Top five: Summer maternity cardigans

Fear not, we've not turned into your granny with today's post. We're just a little bit in love with the versatility of cardigans.

Over the years these little wardrobe staples have moved on from the traditional Dot Cotton style, bringing any mum-to-be stylish warmth in the British summer weather. And it seems the maternity and mainstream world agrees, offering a huge range of amazing styles to choose from.

The great thing about buying a maternity cardigan - we know they can be slightly pricier - is that they have been designed to stretch with your bump, which is great for mums-to-be looking for the traditional button up style. Others have also been created to double up as nursing aids, providing coverage when buttoned up and easy access at the same time, which in our eyes makes them a great investment. 

However, mums on a budget needn't miss out with mainstream styles also an option here too. Opt for a wrap cardigan, which can be adjusted as your bump grows or go for a waterfall style that stays open meaning you won't have to worry about it becoming too small as your bump grows.

Below are some of our fave maternity cardigans available on the virtual highstreet.

Wear loosely over a maxi dress or team up over a vest top and maternity jeans for a casual summer look.

ASOS Maternity Exclusive Wrap Cardigan in Neppi, £28

Breton Stripe Waterfall Cardigan, £29, Jojo Maman Bebe

Non maternity option: Linen Waterfall Cardigan, £18, Matalan

Blue Linen Waterfall Maxi Cardigan, £52, Seraphine Maternity

Maternity Cardigan, Vertbaudet, £35

Summer maternity dresses for the office and formal events

Finding that perfect maternity dress for the office can be a difficult task.

Not only does it have to be comfortable but also smart enough for those meetings.

It also has to be versatile enough to grow with your bump and curves as well as not look too "officy" if you decide to wear it to a formal event.

We recommend picking two frocks which will form the staple part of your work based maternity wardrobe.

A wrap dress is a perfect option for this type of event offering classic formal style, while accentuating curves.

A ruched dress is also another option for showing off that bump as well as ensuring you have a style that grows with you.

If you're more of a LBD kinda girl then opting for a linen number will ensure you stay cool throughout the summer, whilst opting for a polka dot print will channel an on-trend office look.

We've picked some of our fave styles, which can be accessorised up or down for any formal or office occasion. 

Judy Maternity Wrap Dress, £95, Isabella Oliver

Stripe ruched maternity dress, Next, £25

MAMA Dress £12.99, H&M

Black linen midi dress, Jojo Maman Bebe, £39

Key Hole Back Spot Dress, Crave Maternity, £95

Friday fantasy fashion item: Penelope maxi maternity dress from Vanessa Knox

It's finally Friday and that means one thing - it's time for our fantasy fashion series.

Today we're lusting over this gorge green maternity maxi dress by Vanessa Knox, which we think is versatile enough for any occasion.

Dress it down with a pair of sandals for a daytime look or BBQ or team up with heels and chunky jewellery to show off your bump and fashion sense at a wedding or summer party.

We think its worth every penny of its £135 price tag and it also comes in black and grey too. 

Top five summer maternity maxi skirts

It's finally safe to say summer has arrived and we've been basking in the warm sunshine.
If you think it's still a little bit too early to get those pins out completely, you don't have to miss out on showing off this season's hottest trends.

A lightweight maxi skirt is perfect for filling the gap between cooler spring and sweltering summer day.

And there's some great options to choose from. Play it safe and go for a black or white number, or be daring and channel one of this season's hottest hues.

Team up with a cute maternity t-shirt for a cooler daytime look, or add a maternity vest and accessorise with a silk scarf or chunky necklace for when those temperatures rise.

Opting for this staple maternity piece in a sheer fabric makes it a great option for a night out. Just team up with a pair of sandals or wedges.

See below for some of our faves.

Light Blue Maxi Skirt, £39, Seraphine Maternity

Bella maternity maxi skirt, £80, Vanessa Knox

Maternity white crinkled maxi skirt, Red Herring maternity at Debenhams, £7

Maternity Maxi skirt, £34, Next

Heavenly Bump Grey Jersey Maxi Skirt, £24.99, New Look

Top five short summer maternity skirts

In keeping with our simple summer maternity series, we've decided today that it's time to set our sights on the skirt.

Skirts are a great way to show off your bump and there is a huge range to choose from including smarter pencil styles that are great for the office, maxi styles that look amazing with your bump, and of course shorter numbers that are perfect for flashing your pins.

And today we're all about the latter, with a number of lovely styles to choose from. A denim skirt is great for a classic take on this look, while cargo and linen skirts are perfect for a relaxing day with friends or family. If you're feeling brave then opt for a printed skirt, which channels one of this season's hottest styles, ensuring your bump stays bang on-trend.

Team with a simple maternity vest top or maternity kooky tee for a casual look.

Below are just a few of our virtual highstreet finds.

Navy Striped Hem Maternity Skirt, £29, JoJo Maman Bebe

Denim Maternity Skirt, £25, Long Tall Sally

ASOS Maternity Pencil Skirt in Spot
£18.00 now £12.50

Mini cargo skirt, £27, Pumpkin Patch

Seraphine Allie Skirt, White, £39 John Lewis

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