I finally feel like summer is on the out and it is officially Autumn as of today. I’m still hoping for a few more sunny days but there is a definite change in the air which has got me pushing the shorts and sundresses to the back of the wardrobe and reaching for some cosy layers instead. I actually think Autumn fashion is one of my favourites. You don’t have to be cocooned in full on knits but you can add lots of lovely layers and textures to create what I like to think of as ‘mum-friendly’ outfits. Layers are also every pregnant and nursing ladies best friend!
This Autumn I am planning on buying only a few key pieces, honest, and I’m hoping to get outfits and things that go together rather than my usual hodge podge of things. I have a few things in my mind including some new jeans (still on the hunt for the elusive perfect pair), silk camis, chunky cardigans and some casual dresses. I’m predominantly a casual kind of girl but I figure if I go for a mix and match approach I can make things work for the school run and meetings.
If you want to see a few more Autumnal picks then we shared our favourites under £40 on Rock My Style last week and Charlotte is over there today with an excellent selection of coats. You’re welcome.
As I mentioned, one look I really want to channel this Autumn is that ‘I haven’t really tried but don’t I look super stylish’ layering of jeans, a silky cami and a big chunky cardigan. I obviously should be wearing heels with this look but lets be honest it will be my trusty Superga’s in reality. I spotted this cream ribbed cardigan in M&S and think it may fit the bill. If anyone has seen any other lovely cream chunky knits please do let me know.
To complete the look I would very much like a nice selection of the Missoma layered necklaces. Those of instagram fame but I fear they may have to go on my birthday, and christmas, and everything else list as you need quite a few to get the look. Anyway, I digress…
If you are expecting then I think this Breton sweatshirt would be perfect for lazy weekends or yet another shopping trip to look at prams!
A tea dress is still one wardrobe staple you can’t be without. A slightly smarter style can be dressed down with cute pumps and a jumper thrown on layer with a chunky cardigan and some tights and boots for a lovely Autumnal feel. This pretty painted meadow dress from Warehouse is very much on my wish list. Topshop have some fabulous maternity versions too and the rich reds of this one make it perfect for the cooler months. For a more casual style I am in love with this one from ASOS. It’s got a sweet ditsy print but a more relaxed cut. Plus buttons make it ideal if you are breastfeeding.
A little while back Charlotte raved about her favourite Topshop jersey blazer and it seemed you all loved it just as much. This soft chuck on blazer in dark blush could very much be my new favourite thing. Smart enough to make you feel like you’ve made an effort but still looks cute and casual with a pair of jeans and a cami for those many baby club outings. The benefits of blazers like this is that you can normally just size up whilst pregnant as the loose fit should work around your bump.
As I was strolling through H&M the other day (I actually escaped to the shops without kids!!) I saw these fabulous chunky knits and this pink one is divine. It looks a lot more expensive than the £17 price tag. Plus the loose styling makes it perfect for those first weeks after birth.
A shirt is a wardrobe staple and I find a looser fit one is more suited to my mum lifestyle than a tailored office one. Last winter RMS’s Lauren was rocking a lovely striped number from H&M and I’m glad to see they are back this year. Pop a jumper over the top for an effortless layered look. If you want to get more use out of them wear open with a maternity vest underneath whilst pregnant and shirts are ideal for breastfeeding too.
For a different take on the shirt opt for one with pretty embroidery. There is so much about at the moment and this maternity forest floral embroidered shirt from Topshop is super pretty.
Black and white check seems to be everywhere this Autumn and a shirt dress is a great casual option to team with trainers or boots in the Autumn. This M&S one also comes in a red design if you are thinking a little more (dare I say it) festive.
As a bit of change from jeans I’m often tempted by some nice cords and this Native Youth pair are all the comfy. The soft grey colour is rather lovely too.
Finally, you know when the Hush catalogue arrives through your door and you want to look exactly like the models. That. The clothes are bang on for me in terms of stylish casual wear, all slouchy and cosy. This super comfy loose fit jersey dress is in the loveliest forest green and it would be perfect with tights and flat ankle boots. To be honest I reckon you could easily fit a bump in there making it perfect for pregnancy and beyond.
Has anyone else spotted any nice Autumn buys or what key pieces are you planning on buying this year?
Great selection. Does anyone have any recommendations as to which coats might work for pregnancy?
I think perhaps we need a whole coat post! Do check out Charlotte’s selection over on RMS today as some are looser fit so may still work. This parka is rather lovely if you are looking for a casual coat – http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0503649001.html x
Hi – I love the tea dresses you selected but they’re all too short for me off duty and for work. Have you any favourites like them at midi-length? Thanks!
Morning. I too struggle with dress shortness issues due to my height and majority I can’t even face wearing for risk of indecency. Even the Topshop tall range is too short. However, come the Autumn I don’t mind the shortness once I add some tights. I do get a lot of midi dresses though as they tend to be more knee length and this one is nice, http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/dresses-442/floral-print-midi-shift-dress-6902410?bi=80&ps=20, or Zara has a lot in at the moment. I also rate M&S clothes as they fit my height so well and are not too short. This star print dress is gorgeous. http://www.marksandspencer.com/printed-tie-side-flared-sleeve-midi-dress/p/p60132824?image=SD_01_T42_5536L_C7_X_EC_90&color=GOLDENGLAZE&prevPage=plp x
I have the same problem exactly – and I’m only 5 10 and yes indecency is a risk! Thanks v much for the suggestions!
Needing some maternity stapes for a petite mama who grows a big bump! Really struggling to find anything that doesn’t drown me! Everything is either too long so vests become dresses or contains wool which makes me itch! I just want a cotton fitted jumper that doesn’t come to my knees and isn’t striped, as they make me look like a 10 foot wide fat hobbit! Anyone know any alternative retailers other than the main highsheet chains that stock maternity while might have something?
Oh no, hopefully we can find something for you. I only really shopped on the high street but have you tried seraphine or Isabella Oliver? Might be a touch pricier but you could just get a couple of mix and match pieces x
How far along are you? I am tiny – 5″1 – and was all bump. I wore a lot sized up Primark stuff for a while. I got some good Gap stuff, H&M maternity came up pretty small. Dorothy Perkins had some good things, as did ASOS. Occasionally you can even find the holy grail – ASOS Petite Maternity!
21 weeks. I’ve ordered a second lot from H&M to try out. I’m struggling the most with jeans as no one seems to stock petite leg length with an over the bump panel that doesn’t come up to my armpits! Got some gap side panel jeans from last time which I got in the sale and as girlfriend style can get away with no needing them turned up but they are so thick and warm I can’t wait to get out of them at the end of the day!
There is a real market gap for nice, sensibley priced petite maternity wear!
These articles are RIDICULOUS. I need to stop reading them! Every time you do another fashion feature I find I need ALL THE CLOTHES and out comes my credit card again… today’s is no exception… RMF / RMS you will bankrupt me finding all these pretty clothes.
What I actually need though is an article on where to find good basics – I need a plain black skirt for work to team with pretty blouses, some pretty work tops, those silk camis you mention ^. Reckon you can hook me up?!
Apologies! We honestly don’t mean to make you spend ALL the money. I’m just as bad, I need everything. Honestly! I’ll get the RMS girls on the case with some basics, excellent idea xx
Ok PLEASE tell me where that grey jumper is from in the first picture?!!!!!!!! About to stock up on the cosy roomy jumpers to hide the enormous bump that is growing already, The White Company are usually pretty good for that but sadly this year the options are very limited.
I know Annie, it’s so good. It’s just a Pinterest number but I’m desperate for one too. I’m planning on checking out the &other stories one that lauren buys as I think it may be similar. And a fab price too http://www.stories.com/gb/Ready-to-wear/Knitwear/Knit_Sweater/582940-0322612012.2?utm_source=QFGLnEolOWg&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=1&utm_content=15&utm_term=461257&ranMID=41994&ranEAID=QFGLnEolOWg&ranSiteID=QFGLnEolOWg-c7mJjZ0fVx3LtdQiWhWVSQ xx
Thanks Lottie – I love the look of those but with a bump sadly don’t think I will get enough wear at the moment. Saving them for afterwards though!! Darn Pinterest and its temptations 🙂
I never usually buy H&M stuff but headed straight there when I needed some preggo stuff this time round.
Really rate their over bump jeans (if a tad long for me) and have seen a lovely grey knit that I’ve got my eye on…..
I too rated H&M for maternity, they always had some nice pieces. I got a few of their trousers and agree they were great xx