ME+EM’s Head of Design Ina Boiger shares everything she’s learnt about mastering maternity dressing
Join the club
Gemma Boner is the UK Director of Membership for Soho House, the private members’ club for the country’s coolest creatives.
We met Gemma at Soho House’s newest outpost in White City to shoot her in April’s new arrivals. At 5’5” and with serious cool-girl style, we love the looks Gemma put together using her favorite pieces. Afterwards, Gemma caught up with ME+EM founder Clare to talk about what it’s like working for the world’s most coveted members’ club.
Showing off your bump
Our Long Sleeve Jersey Maxi Dress is the perfect go-to. It’s crafted from a comfortable, stretchy ribbed jersey that grows with you and your bump. As it’s a midweight fabric, it won’t feel too warm, making it ideal for layering throughout winter. The A-line shape ensures it will still look long enough even when your bump is BIG, falling nicely off your bum rather than accentuating it. I’d recommend buying your normal size or one size up.
Whenever you wear something tight to show off your bump, wear a longline jacket over top. It flatters your bump and slims your silhouette, hiding the fact that you’ve actually lost your waist...Our jackets are the perfect length and are cut for a straight fit through the body to work well for this – and there’s no need to size up, so you can continue wearing it after pregnancy as well.
Wearing knitwear
The Woven Tail Layering Shirt has been the biggest lifesaver throughout my pregnancy. The stretchy jersey upper grows with you and it’s long enough to hide the awkward elastic waistband on your maternity jean. And since it’s sleeveless, you never get too hot so you can still wear all your knitwear - even cropped jumpers and heavy cashmere.
You need to go 1-2 sizes up from your usual size. Opt for a boxy, wider-fitting sweater to layer over the top - you want something that isn’t too tight. Then pair with a skinny pant to even out the width on the top (your best bet to find a good fitting maternity jean in a cool wash).
"The layering shirt has been the biggest lifesaver throughout my pregnancy"
Ina’s maternity heroes
The Layering Shirt A layering shirt adds an extra layer of warmth, is long enough to stretch over the bump and elevates anything you wear over the top. Buy 1-2 sizes up.
The Palazzo Pant Both our cropped and full-length styles have the same soft, roll-top waistband that grows with you. The jersey is thick enough to keep you warm and provide coverage over your bum. Buy your size or 1 size up in the later stages of pregnancy.
The Luxe Pajama Set This is a great option for the hospital and after birth, as the fabric is super soft and stretchy, and the shirt buttons up at the front which is ideal for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.
The Evening Blouse Our Frayed Ruffle Longline Woven Blouse looks super smart and glamorous when you’re going out. Buy your size - it’s loose enough to grow with you – and style with our black Cotton Cord Tailored Blazer and a skinny charcoal maternity jean.
The Knitwear Alternative The Satin Front Longline Sweatshirt is a smarter and lighter option than classic knitwear yet is still long enough to hide an awkward maternity trouser waistband. Go 1-2 sizes up.