Before my pregnancy, I assumed I would have to buy lots of new maternity clothes — but in fact, I quickly realised I could continue wearing most of my normal clothes for the majority of my pregnancy. Staples such as suede jackets, white shirts, and cashmere jumpers (provided they weren’t fitted) could easily be layered over some newer, stretchier pieces I purchased — most of which came from Zara.
Having spent my whole working life in fashion, being able to memorise the in-store layout of most brands on the High Street comes with the territory, which also meant I was familiar with the maternity sections of most stores long before I was pregnant. The one thing that always surprised me was the number of stripy Breton tops filling the rails amidst other uninspiring pieces. I never once wore a Breton top while pregnant and would discourage anyone else from doing so — unless, of course, you loved Bretons pre-pregnancy. The idea that wearing horizontal stripes is encouraged when your bust and waist are expanding rapidly, in my opinion, goes against everything I’ve learned about what flatters my own body shape.
