September, already!

Whether you’re packing little people off to a new term at school or just mourning the all-too-quick passing of your summer holiday, September is all about change, and that’s why I love it. I look forward to September 1st almost more than I look forward to the start of the summer holidays. I love the sudden change in the air, the way the mornings are still light but infused with a crisp hint of Autumn on its way, and, I admit, I love the excuse to buy new shoes and stationery. My school days might be well behind me but these days I live vicariously through my sons, and there’s nothing quite like that Back-to-School feeling for getting you energised and motivated. T0 me, September is as much a fresh start as New Year’s Day. More so, in fact, because it doesn’t come with the anti-climax of Dec 31st. And once you’re a grown up, it’s still a great excuse for a bit of Autumnal retail therapy.

If you’re with child, September can also mean an end to the awkwardness of dressing a baby bump for hot summer days. Hurrah! Summer can be tricky when it comes to maternity wear, but Autumn lends itself to lots of layering, which we reckon is key to making your maternity wardrobe work. And right on cue, Haute Mama’s new Autumn collection has just arrived.

We’re especially enamoured with this organic cotton zip-up top from the lovely label Childish. At €39 it’s available in three colours (elm green, mulberry wine or chocolate brown) and is the holy grail of maternity wear: utterly practical but eminently stylish.

Finding a jacket that works with a growing bump isn’t easy. Squeezing into non-maternity coats and jackets and leaving the buttons undone can make you feel a bit shabby but maternity options tend to look best in the last few weeks of pregnancy, and even then you run the risk of looking like a pea pod fit to burst. This little number solves that problem, offering a cosy extra layer with just enough stretch to ensure it will fit throughout your pregnancy, and a look that works both dressed up or down. Team it with jeans and baseball trainers for easy weekend chic, or wear it to zen out during yoga or Pilates. It’ll even invest your sofa-lounging with a hint of style. What’s more, you can embrace comfort and style all the way with a pair of trouser bottoms to match!

But if glamour’s more your bag, behold this pattern lantern-sleeve dress by Maternal America. We LOVE maternity wear that carries you effortlessly through from one trimester to the next despite the changing seasons, and at €59.00 it’s an affordable staple for any expectant Mom keen to cut a dash in the office. It’s perfect for this time of year too – team it with heels and bare legs while the weather’s still warm, and cosy it up with knee length boots and tights once the colder nights set it.

If you’re a Mad Men fan, check out this 50’s-style shift dress and prove the point that it’s possible to be sexy and pregnant at the same time. Fiona, the brains (and beauty) behind Haute Mama (and our very own maternity style expert) suggests slipping a polo neck underneath this once the weather gets nippy for a cute preppy look, and pairing it with a pretty caplet or cardigan in the meantime.

Sigh. Is it just us, or does maternity wear like this almost make you feel it’s worth having a baby for?!

Share This Post