Latest news with #MaxiSkirt
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Frankie Bridge's ‘soft and comfortable' £22 maxi skirt is ‘ideal for when you're out with the kids'
Frankie Bridge has found the perfect outfit for busy mums, with her flowy maxi skirt that's 'ideal for when you're out with the kids' – and it's now on sale down from £35 to £22 With the schools ready to break up for summer (or maybe your little ones are already off) all mums know that you'll be spending a lot more time running around and out and about with them. For days when you want to look put together but still have plenty of comfort and movement, Frankie Bridge has tracked down the perfect wardrobe essential. Sharing it in her Frankie's Faves series on Instagram, the presenter showed off her Crinkle Textured Ruched Waistband Maxi Skirt, which is now on sale for £22.50 down from £35. Frankie added: 'Before I tried this skirt on I was unsure. I thought the thicker waistband was going to be unflattering but once I got it on I changed my mind! It's so soft and lightweight - ideal for when you're out with the kids in the holidays.' As Frankie pointed out, the skirt has a wide waistband which sits on your hips, and although this can seem like it would be unflattering, the ruching details actually help to smooth the area and create curves. The soft fabric has a subtle crinkle design to it, which means you can get away without ever having to iron it – always a bonus in a busy household! The Crinkle Textured Maxi Skirt also has plenty of movement and a breezy feel, which is great for spending afternoons running around in the sunshine without feeling too restricted. As well as being a great go-to outfit for mums on the go, it's also a fantastic outfit for holiday, and can also be easily styled for loads of occasions. You can wear the Crinkle Textured Maxi Skirt with a cropped vest or bandeau top with some sandals and a slicked back bun whilst abroad, or a crisp white shirt and some loafers for a smarter daytime look. An oversized T-shirt and some trainers would also effortlessly make it into an easy mum-on-the-go outfit. Thanks no doubt to Frankie's praise of the skirt (and its discounted price tag) the skirt is currently selling fast, with a couple of sizes already out of stock. Luckily there are other options around, such as this Topshop Shirred Waist Crinkle Full Skirt, which is slightly pricier at £42. We also spotted some similar silhouettes such as Pull & Bear's Panelled Midi Skirt, which is £25.99 and comes in three colours; white, black and brown. You could also snap up Abercrombie & Fitch's Mid Rise Bubble Hem Maxi Skirt if you want something with a little more volume and a more inclusive size range than the other options, which is currently down from £75 to £56.25.
Business Insider
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Where to buy the best maternity clothes for every stage of pregnancy — and my 5 must-have items
The most important things I've learned to look for in maternity wear I've tested tons of brands for this guide, sorting through uncomfortable pieces or items that simply weren't versatile enough to make them worth it. Here's what I learned about what to look out for when you're buying maternity clothing for every trimester. Breathability: Ideally, seek out ultra-breathable natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo — especially if you're pregnant during the warmer months. Stretch and flexibility: It can also be helpful to look for items that contain a touch of elastane or spandex for stretch. This tends to be particularly important for items like leggings, tanks, and bras — the stretchier they are, the longer you'll be able to comfortably wear them as your bust and belly grow. Fit for every stage: Pieces that have plenty of stretch, or have thoughtful features like ruching, for example, are more likely to fit you throughout your entire pregnancy. Adaptable post-pregnancy: Look for pieces with adjustable features and ample stretch — these will continue to fit after your baby is born, so your investment goes a long way. Style: You shouldn't have to compromise your personal style during pregnancy. We've included lots of brands that make stylish maternity outfits, even if they're not made specifically for maternity wear. Make sure that whatever pieces you invest in, you feel like yourself wearing them — accentuating your favorite features, complementing your coloring, and reflecting your own preferences. Best overall: Bumpsuit Bumpsuit was founded on the philosophy that just because you're pregnant, doesn't mean you can look and feel stylish — and dare we say downright sexy? Everything in this celeb-loved line is designed to fit throughout every stage of pregnancy and beyond. Thanks to the more-than-adequate level of stretch, we found Bumpsuit pieces to be just as comfortable and flattering when not quite showing at eight weeks pregnant as they are at 30 weeks pregnant with a more prominent belly. From stretch jersey onesies that can be dressed up or down to lounge sets we want to live in all weekend and chic off-the-shoulder dresses, Bumpsuit has something for just about every occasion. With sleek curve-hugging cuts and neutral palettes, the styles feel modern but timeless, and elevated without trying too hard. We're especially big fans of the Bianca Dress (far left in the picture above) for everything from baby showers and weddings to date nights — as well as the best-selling Lucy Maternity Unitard (far right) for low-impact workouts and casual hangs. Also worth a mention? The ultra-versatile 2-in-1 Maxi Skirt — which also doubles as a midi tube dress. Best budget: Old Navy Believe it or not, this trusty standby retailer has a dedicated maternity line that features nearly 400 pieces at any given time — and it covers all the bases, from athleisure and pajamas to jumpsuits, skirts, and dresses suitable for more formal occasions. Best of all, nothing in the Old Navy maternity line runs above around $50, meaning you don't have to blow your budget on a few bump-friendly pieces you may not wear again post-pregnancy. It is worth noting, too, that lots of the pieces in this line are designed to fit well after you give birth. Plus, it's pretty size-inclusive, with items available up to size XXL (20). One thing that stands out here is that Old Navy's shopping filters allow you to search specifically for pieces that suit your stage of pregnancy — whether that's first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, nursing, or postpartum. Filter for nursing products, for example, and you'll find dozens of camisoles, sports bras, tanks, and hoodies that allow for easy access when it's time to breastfeed or pump. We love Old Navy for the basics, like T-shirts, bike shorts, leggings, and jeans. The Maternity CloudComfy Cami Athletic Dress is perfect for a spring or summer afternoon running errands — it's made with ultra-soft moisture-wicking material and features a built-in shelf bra, adjustable straps, and bike shorts for added support and coverage. Another piece that wowed us is the Occasion by Old Navy Maternity Asymmetrical Shoulder Maxi Dress, which looks a lot more expensive than it actually is, flatters every body type, and features shirred sides for a flexible fit during and after pregnancy. Best for basics: Ingrid + Isabel Building out the foundation of your maternity wardrobe is a breeze with Ingrid + Isabel, a line that offers every must-have you can think of from nursing-friendly tanks and jumpsuits to comfy leggings and cotton dresses. These products are made with high-quality fabrics, designed to grow with you, fit true to size, and in some cases, are still wearable post-pregnancy. For spring and summer walks, travel excursions, and Yoga and Pilates classes, we've been reaching for the Short Maternity Active Unitard Jumpsuit, which is made with buttery soft fabric and truly feels like a second skin. The day-to-night EveryWear Bodycon Maternity Dress is a no-brainer for quick transitions from daytime errands to evening outings. By the way — if you're on a budget, or value sustainable fashion, be sure to check out the Pre-Loved section of the site, where you can find loads of very gently worn Ingrid + Isabel pieces. Best for dresses: Show Me Your Mumu While it's true that Show Me Your Mumu isn't solely a maternity line, it does offer an impressive collection of maternity dresses and jumpsuits — and even has a dedicated category for wedding guest dresses. Whether you're looking for a flowy frock to bring on your upcoming babymoon, or a luxe satin gown for a formal affair, this brand has you covered for every occasion. Best of all, every single piece is still wearable after your pregnancy is over. Show Me Your Mumu is size-inclusive, with many items available from XXS to 3X. From little black dresses to vibrant floral maxis, the brand has plenty of options for any and every style sensibility. Chrissy Teigen, Millie Bobby Brown, Kate Hudson, and Jessica Alba are just a few celebrities who have been spotted wearing this line. One of our favorite pieces is the Tropez Maxi — you can just as easily wear it with flat sandals for resort dinners as you can pair it with heels and statement jewelry for a black-tie wedding. Other best-sellers that are perfect for dressier events include the Romance Ruffle Dress and Jasmine Halter Mini Dress. Looking for something a little more casual? The beachy and boho-inspired Long Weekend Maxi is lightweight, comfy, and fits true to size. A bonus? Many of these pieces double as postpartum clothing options. Best for loungewear and bras: Kindred Bravely This brand was born when cofounder Deeanne Akerson couldn't find a good pair of nursing pajamas, so she designed her own. Nowadays, though, Kindred Bravely offers more than just PJs — including maternity leggings, joggers, lounge shorts, and underwear, as well as a wide selection of everyday dresses, tank tops, and nightgowns that allow for easy and convenient nursing. Basically, these are the kinds of comfy pieces you'll be living in during your third trimester, post-labor recovery, and even after pregnancy. We were instantly sold on the Grow with Me Maternity & Postpartum Legging and matching Grow with Me Maternity & Nursing Tank. This incredibly breathable set stretches with you all the way up to delivery — without stretching out so much that you can't wear it post-partum. The tank, it's also worth mentioning, pulls down easily for convenient feedings. Another standout item is the Olivia Ribbed Bamboo 2-in-1 Maternity & Nursing Dress, which includes a jersey bump-enhancing bodycon dress and crop tee to layer over it — both of which can be worn separately or mixed and matched with other pieces. The moisture-wicking fabric kept us cool on sweltering days, and the hidden inner button helps to secure the dress to the top so there's no slippage or straps peeking out. The Universal Labor & Delivery Gown is definitely a hospital delivery bag must-have, with the softness of your favorite T-shirt; a front opening for fetal monitoring, ultrasounds, and skin-to-skin contact; and a back opening for epidural placement. Plus, post-childbirth, it also serves as a nursing gown with snaps along the shoulders for instant breastfeeding access. The Sublime Hands-Free Pumping & Nursing Bra is a consistent bestseller and after testing we totally understand the hype — it features four-way stretch and adjustable straps to accommodate changing breast size, a patented double-layer system for ultimate feeding flexibility, and removable padding for customized coverage. Not to mention, it fits all pump flanges. Best for workwear: Seraphine For years now, Seraphine has remained one of the most beloved maternity brands — and it's easy to see why. Every piece oozes timeless sophistication and features thoughtful design details that allow them to stretch, contract, and evolve with your changing body. Plus, the line offers loads of office-ready options, from shirt dresses to structured trousers. One worthy investment is the Lexa Matt-Coated Maternity Leggings. These are not your average maternity leggings, thanks to the edgy faux leather material — they're polished enough to wear to the office with a sweater and flats or out for a dinner date with heels and a blouse. The stretchy over-bump panel ensures you have plenty of room to grow, and the secure high-waisted back ensures they stay up all day and night. We love that these come in numbered sizes (2 to 16) rather than traditional XS-XXL sizes, allowing for a more personalized and accurate fit. Something to keep in mind: These run a tad tight in the thighs, so we recommend opting for one size up from what you typically wear. The Esme Linen Mix Zip-Front Maternity & Nursing Jumpsuit is another work-appropriate essential, with a waist-defining detachable belt, side pockets, and even a concealed front zipper for discreet nursing access. Meanwhile, the ultra-feminine and featherlight Alania Button-Through V-Neck Maternity & Nursing Dress can work for professional settings and romantic dates alike, with an elasticized back and self-tie for a customized fit and button-down design to allow for quick feeding sessions. Best for working out: Beyond Yoga Beyond Yoga has long been an influencer and celebrity favorite athleisure line — Jennifer Lopez and Kendall Jenner are both fans — and their maternity collection definitely doesn't disappoint. Whether you prefer to work out in leggings and tees, bike shorts and tanks, or jumpsuits and hoodies, Beyond Yoga has options. The brand even has a Beyond Birth collection that includes nursing camis, bras, and tees. You can't go wrong with the Spacedye Love the Bump Midi Maternity Legging which can be worn over or under the bump and is stretchy enough to allow for maximum mobility, or the Spacedye Bases Covered Maternity Tank, which features a supportive built-in bra and racerback design and shirred sides to expand with your growing bump. Our top-favorite piece, hands down, is the Spacedye Uplevel Maternity Jumpsuit, which is designed to fit through every stage of pregnancy as well as postpartum. Best for jeans: Paige By now, odds are you've heard of Paige — while the brand now makes dresses, outerwear, shoes, accessories, and more, it all started with well-made jeans. Fortunately for those of us with a baby on the way, the denim line has expanded to include maternity options. And from skinny jeans to cropped flares, there's a style for everyone. Maternity jeans are notorious for being awkward-looking and ill-fitting, but that's definitely not the case with Paige's offerings. What we love most about Paige maternity jeans is that, unlike so many other brands, they feature two modest elastic inset panels on the sides rather than one giant panel that wraps all the way around the front of the waistband. So, they don't scream maternity — in fact, at first glance, they just look like regular ol' jeans. From the moment I slipped on the Anessa Maternity Wide Leg Jean, I was smitten. The mid-rise sits right under the bump and the legs hit at the perfect place on the ankle to show off some cute footwear. We also appreciate that they come in two different inseam lengths — 27 inches for those of us who are 5'4 and under and 31" for taller folks. We highly recommend sticking with your regular pre-pregnancy size The Colette Crop Maternity Flare Jean is a great pick for spring and summer — it has a slightly lower rise and fits slimmer through the leg with a cropped length and cute kick flare at the bottom. But you can never go wrong with a pair of dark wash straight-leg jeans, and the Noella Maternity Straight Jean combines a vintage-inspired wash with a modern-looking cut for the best of both worlds. Best for casual wear: PinkBlush Maternity You could easily build an entire maternity wardrobe solely by shopping at this trendy online store — it features nearly 6,500 items ranging from tops, dresses, and skirts to nursing loungewear and swimsuits. Another perk to PinkBlush Maternity is that they have a dedicated plus-size shop with pieces that are available up to size 3X. PinkBlush has plenty of special occasion outfits, but where the brand really shines is with everyday clothes — like basic T-shirts, cardigans, and jersey dresses. We've had a lot of trouble finding a solid pair of maternity jean shorts, and PinkBlush finally delivered with the Blue Distressed Petite Maternity Denim Shorts, which combine a visually appealing frayed hem and distressed detailing with a super stretchy belly band for optimum comfort. Another solid alternative if you're average to tall in height are the PinkBlush Blue Cuffed Maternity Denim Shorts, which have the advantage of some decent stretch in the hip area. We found that these jean shorts run a bit small, so consider going up one size from what you typically wear. The Seamless Maternity Tank Top has also become a go-item for layering or just wearing on its own with shorts, jeans, and skirts — it's got adequate stretch to accommodate my ever-expanding belly but no distinctive "maternity" details like ruching, so I know I can wear it post-pregnancy, too. Thanks to the thick fabric and light compression, it has a subtle smoothing and shaping effect, too. Best non-maternity but bump-friendly: Petal & Pup Although Petal & Pup isn't specifically a maternity brand, the shop does offer an extensive collection of bump-friendly items — and an easy filter to search for them. The Annette Puff Sleeve Midi Dress — which is a great pick for photoshoots and baby showers — is a perfect example. The elasticized shirred bodice can stretch with your bust throughout pregnancy, and the A-line skirt leaves plenty of room for your growing bump. We were super impressed with how well-fitting and flattering this dress is — and best of all, it can be worn long after pregnancy is over. Another standout bump-friendly option is the Linsey Strapless Midi Dress, which is made with ultra-breathable 100% cotton and features a relaxed fit from the waist down so there's plenty of space for a bump of any size. This dress offers peak versatility: It can be dressed down with flat sandals for a backyard barbecue, or dressed up with wedges and hoops for a beach wedding. We also love the wide-leg white Allyse Pants, which work during pregnancy due to the adjustable drawstring waistband. These are great to throw on over a swimsuit at lunchtime, but they can also be worn out to dinner with the right footwear and accessories. Finally, the Wilson Short Set is another winner in our book. The elastic-waist shorts can be worn under or over the bump, and the matching button-down tee is loose-fitting enough to be worn buttoned or open. It doubles as both a cute beach coverup as well as PJs that'll keep you cool during the sweltering months. Maternity wardrobe essentials checklist How many items in each clothing category you opt to buy will probably depend on the season you're pregnant and your everyday lifestyle. However, this list is a good starting point that covers all the basics. 2—3 pairs of maternity leggings — including options suitable for exercise 1—2 pairs of jeans/pants 4—6 everyday tops that are either flowy or stretchy enough to accommodate the bump (tanks and tees in the summer, long-sleeve shirts, blouses, and sweaters in the winter) 2—3 dresses that are versatile enough for casual as well as dressy events 1 more formal special occasion dress or jumpsuit for showers, weddings, etc. 2-3 nursing bras (depending on how often you do laundry) 2 comfy loungewear or PJ sets 1 bump-friendly coat or jacket for winter pregnancies 2 swimsuits for spring/summer pregnancies (these come in handy post-partum, too) Nursing gown/robe (particularly helpful for recovery immediately after delivery) Certainly, not all maternity clothing is created equal. By shopping with the right brands and choosing thoughtfully designed items, though, dressing during pregnancy doesn't have to entail compromising on comfort or style. As a general rule, the best maternity clothes are made with breathable fabrics, feature a touch of stretch, and offer generous room to grow. The key to smart maternity shopping is to focus on investing in a few well-fitting pieces you know you'll wear on repeat during your pregnancy — like, say, a supportive pair of leggings, a versatile day-to-night dress, and a comfy loungewear set. Better yet, to get more bang for your buck, look for items that will continue to fit in postpartum and beyond. FAQs and buying tips When should I start wearing maternity clothes? The rate at which pregnant bodies change can vary quite a bit — for those who "pop" early, it might be necessary to start switching to maternity clothes as early as 12 weeks. Others might find that they're able to mostly get by with their pre-pregnancy clothes until about halfway through the second trimester, around weeks 20-24. The bottom line? The right time to start wearing maternity clothes is when your current wardrobe no longer makes you feel comfortable and confident. Can I size up instead of buying maternity-specific styles? If you're looking to avoid investing in maternity-specific pieces — which may not fit right any longer after childbirth — buying a size up from your normal size is a great alternative. Note that this method doesn't always work, though. For example, in the case of jeans, I've found that they still feel too tight even when sizing up, unless it's a low-rise style that sits under the bump. However, when it comes to more forgiving items with stretch like T-shirts, jersey dresses, and drawstring shorts or pants, opting for a size up usually works during pregnancy. Do maternity clothes run true to size? The majority of maternity brands recommend buying your pre-pregnancy size. So, if you normally wear a medium, start there when shopping for maternity clothes. That said, it's always best to check the brand's size chart for exact guidance on whether you need to size up or down. It can also be helpful to read customer reviews — which may offer helpful insight as to whether a particular pair of maternity denim shorts runs small in the waist, or a maternity swimsuit top runs more roomy in the bust. Are maternity clothes worth it if I'm only pregnant once? Ultimately, this all comes down to your budget and preferences. Certainly, maternity clothes can provide a more comfortable, supportive, and flattering fit, helping you to embrace the physical changes you're undergoing. That said, if you're able to find cute, comfy pieces that still fit well simply by sizing up, you may decide that maternity clothes aren't worth shelling out for. It also depends on your lifestyle. Pregnant people who live in leggings and dresses are more likely to find non-maternity clothes that work. Conversely, those who love to wear jeans, or work out very frequently, might find that they need to invest in some maternity-specific items that accommodate their growing bellies.
