeals to my frugal side as I will be wearing it for several months post-birth.

Draping

A post shared by Seraphine Maternity (@seraphinematernity) on Dec 24, 2016 at 3:12am PST

Some people look great with a bodycon look during pregnancy (Seraphine fan Gwen Stefani certainly fits this camp) but I prefer a sharper look (skinny trousers, blazers) softened with draping. My floaty blouses are great at dressing my bump without being clingy or tent-like. I’ve also chosen Seraphine’s ruched maternity top to wear with blue jeans and am eyeing up all of the cowl neck tops and tunics (also great for wearing through the nursing phase).

Accessories

A post shared by Seraphine Maternity (@seraphinematernity) on Apr 27, 2017 at 4:31am PDT

This is one area that doesn’t depend on how big your bump is, so I can carry on reflecting my personal style through necklaces and scarves. I’m lucky in that one of my clients is stylist Jennifer Aston of leading image consultants Aston + Hayes – she recommends that pregnant women go by the mantra of ‘big is beautiful’ in their mid and latter trimesters and not to be afraid to go for it with bold prints and accessories. She also suggests the later weeks are the best time to pep up your complexion with extra colour around the face, so I’ll be hunting out a statement necklace in my current favourite colour of acid yellow – it is almost Spring after all!

Other Articles You May Like:

Dressing my bump – by Fabric Magazine editor Liz Skone James
Hello Mag editor Rosie Nixon’s video guide to maternity jeans
Pregnancy style Q&A with Sunday Times Mag Features Editor Laura Atkinson

Dressing my bump – by Fabric Magazine editor – Liz Skone James

Liz Skone James is the editor of luxury London property and lifestyle magazine, Fabric. She is expecting her first baby at the end of March this year.

Ironically, before it magically popped out overnight, I was longing for a bump – visible proof on the packed tube that I was deserving of a surrendered seat. Then it appeared, and brought with it all kinds of sartorial complications. Usually I jump at the excuse for a valid reason to hit the shops, but not when I know I will only be wearing the spoils for a few months, so I’ve tried to be clever with my purchases.

In a way, I’m lucky that my day-to-day work wardrobe consists largely of dresses; most will stretch (sometimes in an ungainly manner, admittedly) to accommodate my widening waistline. Some, like my Ingenue Liv dress in a graphic pink flower print, look positively made for maternity and have garnered more compliments avec bump than in the days of a flatter tum. There are other items that have proven equally adaptable, like my old but faithful MET jeans, which are so low cut that they still sit comfortably underneath baby SJ at 33 weeks and counting. And I can’t not mention my Marks and Sparks leggings – designed for normal folk, with their StayNEW technology (nope, me either) they’re perfect for preggies, too, with a magically expanding and supportive middle panel that sits over the bump most pleasingly.

Of course, I have bought new bits, but among the throwaway maternity fashions of the high street favourites, my best pieces have been from super stylish Séraphine. Sienna Miller recognised the sheer brilliance of the Black Knitted Cape and likewise, I am loving it (not least because, thrown on over my trusty leather biker jacket, it keeps me chic and cosy on a cold morning AND hides the fact that the zipper gave up on containing me some time hence). And I know that I’ll wear it even after baby has arrived, which is the beauty of so many clothes in this collection. Take the Maternity and Nursing Jumpers which will see me through to birth, and then potentially another year of feeding, and the Grey Nursing Shawl, the most sumptuous of scarves now, and a discreet cover up when breastfeeding. And try as I might I couldn’t wait to use my Tote Changing Bag. Serious arm candy, I don’t need a baby to sport this Séraphine classic – in fact, it’s the perfect size for my purse, keys, iPad, Gaviscon, maternity notes… How will I ever make room for nappies?

And if all else fails? Avert attention from the tum with perfect posture and a clear complexion. I can’t recommend Charlotte Colwell’s facials strongly enough, and a few sessions with Pilates pro Liza Cawthorn should help you to avoid the waddle and carry your girth with grace.

Good luck girls.

Other Articles You May Like:

Pregnancy style Q&A with Sunday Times features editor Laura Atkinson
Deputy showbiz editor Sarah Bull’s top 5 celebrity maternity styles
Seraphine founder Cecile talks business and lifestyle in the press this week

Pregnancy Style Q&A with Sunday Times Features Editor – Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is the Features Editor at The Sunday Times’ Style Magazine, having previously worked at Grazia Magazine. She lives in London with her fiance and two month old daughter Nancy. For more from Laura, you can follow her on twitter at @Lauratkinson

1) Describe your pregnancy style

Me, but with a (huge) bump! I decided from the start that I didn’t want to fall into the trap of dressing totally differently just because I was pregnant. It’s a challenge, but with careful shopping you can still keep your own style and identity.

2) What’s your favourite Seraphine piece?

I love Seraphine’s Black Knitted Mini Maternity Skirt– I wore it with an oversized denim chambray shirt and big black boots for a grungy look. Now I’m on the other side, so to speak, I’m obsessed with their nursing tops, particularly the bamboo vests that come in black or nude; they’re so comfortable and soft, and the longer length is really flattering.

3) What would be your go-to outfit?

When I was pregnant my favourite look was black skinny maternity jeans, an oversized shirt, heels and lots of jewellery.

4) Fitted or flowing for your bump?

In the earlier stages, fitted, then more flowing as I got bigger! If you’re doing the baggy look, I always made sure that some of my outfit was fitted (e.g. jeans, or a short skirt so you can see your legs) so I didn’t look like too much of a walking tent!

5) Do you have any top tips to share with other pregnant mums?

Experiment with makeup and jewellery rather than concentrating on clothing, especially in the later stages- I dyed my hair pink at one stage, always wore bright red lipstick and bought loads of great earrings.

Other Articles You May Like:

Pregnancy Style Q&A with Seraphine model – Zabeena
Pregnancy Style Q&A with Glamour Editor Natasha McNamara
Pregnancy made me more stylish – by Honest Mum

Deputy Showbiz Editor Sarah Bull’s top 5 celebrity maternity styles

Sarah Bull has been working as Deputy Showbiz Editor at the MailOnline for the past four years. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and is four and a half months pregnant with her first child.

As many women do, when I fell pregnant the first thing I did was to look to the celebrity world for some style inspiration. It can be difficult to find outfits which are flattering for a growing bump, but when stars fall pregnant, they very rarely seem to get it wrong when it comes to dressing for their shape.

Here, I run down my list of the top 5 most stylish pregnant celebrities of the moment.

Gwen Stefani

A post shared by Seraphine Maternity (@seraphinematernity) on Apr 6, 2017 at 12:28pm PDT

Bump or no bump, there are few women more fashionable than Gwen Stefani. Two sons down and another baby on the way, Gwen is the epitome of yummy mummy. And she doesn’t shy away from experimenting during her pregnancies either. From bold colours and eye-catching patterns, Gwen always manages to look both elegant and bang on trend in her maternity wear – with Seraphine as one of her favourite brands.

Get the look:

1) Seraphine Black Zip Detail Maternity Dress, £65

2) Seraphine Grey Double Zip Wool Maternity Coat, £71

Tamara Ecclestone

Like me, Tamara Ecclestone is still in the early stages of her pregnancy. But instead of highlighting her growing figure, the mum-to-be has been wearing billowing outfits which hide her blooming bump. If you feel more self-conscious about your changing shape, follow in Tamara’s footsteps and wear ensembles which are loose instead of fitted, and allow more room as your bump gets bigger.

Get the look:

1) Seraphine Black Wool & Cashmere Wrap Coat, £79

2) Seraphine White Long Sleeve Ruched Maternity Top, £29

3) Seraphine Black Straight Leg Over-bump Maternity Trousers, £39

Katie Piper

When it comes to standing out on the red carpet, few pregnant celebrities have mastered the art better than Katie Piper. As she attended the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year awards earlier this month, the stunning blonde opted for a loose-fitting silk shirt dress, which highlighted her neat little bump in the most fashion-forward way possible. Shirt dresses and patterned maternity tunics are the perfect choice for those mothers-to-be looking for an easy but glamorous outfit for a party.

Get the look:

1) Seraphine Gold and Black Silk Print Tunic, £59

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore has the art of casual pregnancy dressing down to a tee. As a mother of one already, she has been through it all before and knows what outfits are both comfortable and stylish. Denim is a frequent choice for Drew, who is often seen out in jeans and jumpers with her daughter Olive. If you are looking for outfits to mooch around the shops or for a casual ladies’ lunch, look no further than Drew for style inspiration.

Get the look:

1) Seraphine Brown Maternity & Nursing jumper, £49

2) Serapine Classic Wash Maternity Bootleg Jeans, £39

Michelle Heaton

She’s a regular on the red carpet, so has to ensure she has an abundance of suitable outfits to choose from. But even when Michelle Heaton is just out and about, she exudes a confidence and style that many pregnant women can but dream of. Another fan of bright colours, Michelle often chooses shades which will pop in front of the cameras – with red being a popular choice for the Liberty X singer.

Get the look:

1) Seraphine Claret Red Knot Front Maternity Dress, £49

2) Seraphine Cream Wool & Cashmere Maternity Wrap Cardigan, £79

Other Articles You May Like:

Gwen Stefani rocks a Seraphine maternity coat
Alesha Dixon gives birth to baby daughter Azura Sienna
Zara Philips wears a Seraphine maternity gown to the ball!

Pregnancy Style Q & A – with Seraphine Model, Zabeena

Zabeena is one of our stunning Seraphine mummy models – you may recognise her from pictures on our website or from our past catalogues. Zabeena first modelled for us during her first pregnancy with her now beautiful 3 ½ year old daughter, and she is now back and 6 months pregnant with baby number two!

A post shared by Seraphine Maternity (@seraphinematernity) on Nov 1, 2016 at 5:45am PDT

She recently visited us at our new Marylebone boutique to find the perfect maternity dress for a Christmas party (click here to watch the video). After her shopping trip, we caught up with her to find out how her pregnancy style has evolved the second time around, and to see if she had any tips to share with other expectant mums.

1) Describe your personal pregnancy style?

I like to keep my pregnancy style as similar to my normal (un-pregnant) style as possible. I like to feel cool, elegant and a little bit sexy, and I don’t see why that should change just because I’m pregnant.

Maybe I can’t get away with wearing heels as much as I’d like to, but there are some great flats out there, and being pregnant over winter is ideal for boots!

2) What is your fail safe maternity outfit?

skinny jeans and a shirt or blouse with a chunky necklace

A post shared by Seraphine Maternity (@seraphinematernity) on Nov 1, 2016 at 10:35am PDT

3) What is your favourite Seraphine piece?

It has to be my Seraphine skinny jeans! I have them in both grey and black.

I looked high and low for jeans that don’t look like maternity jeans, and these are incredible – no one can tell they are maternity. I even got away with wearing them after my daughter was born!

I was delighted to see they came in grey too, so this time I have another pair to play with. They are the perfect fit and length, great with flats, tucked into boots or to wear with heals, I love them.

4) Do you have any top tips to share with other pregnant mums?

Don’t be scared of sizes on labels – no one will see what size you’ve gone for and there’s nothing worse than wearing something that doesn’t quite fit in the right areas.

As our pregnant bodies change it’s all new to us, and different parts get bigger in different areas, so it’s always a good idea to have something maybe in that one size bigger which in turn makes you look slimmer and is far more flattering because it hangs nicely on you rather than clinging.

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My Pregnancy Style in Pictures – By Helen Canning

Helen Canning is mum to Coco Lily, 2 and since writing this post has given birth to a beautiful baby girl Mimi Rose (scroll to the bottom for a picture!) Helen draws on her styling background and personal experiences of pregnancy and motherhood to write the blog www.cocomamastyle.com packed with style inspiration for bump and beyond.

As I near the end of my pregnancy and start to think about the next wardrobe – oh, and living with a new born baby of course! – I’ve been taking a look back at some snaps from the past few months of what feels like the longest pregnancy ever!

I’ve worn some great pieces from Seraphine that have seen me stylishly through the summer and autumn and many will also last through the winter and beyond with their fab nursing features. So here’s a peek into my Seraphine pregnancy wardrobe and those all-important must-haves I couldn’t have lived without.

The Black Shift Maternity Dress

It’s date night and at 17 weeks I’m embracing the bump-hugging qualities of the classic Seraphine black shift dress and adding detail with the double wrap skinny belt under my bust.
It’s a relief to go from the feeling fat phase of the first trimester when you’re trying to hide any weight gain and the first signs of a bump, to the second trimester when you’re ready to share your news with the world and can finally embrace that growing tum.
The ruching on this LBD flatters your bump whatever size and the ¾ sleeve means you don’t have to be conscious of your upper arms, when it’s not just your waistline that’s expanding!

A Summer Maternity Tunic

I couldn’t have survived the many gloriously hot days this summer without my Seraphine printed tunic dress. It was light, airy and so flattering and I’ll definitely be bringing it out next summer too, fingers crossed for such great weather!

The Navy Knot Front Maternity Dress

The navy knot front dress has been an essential piece in my maternity wardrobe and is a real change from my usual, pre-pregnancy style which goes to show you shouldn’t be afraid to try something new when you’re expecting. And if it’s good enough for the Duchess of Cambridge…!
This classic dress is made in the softest jersey and drapes gently to flatter your figure, so the longer-sleeved version will certainly be finding its way into my nursing wardrobe for winter.

Over-Bump Skinny Maternity Jeans

As autumn set in, skinny jeans and layering naturally came in to play. I’ve always loved combining stripes with leopard print and these two pieces (striped side pleat top and scarf) tone well together for a relaxed day look. I’ve regularly teamed these with my skinny over-bump jeans which have just the right amount of stretch to fit perfectly without digging in to your bump – essential as you near the final weeks and crave comfort without sacrificing style.

ShoeTherapy Ballerina Pumps

Shoe Therapy pumps – quite simply heaven for my tired feet. Soft, supportive and of course, stylish I went for the versatile neutral snakeskin colour and best of all they fit throughout my pregnancy, even when the jeans and tops got a bit snug.
My feet will also thank these pretty pumps when I’m running around after two little ones once the second is born!

Grey Leopard Print Scarf

Another day and yet another outing for the grey leopard scarf – it really does go with everything! I lifted the neutral tones of this look with a cobalt blue necklace and my mini fashionista in the making (aged 2.5!) insisted I wear her bracelet too – I couldn’t say no to that little face!
This grey popper tunic has been a staple later in my pregnancy and will see me through to post-birth with its shoulder poppers making it perfect for feeding and the longer length hem will flatter my hips as they (hopefully!) ease back to where they once were. The popper design is such a great idea I’ll also be investing in the bamboo sweater version for winter.

So thank you, Seraphine for keeping me stylish through my pregnancy and beyond!

Here is Helen and her beautiful girls Coco Lily and baby Mimi Rose.

She looks every bit the proud new mummy in our Black Bamboo Lounge Pyjamas.

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Pregnancy style Q&A with Glamour editor Natasha McNamara

Natasha McNamara has been editor of Glamourmagazine.co.uk for five years, she lives in London with her partner and 2 daughters and is currently 7 months pregnant with her third child. For more from Natasha, you can find her tweeting at @Shadyalabama

Perfect maternity party dress from @SeraphineLtd. We planning to hang out a lot in December… pic.twitter.com/2ZulfptaqP

— Natasha McNamara (@shadyalabama) November 12, 2013

Glamour editor Natasha McNamara is one of the most fashion savvy women in journalism, and currently expecting her third child. We caught up with her last week to ask about her own personal pregnancy style, and to see if she had any tips to share about how to dress for a growing bump. Here’s what she had to say:

‘Seraphine has been a revelation for me recently. Well-made, classic and stylish pieces alongside – meaning I’ve actually had choice in what I wear over the last 9 months. Highly-recommended first stop after the positive pregnancy test!’

1. Describe your personal style?

I think the 90s had a big hand on turning around pregnancy do’s and don’ts for me – the pregnant Spice Girls and All Saints with their tight dresses and exposed midriffs opened the door somewhat for ‘normal’ dressing (although not sure exposed midriffs is normal for anyone). When I was pregnant with my first daughter in 2005/2006 I bought big baggy maternity jeans that I ADORED, however with baby number two it was all about the skinny jeans so the baggies had to go.

This time around I’m still loving the skinny but these soft denims with a gentle bootleg from Seraphine are a perfect compromise.

I’m a big fan of jeans, leather, t-shirts and sweaters so my maternity style now is almost the same as when I’m not pregnant. The only thing I have to sacrifice is my love of vintage dresses, but vintage boots, bags and jewellery are doing sterling work.

A post shared by Seraphine Maternity (@seraphinematernity) on Jun 9, 2017 at 4:42am PDT

2. What is your fail-safe outfit?

A leather skirt, t-shirt and Seraphine’s Black Knitted Maternity Cape. Stylish, warm and Sienna Miller wears one, so of course I feel instantly fabulous wearing it.

3. What is your favourite Seraphine piece?

This stunning Black Lace Seraphine Luxe dress which I wore to an event (the BSME awards) recently and felt sexy AND elegant for the first time in months.

4. What is the one style tip you want to share with other pregnant women?

Don’t sacrifice your personal style just because you’re dressing a bump but do invest in some key maternity pieces. Comfort is everything when every day feels like you are climbing a mountain. Good maternity jeans and a pretty dress for parties are a staple for me.

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Hello! Magazine and Glamour.co.uk editors sparkle in Seraphine
15% off maternity party wear for the festive season!
Dressing for your new pregnancy shape – by TV presenter Laura Hamilton