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