Category: Guest Contributors

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

Shop Maternity Blazers

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

Shop Maternity Dresses

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

Shop Maternity Skirts

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.

 

 

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.

Hannah Swerling wears a Seraphine black maternity dress 

   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

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

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

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

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

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.

 

Knitted Maternity Cape

 

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.

 

Shop Maternity Styles at Seraphine

 

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.

Black Knitted Maternity Skirt

 

                                                             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

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!

 

 

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

 


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.

 

Articles You May Also Like:

The Seraphine guide to surviving the January sales
My pregnancy style in pictures – by Helen Canning
Seraphine’s top 5 tips for simple and stylish breastfeeding

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

Black Shift Maternity DressIt’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

Maternity Tunics

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

Blue 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

Over Bump Maternity Skinny 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

Snakeskin 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

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.

Black Bamboo Lounge Pyjamas

 

Articles You May Also Like:

5 ways to wear your maternity LBD – by Helen Canning
My pregnancy travel must-haves – by Tatler’s Mariella Tandy
The rise and rise of mummy bloggers – how you can join in

 

 

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

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.

 

 

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.

 

Other Articles You May Like:

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

Dressing for your New Pregnancy Shape – by TV Presenter Laura Hamilton

Hi, I am Laura Hamilton.

Some of you might remember me from the 2011 series  of ‘Dancing on Ice‘ when I was crowned runner up.  I currently present ‘A Place in the Sun‘ for Channel 4, ‘Fort Boyard‘ for ITV and I have a new show airing on Channel 4 from the 4th November called ‘Beat my Build‘.  My biggest production to date however is my first baby, which is due early November!

Throughout my pregnancy I have been filming both in the UK and abroad and I have also been attending lots of red carpet events.  The hardest thing of all was keeping my pregnancy a secret for four and a half months until it was exclusively announced in Hello! Magazine.

 

 

I had to ensure I dressed in the right way to cover my growing belly, and it was important for me to look glam rather than frumpy! I’ve learnt (through working with a stylist) that whether you are pregnant or not, dressing for your shape is key.

When you are pregnant your ‘new waist’ (the smallest part of you) is underneath the bust so wearing a belt or a dress that draws attention to this area really helps.

Seraphine have some beautiful belts and some fantastic dresses in their Luxe collection that do just this and they are perfect for any parties or special occasions when you want to glam up.  My favourite is the maternity cocktail dress in black lace.

As my bump has grown, I have been keen to show it off. Over the Summer I wore a lot of fitted maxi dresses.  A lot of people will say they feel more confident about their body when they are pregnant and they embrace their changing shape.  I would definitely say I have embraced it and I have tried to maintain a style that is elegant and classy. Just because you are pregnant it doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish.  Gone are the days of wearing smock dresses!

 


As Winter approaches, I’m loving the layering look and wearing cosy knits.   Knits look fab over skinny jeans and the good thing is you can still wear these kind of clothes after you have given birth and gradually get your pre-pregnancy shape back.

My maternity skinny jeans are probably currently one of my favourite pieces in my ‘new’ wardrobe. I would say they are a maternity wardrobe must have!  Skinny jeans can be ‘dressed up’ with a glam top or cardigan, or ‘dressed down’ with a gorgeous knit and yet you can maintain that stylish look.  Accessories are key too when it come to dressing up an outfit.  I love wearing a statement necklace or a bold and bright coloured lipstick, both of which are perfect for adding that extra touch of glamour.

Being pregnant is such an incredible experience and discovering a brand like Seraphine just makes it even more enjoyable.  If you are an expectant mother I wish you all the best, and hope you enjoy the journey.

 

 

Articles You May Also Like:

TV  presenter Laura Hamilton loves our maternity cape
Seraphine’s video guide to nursing clothes with Jocette and baby Roxette
Prince George’s Christening has us thinking maternity occasion wear

5 top tips for post-pregnancy style – by Personal Stylist, Daniella Marks

Daniella Marks is a freelance Personal Stylist with over ten years experience in the industry. In 2012 she founded a bespoke personal styling service and recently launched a Yummy Mummy Styling Experience. For further details visit her site: www.daniellamarks.com

With the arrival of your precious newborn baby, making time for yourself and your appearance often becomes a thing of the past. Having spent the last nine months coping with the challenge of your growing bump and experimenting with different maternity styles, the greatest challenge lies ahead: how to maintain a fashionable yet practical post-baby look whilst juggling the demands of motherhood.

 

Here are my 5 top tips for post-pregnancy fashion survival this winter:

 

1. Organise a Colourful Capsule Wardrobe

When time is of the essence it is important to have a capsule wardrobe of trusted outfits at the ready. Cupboards full to bursting point will only leave you feeling overwhelmed and spoilt for choice. Before the baby arrives, arrange a wardrobe detox so that you are left with an edit of essential pieces which fit perfectly, ready for your new lifestyle, saving you time and effort when choosing what to wear each day. Make sure there is plenty of colour in your wardrobe too;  it not only adds warmth to your complexion but cleverly disguises fatigue!

 

2. Understand Your New Shape

Heading somewhere sunny for the #Easter break? ☀️ Make sure you’ve packed the perfect styles #SeraphineMaternity

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Don’t panic if existing clothes no longer fit or flatter in the same way, even if you snap back to your former dress size. Pregnancy and breast-feeding can result in a change to your body’s proportions. It is important to understand your current body shape and experiment with different cuts and styles so that your clothes are comfortable, well fitting and complementary to your figure.

 

3.Use Clever Tailoring for Definition

When you feel ready to make the transition from maternity clothes to general wear, steer away from loose, unstructured shapes and opt for more close-fitting styles that allow you to show off your figure. Tailored pieces will help to highlight your shape, define your waist and offer good support where needed.

 


4. A Luxe Layered up Look is Perfect for Winter

Layering is the key to keeping warm this winter and offers a practical styling solution for looking chic and being prepared in this unpredictable climate! Make sure to choose layers which flatter your post-pregnancy shape instead of masking it; structured fabrics are best at framing the figure and creating a smooth silhouette. Seraphine’s clever Coatigan design is the perfect example of a versatile piece that can be easily layered and worn multiple ways throughout the autumn/winter season.

 


5. Accessorise Accessorise Accessorise!

If you are depriving yourself of new clothes until you reach your ideal post-baby shape then invest in key accessories to uplift your existing wardrobe and help you to stay on trend for the new season. Seraphine’s animal print scarf, which also doubles as a breastfeeding shawl, is the ideal accessory for injecting some fun into your outfits and the busy print helps to draw the eye away from any problem areas you may be conscious of. When the time comes to invest in a new wardrobe, these accessories can be carried forward and re-styled to complement your new look.

 

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7 WINTER MATERNITY WONDERS by Rosie Nixon, Editor of HELLO!

Rosie Nixon has been joint Editor of HELLO! magazine for the last three years, having previously held senior roles at women’s glossies Grazia, Glamour and Red.

She relishes the busy hands-on role of Editor with a love of all things celebrity, royal and fashion related and can regularly be found dashing from office to glamorous event – putting on her heels in the back of a car!

Rosie lives in Clapham with her husband and their elusive cat Archie and is currently expecting her first child.

First trimester down. I’m now half way through my second and this is where things start to get a little…bumpy, when it comes to dressing for my new shape. My favourite Hudson jeans no longer fit, the nights are drawing in, I want to eat everything in sight ­– yet I don’t want to look like I’ve lost all sense of my former fashion-friendly self.

Halle Berry in Silk Printed Maxi DressWasn’t it so much easier to be pregnant and stylish in the summer? We always want the season we can’t have. Halle Berry would have been my summer pregnancy muse back then. With her cool maxi dresses, she only needed a gold sandal, cluster of bangles and a big smile and she was topping best-dressed lists the world over.

It’s not so simple when you live in Britain, the rain is lashing down and your hair’s been blown about so badly on the way to work you’ve arrived at the office looking like Worzel Gummidge, but with a bigger belly. Yes, looking effortless with the elements against you can feel like an art form and in my job – like yours – hibernation is not an option. So what to do?

To handle the challenges of a winter maternity wardrobe without layering myself up to the size of a sumo wrestler, I decided to pay extra attention to the dressing habits of the expectant stars we have featured in HELLO!, to come up with my list of the 7 winter wonders for pregnancy style. I hope it helps you too…

 

 

1. Invest in a fitted three-quarter length coat:

When in doubt, look back at the pregnancy wardrobe of the Duchess of Cambridge, who so neatly seemed to handle the transition of wash-board stomach to growing bump with the help of one key essential – the three-quarter-length dress coat. I adored Kate’s Mulberry mint tweed coat and she repeated this style endlessly throughout the latter stages of her pregnancy. The high street is full of coats in this length right now and pastel shades like baby pink are particularly on trend as are check designs – so don’t be tempted to plump for a baggy tent to cover yourself up, stick to clean lines and a fitted shape. Wear with maternity jeans or over a jersey dress and you’ll be snug and stylish wherever you go.

Shop her style: Seraphine Houndstooth Wool Coat £115

 

Stripes2. Embrace the bump:

Model mums-to-be may be able to carry off a structure-free silhouette, but for most of us, it is deeply unflattering, so instead of trying to disguise the fact you’re carrying around a precious mini-me under your jumper – make like Claudia Schiffer and let the bump do the talking. This photo of Claudia is from a few years ago, but I think her look is completely timeless – stripes perennially work, and they don’t have to mean unflattering.

Shop her style: Seraphine Blue & Black Striped Cowl Neck Tunic £49.00

 

3. Remember the power of a great LBD: 

Kim Kardashian found herself in the spotlight for the amount of weight she put on during her pregnancy, but the moments she pulled off a good maternity look, were the times she remembered that less is more. Even though I’ll be twice the size I was last year, the clingy Little Black Dress will still be my best friend for the festive party season. Add a bit of Kim-style bling and you’re ready to rock around the tree (only maybe not quite as vigorously as you might have done last year).

Shop her style: Seraphine Maternity Cocktail Dress – Black Lace £159.00 or Black Long Sleeve Bodycon Maternity Dress £55.00

 

Maternity Winter Florals4. Don’t shy away from prints:

Winter florals are a huge trend for autumn/winter and an elegant statement print dress  – either long for the evening or short for day – will help break you away from wearing black all of the time. If you’re less into flower power, leopard print is a major trend once again, so have a play with prints to add some variety to your winter wardrobe. Who wants a bland bump? Not me.

Shop her style: Silk Printed Maxi Dress £125.00 or Pure Silk Watercolour Print Evening Gown £119.00, wear with Black Angora Bolero £59.00

5. Be a trailblazer:

If you do have a favourite summer frock, there’s no reason it can’t work during some of the milder winter weeks if you team it with a blazer to perfectly fit your bump. Invest in the right one and it will create a really flattering shape, whilst sharpening up a look, as the Duchess of Cambridge proved with her polka dot Topshop dress and black Ralph Lauren blazer combo. Team your blazer with jeans and maternity trousers, as well as your favourite maternity dresses.

Shop her style: Seraphine Cropped Peplum Jacket – Black  £85.00  wear with Seraphine Polka Dot Mock Wrap Maternity Dress £55.00

 

Stick to Your Style6. Stick to your signature look:

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen effortlessly nailed this paired down look with her black jeans, leather jacket and flat boots. Invest in at least one pair of good quality, stretchy maternity jeans, a comfortable vest top – GAP have a great range – and wear with your favourite open jacket, statement scarf and boots, for a look that will never fail on off-duty days, whilst still reflecting your personal style.

Shop her style: Black Maternity Skinny Jeans £49.00, Leopard Print Scarf £29.00

 

Maternity Leggings7. Leg it:

I am a big fan of Fearne Cotton’s eclectic style and thought she looked cool throughout her pregnancy – with special marks for never being one to sacrifice comfort over looking great.
This look emphasizes the point that a pair of snug, black maternity leggings could be your most versatile piece for the winter months because they create such a sleek look, whilst being super cosy.
I love the faux leather trim maternity leggings from H&M, as well as the many classic styles on offer from Seraphine.
Wear under smocks and dresses and add a pop of colour on your feet, a la Fearne.

Shop her style: Seraphine Seamless Maternity Leggings £14.40 and Blossom Printed Dress £55.00

 


Other Articles You May like:
Our top 3 Autumn fashion trends for pregnancy
High flying career women in Seraphine maternity styles
The kids are back at school – time for some new maternity work wear

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