At the (literally) blossoming 6-month pregnancy mark, I am faced with the undeniable fact; as I expand, my wardrobe shrinks. Each morning I open my once adored treasure chest of a wardrobe, hoping for inspiration for a stylish maternity get up. Instead, a mocking abundance of items looks back at me, taunting, reminding me of my pre-pregnancy self. Admittedly, it does not help that I am a clothes hoarder, still ardently possessing T shirts I have had since I was 14 – that are the perfect shade of washed out black, may I add.

Always quietly relishing in the title of #effortlesslystylish in my pre-pregnancy days, I miss the freedom to chuck something on and feel, well, myself I suppose. However, two trimesters into growing my little human, I’ve turned a corner in the daily wardrobe battle. Although it’s been a journey, and not always a comfortable one, I am slowly learning how to navigate and dress my ever-expanding bump.

It does not help that the offering of stylish maternity wear is limited and seemingly revolves around functionality. Trusty tops that enable you to whip out a breast in one swift move, jeans that go up to your nipples and practical waterproof coats with 10,000 mum pockets. My main gripe lies with the wrap dress, with whom I am currently engaged in a love / hate battle. I wish I could be one of those glowing women floating around in a gorge wrap dress from Realizationpar, tanned with beachy hair and the perfect bump. Don’t get me wrong, I tried, but what looked back at me in the mirror told a slightly different story. Less beach babe and more beached whale. Turns out wrap dresses makes your already growing boobs look less abundant-earth-mother and more like something bordering on the obscene.

Whoever tells you won’t need to buy clothes when you pregnant is, quite frankly, lying. Your body grows, thickens, expands, swells and it does this all over. You will even need to buy new underwear (Marks and Spencer’s wireless bralettes are a must) and new tights (H&M, always). The largest items in your wardrobe will be tight in places you never thought of; even your feet can go up more than one shoe size (this can last post preggo).

Thankfully, I am no Meghan Markle, all eyes are not on me whilst I go about my day to day or in, Meghan’s case, cradle my bump on stage. However, as I become this ever-growing vessel, who is refusing to give up fashion along with booze and soft cheese, it has become imperative that I find a way to accommodate my growing body and still feel myself.

Here are a few essential items I have in my preggo wardrobe:

•  The Stretchy Dress

The stretchy dress is easy to wear for everyday dress up or dress down. Zara have curated a corner on their site which houses all the current collection that works for your maternity bod (game changer – kudos to Zara). My black ribbed number with exaggerated sleeves gives major Morticia vibes, working both with Converse as well as a chunky hiking boot.

•  The Over sized anything!

Before I was pregnant, I wore a lot if oversized dresses and jumpers. Ganni has saved the day for my maternity looks as any pieces I buy now, I know I will wear post pregnancy. Sister Jane also has great selection of oversized smock dresses with a modern silhouette at guilt free prices.

• Maternity Jeans

An essential investment for everyday, Topshop do a great range that grow with your bump. These will see you throughout your whole pregnancy.

• A Coat

If you want to, like most people in winter, actually do up your coat, your most likely going to have to invest in a new one. This has been the season of the oversized puffer, which works in any pregnant persons favor. Never the understated wallflower, I naturally invested in a leopard print knee length puffer from Whistles that feels practical without being mumsy.