This week we caught up with Author, Midwife, Mother to 4 girls and professional Superwoman Clemmie Hooper. In between delivering babies, doing the school run, chasing after twin toddlers, knocking out the odd book and providing support for women everywhere with her blog, Clemmie was kind enough to give us her words of wisdom on maternity dressing. With 27 months of maternity dressing under her belt, THE MOTHERSHOP had to get the Hooper lowdown.
CH: My boobs were the first thing that got bigger so I wore looser tops and nothing too restricting around my stomach, especially when I was feeling so sick. But don’t go too ‘tent look’ if you suddenly start dressing is really over sized clothes people will start getting suspicious
TM: Are there any items you’d recommend investing in for maternity wear that could also be worn post birth?
TM: Did you find your style changed at all when you were pregnant, or since becoming a Mum?
CH: I tried to keep to my style and shopped in places like Cos which do great oversized tailoring perfect for pregnancy and then wore those post baby. I’m more confident now, I wear bright lipsticks, mix prints and colour. I guess when you become a mother it’s easy to let those things go as you have less time but looking nice on the outside makes me feel good on the inside too. Also, be brave!
TM: How easy did you find following trends when it came to maternity wear?
CH: Each pregnancy the style/trends were different but with my last pregnancy I felt the most confident that knowing what you really need to buy vs what you think you’ll wear. I spent every evening in the comfiest tracksuit bottoms and cotton tops, comfort is key. The high st now is so much better than it was 10 years ago when I had my first daughter, shops like Gap, M&S and H&M have a great selection of key pieces, I was lent a few items from friends which is ideal when you’re on a budget
TM: As a Mum of four, how do you find the time to think about your outfits and what to wear?
CH: I have very little time in the morning but I really try to have a small but better quality wardrobe these days. I add colour with jewellery and lipsticks. Depending on my mood I’ll mix it up, keep my outfit simple but go all out on my shoes.
TM: Are there any Mum’s you look to for style inspiration?
CH: So many mums inspire me, especially on Instagram. Zoe (@dresslikeamum) has such a great attitude to clothes – basically wear what makes you feel happy, Erica Davies (@erica_davies) for all the colour and prints also Nat (@stylemesunday) has a great style too!
For more pearls of wisdom from Clemmie check out her book ‘How to Grow a Baby And Push It Out’ available here
