When you're expecting a baby, there is so much to think about – not least your wardrobe for the next nine months. As your figure changes, so must your fashion choices, but there's no need to start living in baggy track pants and shapeless jumpers just yet. Stocking up on a selection of clothes to grow into gracefully will make your temporary figure easier to live with – choose wisely and your post-pregnancy wardrobe will bloom too.
Here are ten wardrobe must-haves that flatter your changing figure and bridge the gap between regular clothes and late-pregnancy wear.
- Isabella Oliver tunic<p> The first classic purchase for an expectant mum who loves clothes – and recognises the need for comfort during pregnancy – is a tunic. Thankfully, tunics are hot across the board right now, and this <a href="http://www.isabellaoliver.com/womens-clothes/uk" target="_blank">Isabella Oliver</a> pocket tunic can be worn over tights in early pregnancy and with maternity jeans later on. It even has celebrity endorsement in the form of Gossip Girl’s Kelly Rutherford.<br /> £125<br /> Sizes 4-6 – 16-18</p>
- Monsoon kaftan<p> A touch of bo-ho glamour never goes amiss when you’re dealing with a changing figure. <a href="http://www.monsoon.co.uk/" target="_blank">Monsoon’s</a> marlin print kaftan is 100% silk, so it feels amazing. Thanks to the shape and side splits it will see you through the first few months of pregnancy – and should flatter you straight after your baby is born.<br /> £55<br /> Sizes small/medium – medium/large</p>
- Evans tunic<p> Another great tunic to grow into can be found at <a href="http://www.evans.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=12553&catalogId=33054">Evans</a>. The Lovedrobe embellished tunic is glam enough for eveningwear and can be dressed down with a black cropped cardi and comfy boots during the day.<br /> £36<br /> Sizes 16/18 – 24/26</p>
- Topshop teddy tunic<p> Jumper dresses are in fashion at the moment, and a maternity version is ideal for a changing figure. <a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=12556&catalogId=33057" target="_blank">Topshop’s</a> maternity teddy tunic will flatter your bump, particularly in the middle of the pregnancy when you’ll be blooming, and it’s also soft and cuddly – great for snuggly winter nights in with your partner or close friends.<br /> £35<br /> Sizes 8 to 16</p>
- Very oversized drape wrap<p> A waterfall or drape wrap cardigan is a staple during pregnancy, and the adjustable fit works well for after you’ve had your baby too. In a lush shade of plum, Denise Van Outen’s oversize drape wrap at <a href="http://www.very.co.uk/" target="_blank">very.co.uk</a> is great for layering, which you’ll be doing lots of as the pregnancy progresses.<br /> £25<br /> Sizes S - L</p>
- Simply Be combat trousers<p> Combat trousers are another must-have during pregnancy and as soon as your bump begins to emerge, you’ll appreciate a maternity fit that will grow with you. <a href="http://www.simplybe.co.uk/shop/?">Simply Be</a> do a pair of combat trousers with a stretch, ribbed jersey panel at the front for a particularly comfortable fit.<br /> £36<br /> Sizes 14 – 16</p>
- ASOS shirt<p> Another flexible piece that works as a dress over tights, or as a shirt over jeans, is the khaki check shirt tunic by <a href="http://www.asos.com/?r=2" target="_blank">ASOS </a>Nail two seasonal trends by matching it with wedge shearling boots and dark grey tights.<br /> £32<br /> Sizes 8 - 16</p>
- Matalan haren trousers<p> Right on trend, harem trousers are the epitome of comfort and the cut copes well with your changing shape. The maternity harems at Matalan are not only fashionable; they’re also a bargain at £14. But be warned – you may want to live in them for the foreseeable future.<br /> £14<br /> Sizes 8 - 20</p>
