Sally-Ann our Style Editor, is now online, so please post your questions about fashion and styling, by clicking the “post reply” button in this thread and Sally-Ann will try to answer them as quickly as possible.

We'll keep track of everyone's questions, so don't worry, we won't miss you out! But please bear with us as it may take a little time to get through everyone!

Thanks,
Web Editor

Hi there,
Ladies
Looking forward to chatting with you all. Don't be shy, I’m here waiting for your questions!

Sally-Ann

Hi Sally-Ann,

I'm 34 weeks pregnant with a bump the size of a hot-air balloon. My problem is that I'm carrying all up-front and my maternity jeans, which fitted comfortably up until a month or so ago, are now too small to fit around my growing bump, so I'm having to roll down the waistband. Not an attractive look! I don't really want to buy any more maternity clothes at this late stage. Any ideas please??

Hi Daisy,

Have you ever considered buying a bumpband. It is a revolutionary new garment for mums to be. Simply wear it over your tummy underneath your clothes. The band will grow with you and if it shows, who cares, it will look oh so trendy. It is worth paying that little bit extra for a really good one - cheap ones will lose their stretch and prove to be a bad buy. Take a look at www.bumpband.co.uk where you will pay £18 - £2.50 p & P. Good for breastfeeding too after the baby is born.

Sally-Ann

Wow! That's a quick response! Bumpbands sound a great idea. Do you know what colours they come in please? Thanx.

They come in black and white but I'd suggest black as it'd be much more useful.

Thanks very much for your help, Sally-Ann.

hi sally-ann. after three pregnancies and seven years of baggy, saggy sad clothes, i thought i'd be in fashion heaven. think again! my last baby is now 17 months and this time round i've been a bit slow getting my figure back. so what can i wear to disguise my jelly belly and assorted wobbly bits? forget skinny jeans. they won't get past my ankles...

Hi Sally-Ann. Do I really need to buy maternity wear? I don't have much money. Can't I just buy stuff with an elasticated waist, or would that still cut into my tummy too much? Can you recommend a some good styles that I can wear again afterwards. Thanx

Hi CarolAnn, Skinny jeans are now so passe. High-waisted, loose trousers are now so trendy. Disguise your tum by adding a nifty tunic top and wear a belt, low slung on the hips...just perfect.

Sally-Ann

Hi Ali,

No, the high street is full of styles that you can adapt. The empire line dress is currently just off the catwalk...New Look have many different colours to choose from, all at a snip. Elasticated waist skirts will still be fine - just wear them under the bump.

Worth checking the supermarket ranges too. Prices are very reasonable...happy shopping!

Sally-Ann

thanks sally-ann..hmm, like the sound of those trousers. very katherine hepburnesque... i'm off to the shops! (whic shops are the best to get them, by the way?)

Hi again CarolAnn,

Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, New Look and Primark all have a fab selection.

Sally-Ann

Thanx Sally-Ann, I'm just off to Tesco so I'll have a look there and pick something up with my shopping! Guess I can also wear the empire line dress over maternity jeans?

Hi Ali,

Spot on! You must have been reading our fashion features in the magazine. We also have fashion ideas in the Pregnancy section of Babyexpert under 'Just for you'. Take a look and be inspired.

Sally-Ann

Hi again. Forgot to ask - have you seen any stylish LBD's that I could wear over my bump this Xmas, and again after baby's born? Don't want anything that shouts maternity, and costs the earth. Which shop shall I head for for ideas?

Hi Ali,

Take a look in H&M Mama who have a fantastic selection of fab black tunics and trousers too. Clothes are reasonably priced and won't break the bank.

If you want to wait till nearer Christmas, our party fashion in Prima Baby's December issue will point you in the right direction and help you dress to impress. Hope that helps!

Sally-Ann

Thanx Sally-Ann, I'm out the door now to flash some cash before it all goes!

Good luck, Ali.

You'll be surprised - there are bargain buys to be found. Have fun!

Sally-Ann

Hi Sally-Ann,
I'm 14 weeks PG and just beginning to think about maternity clothes... I don't have a lot of cash and want to buy a capsule wardrobe of maybe five or six things that will see me right through my pregnancy. What would you suggest?
Thanks

Hi there,

Congratulations! Here goes...

*First of all, splash out on a pair of jeans. You will wear them to death and that's a guarantee. I'd also suggest buying a bumpband (see my reply up above) for later on in your pregnancy.

* Also for winter, a long cardi will be easy to wear and more comfy than a jacket. The shops are full of them.

* A tunic top that can be worn over jeans or trousers or even a skirt.

* A smart pair of black trousers can also be worn during the day and in the evening.

* You should also invest in a dress. An empire line is the cut of the season.

* Ring the changes with natty accessories and the odd bag or two.

These should see you through your pregnancy and beyond.

Good luck!
Sally-Ann