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

Autumn/Winter 2012 trends: Lace - we pick the best dresses for your bump

Lace is a hot trend this season.

Appearing on the Autumn/Winter 2012 catwalks of Jason Wu and Erdem, to name a few, this trend has been given a dramatic darker and moodier make over from the soft pastel forms of last season, with blacks, deep blues and berry colours forming the main colour palate.

The best thing about this season's look is that it can be worn subtlety thanks to the number of designers choosing a delicate lace applique on blouses, dresses and trousers,  or very obviously as an all over fabric for dresses and add on sleeve- a style that's fast becoming a trademark look for Kate Middleton.

And the trend hasn't forgotten the maternity world with a range of designs filtering down into cute dresses and tops.

Today we're focusing on the statement black dress, which is perfect for an upcoming special event or Christmas party season. Choose from a slinky sleeved number that will show off your bump, or go for a 50s style tunic frock, which can be worn with a pair of ballet pumps for a more casual look.

Below is our pick of the top lace black dresses available online and on the highstreet.

Lace Katie dress, £40,  New Look

Black Lulu lace dress, £139, Isabella Oliver

Slinky lace dress, £40, Asos 

Mid-length belted dress, £169, Tiffany Rose

Tunic dress, £40, Topshop