Maternity fashion trend Spring/Summer 2013: Stripes. How to wear them and our picks of the top five tops and maxis

Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2013

Stripes have been a key look for more than one season, finding their way into dresses, tops and most recently trousers.

This season they are set to be hot fashion property with the likes of Marc Jacobs and Peter Som making these key looks in their Spring/Summer 2013 collections.

And they are also a key part of a maternity wardrobe, with many pregnant fashionistas opting for this style to highlight and really show off their bump.

However, this trend isn't without its controversy with many yummy-mummies-to-be worrying that stripes will make them look bigger than they actually are.

By following a few simple tips this however doesn't have to be the case.

If you want to show off that bump in a stripe top then opt for a slightly longer than average tee or go for a tunic, which will elongate your torso and make your bump stand out. Team with dark leggings or black or indigo maternity jeans to really make the stripes your focus.

If you want to be a bit bolder then there is an abundance of cute striped maxi frocks on the market, which work perfectly for those who are "all bump", really helping you to show off your new figure. Go for a maternity option or pick a frock from the highstreet.

Buying a size bigger will ensure there's space for your bump to grow, while teaming with a skinny belt post pregnancy means you can make the most from this dress after the baby arrives.

If you're still not sure about stripes but want to join in on the trend, then dressing them down is a good option here. Team up with a plain cardi or blazer, which will tone the look down while still ensuring you remain stylishly stripey.

See the gallery below for some of our top highstreet stripe picks to suit any bump.

Blooming Marvellous Stripe Maternity Dress, £22, Mothercare

MAMA Top £6.99 H&M

Bargain Find! Stripe Everyday Maternity Dress £24.75 reduced from £99, Isabella Oliver

Maternity stripe rib vest, Next £6

ASOS Maternity Exclusive Maxi Dress In Stripe
£35

Maternity maxi dresses for Spring/Summer 2013

Despite the icy weather making us think its our winter wardrobes that should be updated, Spring/Summer 2013 style is truly here, waiting patiently in the wings for the warmer sun to show its face.

And nothing says summer and lets you show off your  bump more than a maxi dress.

The maternity and mainstream shelves are full of these long frocks in a range of patterns to channel this season's trend.

Choose from fun florals for a simple daytime look, go for bold geometric monochrome prints to make a stand or take a simple black frock and jazz it up with accessories for that night out with the girls.

See the gallery below for just a few available on the maternity scene.

Maternity V Back Maxi Dress £18, Topshop

Alice maxi dress, £110, Rock A Bye Rosie

Stripe maxi dress, £35 Asos

Although this is technically not a maternity dress, we think the rouched waist is great for showing off that bump. River Island, £40

Yolanda Maxi dress, £249, Blossom Mother and Child