Help! Am in the 'just fat' stage of pg. What can I wear?!

[littlelamb]

I'm now 12 weeks and realised yesterday that I just look fat. Have definately expanded around the middle, but not in a pregnant way, more in a too many pies way. What can I wear to see me through to the stage when I actually look pregnant!? I need something for work (in a legal practice, so quite smart) and for casual (maybe some long tops so I can leave my jeans undone ) By layering and covering up do I risk making the situation look worse? Or should I just bite the bullet and get some maternity stuff?

I'm not pregnant but I bought a great fine wool (suit material) tunic top in Jigsaw about 3 weeks ago that comes in beige or black and that would conceal any tummy / big middle and looks very smart - you could wear it with slim fit black trousers and a black polo neck (also in Jigsaw) for work.

Congrats littlelamb.

How about a couple of pairs of leggings and smock tops? Loads around, will be comfy - and everyone looks pg in them so you won't stand out! Smart wise I'd buy a jacket in a size bigger than normal and wear with stretchy trousers.

How about those smock/empire line type tops?

get a couple of smart well cut black/grey maternity trousers.

keep tops simple with nice neckline to draw attention to your growing assets

invest in a couple of nice necklaces/pendants on chain to change focal point.

I dunno. Am relectant to wear leggings, although right now they are v appealing. My legs are not great at the best of times, but now they have most definately seen better days. But, I suppose I could tuck them into my boots? Have never been able to fit my jeans in there!

congratulations!!!!

leggings in a legal practice?

Ooo I like the accessories suggestion Slim. I like to make my own so will pop down to the craft shop today and have amosey (maybe with a stop into Monsoon on the way to get some ahem inspiration)

Am going through the same thing. Seem to have developed a uniform of black long skirt, black maternity vest top and little cardigans, lots of different colours. Not looking too bad although I'm painfully aware I look like the woman that ate all the pies. Found a fabulous pair of maternity trousers in Mothercare that look like they'll grow nicely with me. In a moment of madness I bought a hideous maternity top in cream with big pink flowers on it, don't know what I was thinking, it's so not me. Must remember not to let hormones affect me whilst shopping.
Congratulations.

About the tunics... I saw a really nice one in the maternity section of Zara yesterday, was more of a knit I suppose, no buttons or anything. Was grey, with short sleeves and came to about mid thigh. I tried it on over a black cardi and looked nice, but is that kind of look a bit young? (am only 24 btw, but have mindset of an old fogey) And will something like that make me look even fatter?!

tunic + slim black pants + long necklace + flat pumps is perfect!

Thanks cbcb
Noone knows at work yet, but I have been signed off for two weeks with a horrible virus so it might be a bit more obvious when I return on Wednesday than it was a few weeks ago! I hate to say it, but I think I might be a bit too fat for Isabella Oliver Am a 14 so not HUGE, but her clothes seem made for skinny minnies with the 'I've swallowed a beachball' look. I am happy to stand corrected on that though

Whatever you do, don't resort to jogging pants

God no, jogging pants are a naughty word in this household

Have you looked at Isabella oliver stuff?
They have some things you can wear from quite early on, if you go for something drapey rather than bump-hugging. It's expensive but very good quality, so worth it if you get 1 or 2 pieces - they will see you all the way through.

Other than that I think layering is a good idea, also scarves and the pendant/neckline suggestion below (I'm still working that one 5 months post birth )

Oops, looks like I x-posted, lol at your "I swallowed a beachball" comment, maybe this would be ok for you. I'm not skinny either, I had a v-neck drapey top from them last year (still wearing it!), but they don't seem to do them anymore.

Another vote for Isabella Oliver. All my maternity tops are from there and I started wearing them about 12 weeks. The wrap tops can be a bit fiddly, but they do look very smart and they do a nice one with tulip sleeves right now.

The tunic also sounds really nice though, and you are only 24 so this is definatlynot too young for you! You could wear with thick black tights, and a necklace/scarf (scarves very good for disguising stomach area) and maybe knee/calf boots or some dainty shoes (pumps or round-toed courts)

Usually though, 12 weeks is a good time to tell work about your pregnancy so, maybe now is the time to bite the bullet, order fabulous maternty gear and bask in being pregnant!

P.S congratulations on your pregnancy littielamb