Introducing: the perfect maternity capsule wardrobe according to a sustainably-minded shopping editor

First thing’s first, I have to highlight For the Creators - a genius platform which allows you to rent up to 6 items of maternity clothing a month. It’s a great way to try out maternity brands and styles without committing to the full price of each item, and if you’re not planning on being pregnant again, it’s a great way to prevent waste. There are brilliant brands to choose from - both maternity and non-maternity - so I’d highly recommend having a browse through the website. Utilise it to pick up the products you won't be able to shop from your pre-pregnancy wardrobe, like jeans, jumpsuits and leggings, and even special occasion pieces like this Whistles bandeau dress.

A pair of linen trousers are an absolute summer staple. These ones from H&M's Before & After range fit comfortably under the bump and can be worn postpartum too. I'd highly recommend checking out the brand's under-bump denim pieces too.

An oversized shirt is just as much of a classic capsule wardrobe piece, and can be layered up over pretty much anything. Whether you go for a statement pink, classic striped blue or white, size up for a piece you can layer over fitted maxi dresses, jumpsuits and more.

I've been living in oversized jumpsuits lately - they're incredibly comfortable and surprisingly easy to style. This Beyond Nine one is designed (like the brand's entire range) to be worn during pregnancy and beyond.

Leggings are a staple in any maternity wardrobe, and one of the pieces you won't be able to get away with simply sizing up on. I own these seamless ones from Seraphine myself, and they fit beautifully on both my legs and bump. I guarantee that whether you’re wearing them for a pregnancy Pilates class or layered with an oversized tee and trench coat while out and about, they’ll be the comfiest things you’ve ever put on.

I’ve been wearing a shirred waist linen skirt similar to this at least once a week (if not more) since my bump popped. The low, super stretchy waist detail isn’t just incredibly on trend right now, it also accommodates a bump easily. It’s super easy to style and never fails to get me compliments. Pair with a ribbed neutral vest for a bump-friendly look that feels very on trend for summer.

Sure, you can get maternity vests with ruching on the side, but I’ve found that a longline vest with a really good stretch will do the same thing - and work for your future capsule wardrobe too! I own this H&M vest myself in grey and cream. I'd recommend get this style in a few neutral shades - white, black and grey is a good place to start - to pair with pretty much anything in this list.

I own a few pieces from Pink City Prints, and every single dress has remained flattering throughout my pregnancy - with pockets to boot. I’m a huge fan of this one with a flowy shape - ideal for hot summer days when you just want to throw something on and still look put-together.

This fitted (yet stretchy) style accommodates for a bump now, and can be worn post-maternity too. 4th & Reckless has some stunning maternity-friendly dresses, from crochet maxis to drop waist styles, if I absolutely had to pick a favourite, it would be this one-shoulder one.

Similar to the maxi skirt above, a shirred-waist dress will be your best friend right now thanks to the stretchy waist that’s both flattering and comfy on the bump. Oh, and don’t forget to take a look in your wardrobe to see which dresses will accommodate your growing body - you’d be surprised at how many you can take into your third trimester!

I have my eye on this Hunza G swimsuit. It comes in one size which stretches to accommodate different dress sizes - or a growing bump. It also doubles as a chic body to be worn under linen trousers and skirts.

Denim is another category where you’ll probably have to go with a maternity-specific style. The rigid nature of denim simply doesn’t allow room for a growing bump - size up and you’ll end up with a saggy bottom and waistband that’s still probably too tight. I won’t lie, I’m not a fan of the straight leg or skinny jeans style - and most maternity jeans tend to come in these fits, so I'm planning on picking up this wide-leg style from Jojo Maman Bebe.

This seamless bodysuit has been on a wash-wear-repeat cycle since I first got it. It pairs perfectly with an oversized shirt for a heatwave-friendly outfit, and the incredibly stretchy material doesn't dig into my thighs like cycle shorts can tend to do.

Getting your bra refitted during pregnancy is somewhat essential - trust me, you will go up at least a size. Bravissimo has some beautiful (and super comfy) bras, and they're tailored for bigger busts. How perfect. I have the Nova lounge model in nude and it's the comfiest supportive bra I have ever worn.

Investing in a good nursing bra early on is always a good idea - not only are they supportive and comfortable, but you can get used to the mechanism before your little one comes along. Pour Moi has some of the chicest options on the market, including this polka dot number.

When it comes to underwear, Skims is a great option. Our fashion editor Penny is a huge fan of Skims underwear for wearing during pregnancy thanks to their incredibly stretchy and comfy fit. I have to give a shout out to the brand’s maxi dresses too - they're super stretchy so will grow with you, and you can layer them with an oversized shirt, flip flops and a woven bag for a chic yet comfy maternity outfit.