One of Meghan Markle's closest friends and collaborators Misha Nonoo recently gave birth to a baby boy called Leo while the world was in lockdown during the Coronavirus outbreak.
The designer shared her baby news on Instagram, admitting that nothing could have prepared her for motherhood. 'I thought that I had read every book and I was fully prepared for what it was going to look like to be a mum and to handle a newborn,' she said. 'It turns out that I don't think you're ever fully prepared for that.’
But, as you might expect from a fashion designer, who has spoken out about the 'unjust' criticism of Megan and Harry, one thing she could prepare for was a stylish wardrobe that worked for her during and after and pregnancy.
She even launched a maternity collection in collaboration with HATCH, an upmarket maternity label in the US. The line features shirt dresses and an updated version of 'The Husband Shirt', made famous by Meghan when she wore it during her first public appearance with Prince Harry back in September 2017.
Here, the designer, who also collaborated with Meghan for a capsule collection in aid of the charity Smart Works, shares her philosophy on maternity dressing with seven tips on her must-have wardrobe staples.
Classic White Button Down
In any wardrobe, before, during, or after you have your baby, every woman needs a classic white button down. In the early stages of my pregnancy, I simply sized up in our Husband Shirt, for an oversized, yet tailored fit.
We soon partnered with HATCH to create a special Maternity Husband Shirt that could accommodate Mums all the way up to their due date, but still be a streamlined fit post-partum.
I found that my personal style was able to stay the same throughout my pregnancy, mainly because of this mainstay piece that adds a bit of elegance to a pair of jeans and trainers.
Now that we’re mainly working from home, the Husband Shirt can be worn on top for video conference calls for a relaxed, yet professional look.
The shirt's signature studs allow for easy breastfeeding, too. Not surprisingly, it’s continued to be the one of the most-worn pieces in my wardrobe, even when so much of my life has changed so quickly.
Classic White Shirts For Maternity
Topshop Oversized Poplin Shirt
H&M Oversized cotton shirt
Smart Sweatsuit
Comfort is key during this time in our lives and it’s important to still feel put-together when lounging or running a quick errand. Usually, I’d just reach for loungewear to relax after work, when I have a quiet evening at home. With a brand new baby, you’re adjusting to a new schedule and your body has just gone through a lot, so I was living in loungewear those first few weeks at home.
This, combined with our recent shift to working from home, they’ve become much more of a staple while in this period of transition. A matching monochromatic sweatsuit in neutral colours can be worn together or styled separately for a polished take on comfy essentials.
Our Soho Sweatpant can be worn with tees, or the matching Chelsea Hoodie. The Chelsea Hoodie can be thrown on with a pair of leggings or jeans. Adding small touches like a monogram can really elevate the loungewear, as well.
Investment Statement Coat
My philosophy has always been ‘buy better, wear longer,’ and I spent a lot of time thinking about how I can do this when pregnancy causes women's bodies to change drastically over such a short period of time.
One piece I already had in my closet that I found myself reaching for even more during my pregnancy, was a classic top coat. Much of my pregnancy was during the winter months, and parkas and other heavy coats made me feel absolutely massive. I felt more like myself by choosing to layer pieces such as a turtleneck under a Husband Shirt, followed by a blazer, with a top coat to finish.
My favourite was our off-white Moon Coat that I wore throughout the chilly New York autumn and winter. I’ve always been such a fan of ‘winter white’ and it adds another layer of elegance on top of my versatile wardrobe staples, and proved itself to be a great investment.
A Dignified Midi-Dress
A semi-fitted dress is such an easy way to achieve a streamlined look from top to toe, yet still allowing for comfort. When we collaborated with HATCH, I knew I wanted to make a timeless Maternity Shirt Dress version of our Husband Shirt, that could accommodate any stage of pregnancy.
The wide tie just below the bust is an essential piece that allows each woman to modify the dress’ fit, whether her belly is still growing, or she wants a flattering look post-partum.
We opted for a longer hemline because they’re less hassle and more forgiving, but don’t compromise a sense of modern femininity. It’s the perfect transitional piece appropriate for any occasion, from the office to a Saturday brunch.
Midi Dresses For Maternity
Topshop Tiered Poplin Smock Dress
Belly-Concealing Maternity Trousers
There are lots of maternity jeans out there that are designed to go under the bump and have elastic side extensions to accommodate your growing tummy, but my pet peeve was an exposed belly when a sweater or shirt accidentally rides up – especially in a professional environment. I swore by high-waisted trousers that only go over the bump so you feel covered in case of a minor malfunction.
A Sleek Blazer
Another amazing piece for working mums-to-be is a longline blazer to layer over tees or button-downs. Our Florence Blazer Dress hits mid-thigh, elongating your torso for a slimming look. It helps add a sense of balance when your body is inevitably top-heavy. In the early stages, the double-breasted piece can help conceal a bump when worn buttoned. Later in a pregnancy, it can be worn open to be a finishing piece on a professional look.
Beautiful Undergarments
Something that became important to me was maintaining my taste in lingerie when my body began to change. I began investing in great hold-up stockings instead of maternity tights. These allow you to continue feeling a bit “sexy”, but you don’t have any concerns about them not reaching over the bump or annoyingly falling down.
I also wore my favourite bras as long as possible, just sizing up when needed.
I personally didn’t want to transition to nursing bras too early-on, because I really believe dressing with confidence starts from the very first layer.
Best Maternity Dresses: 31 Dresses That Could Fit A Growing Bump
Mango Ruffle gown
In an electric cobalt blue, this Mango dress' empire line leaves plenty of space for a bump all the way to that pesky 10th month (yes, 10th).
Zimmermann Wide-sleeve crocheted cotton-blend dress
One more for the earlier six months of your pregnancy, Zimmermann's crochet dress is perfect for summer.
Arket Lyocell Cotton Cover Up
Made in one oversized size, this Arket cover up is serving Riviera realness.
Loewe Layered floral-print poplin and ribbed jersey mini dress
One of the most hyped brand of the season has made a delightful babydoll mini, perfect for a heatwave.
H&M Bandeau dress
Bandeau dresses are so in at the moment, and this affordable H&M number means you can join in the trend even when with child.
Khaite Yara cotton-blend balloon dress
This would be a great option for a bride set to have a baby soon thanks to its cocooning shape.
& Other Stories Knitted Boat Neck Midi Dress
If poufy sleeves and floral prints aren't your maternity vibes, go low-key with & Other Stories.
SKIMS Soft Lounge long-sleeve stretch-jersey nightdress
Everyone and their mother says this is the comfiest of all dresses, and stretchy enough for a growing belly.
Taller Marmo Very Ross fringed crepe kaftan
If you have a wedding coming up, this brightly-hued Taller Marmo dress, complete with fringing, is an ideal wedding guest outfit.
Cecilie Bahnsen White Cotton Dress
Take advantage of Cecilie Bahnsen's voluminous cuts and fill this dress with a baby bump.
Pippa Holt Striped mini dress
Pippa Holt's kaftan's are impossibly chic and incredibly roomy.
Cos Pleated v-neck linen midi dress
You will thank yourself for buying this floaty maxi dress come your summer holiday.
BERNADETTE Eleonore crepe mini dress
If you have an event coming up this summer, may we suggest this completely delightful, corsage-strewn, crepe mini?
Arket Off Shoulder Maxi Dress
£89
The perfect throw-it-on dress for every day summer living.
Dôen Josette gathered organic cotton-blend voile mini dress
Dôen's delightful dresses are a strong option for holidays and high summer days alike, due to their use of light cotton voile and loose fits.
H&M Off-the-shoulder cotton dress
Shirring is super useful for changing bodies, and the elasticated neckline on this dress would also useful for breastfeeding.
Acne Studios Draped jersey gown
Worn previously by Kylie Jenner, this Acne Studios dress has a fair amount of stretch to get you through the first couple of trimesters in style.
& Other Stories Loose-Fit Puff Sleeve Dress
Size up in this mini dress from & Other Stories for an easy mini dress to wear during pregnancy.
Again, shirring is perfect for a fluctuating body, and the colour on this Whistles mini feels very fresh.
Monki Super-soft spaghetti strap dress
£30
Sometimes oversized dresses can leave you feeling frumpy during pregnancy, so mix it up with more figure-hugging dresses that still feel comfortable.
Staud Rent Shelby V-neck organza dress
If you're a 'more is more, less is bore' kind of lady, let us introduce you to this Staud wonder of a dress.
Simone Rocha Maxi Dress
£335
You may need to swap out the slip of this dress for a stretchy version as the months progress, but Simone Rocha's oversized designs are another great option.
Hunza G Crinkle tank dress
Channel Pamela Anderson in this red mini.
Cos Voluminous off-the-shoulder mini dress
Made from recycled polyester, this voluminous dress would be ideal for an evening event.
Matteau Shirred cotton-blend voile midi dress
Red really is the colour of the season, and the combination of the shirring and cotton voile puts this to the top of our hotlist.
Arket Ribbed Tank Dress
A great layering piece, you could dress this striped tank dress up or down.
TOTEME Crinkled-silk maxi dress
Another solid wedding guest dress option that you don't need to worry about steaming.
H&M Tie-detail linen-blend dress
Show us a more practical summer maternity dress? We'll wait.
Paco Rabanne Printed maxi dress
Currently on sale, this Paco Rabanne dress is made from 17% elastane, providing some give.
& Other Stories Sculptural Plissé Style Dress
Plissé has to be one of the chicest option for super comfy clothing.
