Are we wearing V-necks for spring?
Plus, great non-maternity jeans to wear when pregnant and postpartum
When I first saw that V-necks were making a comeback (Bottega Veneta! The Row!) my initial thought was ‘goodness, no’. My uniform at middle school was a polyester peacock blue V-neck jumper, so I will forever associate them with exploding ink cartridges and cold custard.
However, having had time to think on the subject - and see how the professionally well-dressed of Instagram are wearing them - I’ve come around to the idea. And I quite fancy V-necks as a quick and simple way to make everyday jeans feel updated.
The tip is to wear a crew-neck underneath. I’ve tried shirts but the combination feels too corporate and while I've noticed others wearing thin roll necks to stylish effect, on me it all gets a bit golf club. But a triangle of white - or stripe! - under a V-neck gives it a sense of modernity. And layering is such an easy way to look more styled and considered without having to actually make much effort.
Something new this week - a video (I hope it works!). I thought this would be the most helpful way of sharing three different V-neck outfits that can be put together in minutes and use the same base of a white long-sleeved T-shirt and blue jeans. Chuck on in the morning then go, go, go.
Look 1: Similar polo top | A great spring trench | My shoes but in cute red. Or classic black. They are so comfortable| Basket - aka my summer mum bag| Seventies sunglasses.
Look 2: Jumper | Loafers (after trying on so so many I’ve discovered brown make me feel less like a police officer| Leather jacket | That washable bag I keep talking about.
Look 3: Similar knitted tank | Jacket | Sunglasses | Bag | Trainers.
Chic and comfy trousers to wear while pregnant – and afterwards, too!
I’ve been asked quite a bit for recommendations of trousers that will take you through pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. What's comfortable, looks great and size adjustable?
Beyond joggers or leggings it’s not an easy solution. However I went to a press day on Thursday and saw Rachel (below) who is currently 22 weeks pregnant and was wearing the Veritas wide leg jean from Free People which I think fit the bill.
They’re £118, aren’t too stiff and have a draw-string waist that can be tied looser or tighter depending on what you need. Sling them low under a bump, then gather them in and wear a little higher as and when. Or keep them on your hips - whatever! The relaxed fit works either way. Rachel sized up by one.
The below ecru is available in store and will be online very soon….
Pale and dark blue washes are available online now. The pale would be especially nice heading towards summer. Here they are on a non-pregnant person.
Two more things..
More good maternity dressing ideas from incredibly chic stylist Allison Bornstein.
A holdall for your baby! One of the mums had her newborn in the Najell sleep carrier (£145) at toddler group the other week and she was absolutely delighted with it. She uses it as a portable bassinet in the buggy. The sides open up so you can also use it as a playmat/ for tummy time/ make-shift changing station when out and about. She's found it particularly useful with two kids and she can tote the baby along with her as she runs after her eldest.
That's all for now. You're doing great, Frankie x
In case you missed it:
Fresh ways to wear your stripes
I've mentioned before how motherhood changed my stance on stripes. Whereas before having kids I felt super classic and chic in a Breton top, afterwards they made me feel too … ‘mum’. You know?
3 ways to style your grey joggers
As last week's post was a chunky read, I'm keeping it zippy this week with a rundown of three great ways to wear your grey jogging bottoms. Save for when the thought of a hard waist band is Too Much.
Love the fits! What jeans are you wearing in the video?
Love this post and the video - I went right ahead and tried out a v-neck I'd forgotten I owned with a white top beneath and a whole new outfit was born - thank you!