Budget maternity fashion tips: Accessorise with a scarf

Jonathan Suanders S/S 2013

Scarves have been wrapping their way around the fashion world for a good few years now providing a great way to update a tired or bland outfit.

This season they made their way to the top of the 2013 must-have accessories list with Marc Jacobs, Jonathan Saunders and Louis Vuitton just some of the designers to show off this trend on the catwalks.

And these reasonably priced gems are perfect for that maternity wardrobe on a budget.

Updating a simple top with an on-trend patterned or bold coloured scarf will give it a new lease of life, meaning you don't need to splash out on hundreds of maternity tops. And the same applies to that trusty black or block colour dress.

We also love the fact that you can continue to wear these after the birth, as well as consider them as a subtle breastfeeding aid.

Buy one or two scarves and mix and match for an instant style update. 

Below are just a few of our faves.

Cream rose print lightweight scarf, £15, River Island

Asos Butterfly Image scarf, £12

China blue scarf, £12, Oasis

Shimmer scarf, £12, Jane Norman

Animal Border Print Scarf, £20, Warehouse

Smart maternity dresses for summer weddings and parties

The wedding and party season is in full swing and no doubt you will have been invited to an event or two.

If you're in the middle or later stages of your pregnancy then you'll know that picking that smart maternity dress for your friend's wedding or summer party isn't as easy as stepping into a store and picking the first dress that takes your fancy.

Instead you have to consider how big your bump will be and if the frock you pick will be suitable for other events, because lets face it we all like a bit of recycling in our lives. 

Opting for a maxi dress is a great way to channel the smart look, while a floral number is great for mums-to-be who want to show off their fashion sense.

A chiffon number will keep you and your bump cool, while opting for a non-maternity frock with an empire waist and abundance of fabric will also let your bump grow.

Opt for the next size up and take it in after the baby arrives.

Below are some of our favourites from the virtual highstreet.

Pollyanna, One Shoulder Sunray Pleated Maternity Dress with contrast hem band, available soon, £120, Rock-a-Bye Rosie.

Jasmine Silk Gown Short (Peach Blossom), £199, Tiffany Rose

The Ruched Maternity Wrap Dress, £119, Isabella Oliver

Non-maternity option: Ophelia Lace Dress, Monsoon, £99

Asymetric Embellished Maxi Dress, £150, Crave

Natalie Dress, £180, Madderson London

Shirts and blouses for your maternity work wardrobe

A shirt or blouse is an essential part of any expectant mums work wardrobe, especially as you move into the second stage of your pregnancy.

Bumps are beginning to show, while you may also find have a new cleavage that prevents those last few buttons on your normal shirt doing up.

Thankfully there are are a great range of maternity shirts and blouse on the virtual highstreet with styles to suit every shape. A wrap shirt is perfect for the more curvy mum-to-be, while ruched detailing in the bra area is great for showing off that new cleavage - appropriately. 

Teamed with a simple pencil skirt, trousers or under a tunic, this item is a must for any working mums' capsule work wardrobe.

See below for some of our faves.

Maternity Classic Shirt £18, ASOS

Sleeveless stripe blouse, £20, Topshop

Stripe shirt, Marks and Spencer

Tie Front Blouse, £75, Isabella Oliver

Wrap Maternity Shirt £29, Jojo Maman Bebe

Blossom cotton fitted maternity shirt Sabrina
£135, Blossom Mother and Child