The summer is around the corner, and for the UK it promises to be a very busy one, as up to two million extra visitors are expected into the country on the back of the Olympics and cultural celebrations surrounding a special year for the UK.
If you are a pregnant woman amidst all of this action, the whirligig of visitors, events and changing prices can be both bewildering and distracting. With the towns and cities looking to be very full, then, it’s an ideal time to make a beeline for the cyber high street, and indulge in some online clothes shopping for your maternity wear and necessary preparations for your soon-to-arrive newborn child.
We’ve picked out three of the key maternity wear looks for the summer, in partnership with Next, one of the high street’s most-loved retailers; both a British favorite and a mainstay of quality and care.
1. Color blocking
A huge trend from late 2011, color blocking remains big news in maternity wear and is particularly flattering for women in their second and third trimesters. This lovely indigo and black colour block tunic is ideal for women looking for a breathable cover-up during the busy and sticky summer months. The length of the tunic allows it to cover any less-than-lovely elasticated waistbands or added supports underneath, making it excellent occasion wear too.
2. Bright stripes and straps
Summer is something to celebrate – and so is expecting a child! This is our favorite of the summer’s trends, as it’s bright and sunny, but easy to wear and ideal for fitting around your changing shape and lifestyle. The stripey and strappy summer dress in candy brights is a case in point: 100% viscose for an easy stretch, it’s got a small tether just under the bust which leaves your torso free and easy, but gives your breasts a little secret support.
3. Animal print
Another trend that’s big across the high street, animal print works really well for maternity clothes, as it combines jazzy, lively prints with a fairly uniform distribution and shape. This means it’ll complement and smooth your bump without making it the center of attention – or pretending it isn’t there. Lovely as a fabric for tea dresses or a longer summer dress.