Zara Does Maternity And We've Been None The Wiser

published 2 July 2019

Ever since I found out I was pregnant, I have dreaded the idea of shopping for my new body shape. It took me years to pin down the exact cuts and styles that suit my hourglass figure. So the prospect of dressing a totally different shape was a little daunting.

I decided to shop as I normally would, but buy items in two or three sizes bigger. Not only would this mean that I was still able to go into all of my favourite high street stores, but it meant that I wasn't buying a whole new wardrobe that in 4/5 months time I wouldn't have a need for anymore. Luckily, I am already quite partial to the oversized and baggy look. It seemed to me to be the most logical and sustainable way to shop.

So imagine my pure joy when I discovered that there is a somewhat 'secret' section of the Zara website dedicated to mums-to-be. 'Mum' can be found under the 'Cornershops' tab, and whilst not strictly maternity wear it's a brilliant edit of pieces from the full collection that work with a pregnant body shape, modelled on women with bumps.

I managed to get my hands on a few pieces, including that Zara dress, and I have to say it gave me so much more confidence about dressing my new body, because I didn't feel like I was having to compromise on style.

Oversized blouse:

Zara Oversized Linen Blouse, £25.99

This blouse was a dream to wear. Because it's oversized it was loose, so didn't hug my tummy or make me feel restricted. I know I'll get a lot of wear out of it over the summer months.

Buy Now

Jumpsuit:

Shop similar: Zara Textured Knotted Jumpsuit, £29.99

I have seen so many cool yummy mummies in these oversized jumpsuits and now I'm pregnant I can totally understand why. They aren't as stiff as denim dungarees, the loose linen sits just right over a bump and is super light and airy.

Buy Now

Floaty dress:

Shop similar: Zara Polka Dot Dress, £29.99

Who said that you couldn't look chic at a wedding or formal event when you're pregnant?! Not Zara. Their stunning strappy dresses, like the above, are tighter on the bust and loose over the middle so that you're still able to showcase a silhouette.

Buy Now

The best bit?

There's no need to compromise on style.

Katie Thomas is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire UK. With over 10 years of experience on women's luxury lifestyle titles, she covers everything from the best beauty looks from the red carpet and stand out trends from the catwalk, to colonic irrigation and to the best mascaras on the market. She started her career on fashion desks across the industry - from The Telegraph to Brides - but found her calling in the Tatler beauty department. From there she moved to Instyle, before joining the Marie Claire digital team in 2018. She’s made it her own personal mission to find the best concealer in the world to cover her tenacious dark circles. She’s obsessed with skincare that makes her skin bouncy and glowy, low-maintenance hair that doesn’t require brushing and a cracking good manicure. Oh and she wears more jewellery than the Queen.