Pregnancy can be an amazing time, but it can also be a challenging one. While your body is doing incredible things (you're growing an actual human being!) it's also constantly evolving and keeping up with it – plus your new wardrobe needs – can be hard work.

The last thing you need is another thing to Google, so here's your ultimate guide to when to start wearing maternity clothes, plus what to wear in each trimester and how to dress your newly pregnant body without losing your own style. Welcome to maternity style 101. 

Wondering what week or month of pregnancy you'll need to start wearing maternity clothes? You probably don't need to reach for a brand new wardrobe as soon as you see two lines on the test.

Everyone will start wearing maternity clothes at different points in pregnancy. All pregnancies are different and baby bumps 'pop' at different times. Some people make it well into their Second Trimester before they feel the need to reach for maternity clothes, while others feel uncomfortable in their usual clothes, especially tight-fitting items like jeans and underwired bras, just a few weeks into pregnancy.  

In that awkward stage where you don't look pregnant yet, but none of your clothes feel or fit quite right anymore? We've been there, and we feel you. You might not need a total wardrobe overhaul in weeks 1 to 12 of pregnancy, but you may want to add a few key pieces, like: 

• Loose shirts and oversized tops that give your torso breathing space. These can work as useful layers through First Trimester and beyond.
• Trousers that feel comfortable. For some people, that'll still mean their standard jeans, but others might reach for stretchy waistbands that can flex with that tricky First Trimester bloat. 
• Flowy dresses. Empire line styles are great as they conceal both bloat and the first signs of a baby bump, and will be useful as your pregnancy progresses too. 
• A maternity bra. It's never too early when it comes to switching your underwear. You might find your boobs start changing during those first 12 weeks and it's a good idea to get comfy and avoid underwiring from the early days. 

You Second Trimester is the time that you'll finally start to see that bump. By six months (week 24) most people need new maternity outfits in their wardrobes. Ready to start wearing maternity clothes? These are the pieces you might want to try in weeks 13 to 28 of pregnancy:

• Maternity jeans come into their own during Second Trimester. Choose between low waisted, under bump styles or pregnancy jeans with a stretchy over bump panel. 
• Dungarees and jumpsuits are worth trying out in at this stage of pregnancy. Most will grow with you from this point on. 
• Bump-hugging dresses might start to appeal during your Second Trimester, so you can really embrace your changing shape. 

Outgrown everything in your wardrobe? Welcome to Third Trimester, where you can't believe your bump is still going to get bigger, and yet it does, week after week. If you've been holding out and making do so far, weeks 27 to 40+ might be when you finally need to start wearing actual maternity clothes. 

• Maternity tops. If your basics have reached their stretch limit and your shirts are no longer doing up, look for specially-designed maternity tops in stretchy, breathable fabrics.
• Maternity leggings, that are supportive and easy to wear, might just be the most comfortable thing you can wear in Third Trimester. You won't want to give them up. 
• Maxi dresses. Loose flowing styles will also keep you comfy if you're struggling to regulate your temperature in the final stretch. 

Simple jersey tops will see you through every stage of your pregnancy and beyond. "Basic by name, basic by nature but a life saver," says stylist Beth Huett. "I guarantee you will live in tanks in the summer and cosy long sleeve jersey tops in the winter."

"If you can, I’d invest a little here as you won’t regret the comfort and longevity quality will bring," she adds. "Consider bodies if you want to create a seamless silhouette. I recommend stocking up on the core colours like black, white and nude. They will become your second skin."

Loose layers can give you breathing room early on in pregnancy and then be worn open or unbuttoned as your bump grows. Pair layers, like shirts, jackets or knitwear, with a comfy basic, like a stretch jersey dress, leggings and tank or even a full bump suit. Outfit, sorted. 

"A silk kimono in summer, an open cotton shirt in the spring, a denim jacket in autumn, a chunky wool cardigan in the winter. Layering is great way to add texture, colour or print," says Beth.

Maintaining a comfortable temperature when you’re pregnant can be a tricky, thanks to haywire hormones.  "I recommend sticking to breathable fabrics where you can," says Beth. "In the colder months layer them up to help you regulate your own temperature. In the summer, rejoice in their cooling qualities."

"A button down top or shirt is the perfect piece to take you from the first trimester to the fourth," says Beth. "Wear it buttoned up in the first trimester then as an open layer in your second and third. You can then rely on it as a great easy-access breastfeeding outfit. Truly a wardrobe staple for maternity and beyond." 

If you're looking for loose-fitting dresses that'll see you through maternity and be useful postpartum, button up options are great if you plan to breastfeed.  

Whenever you decide to start wearing maternity clothes, it won't mean you need an entirely new wardrobe. "You will be surprised how many bump friendly hidden treasures you can find," says Beth, adding: "Dive in and have fun." 

Look for loose silhouettes, empire line dresses, elasticated waist trousers and clothes with a generous amount of stretch. They might not see you right to the end of your third trimester, but a lot of your current clothes may still be useful during pregnancy. 

On the same theme, you don't have to shop maternity just because you're pregnant. Some people don't ever start wearing maternity clothes! 

Sure, some pieces won't work once your bump has well and truly 'popped' but plenty of non-maternity clothes will accomodate your changing shape. You may find that you need to size up in some, while other oversized styles will work just fine in your usual size.

"A good maternity bra is worth it, for comfort, practicality and sturdy support," says Beth. 

Whenever you start wearing maternity clothes, it's never too early to invest in maternity bras. They will make sure you are comfortable and well supported as your boobs change shape throughout pregnancy and postpartum. A good fit will also create a great silhouette which can make you feel more confident dressing your new shape. 

"Many people feel like keeping their style mojo alight during pregnancy is a challenge," says Beth. But "you can add colour, texture and personality to something really simple by simply popping on some earrings or a necklace."

If you feel a little lost style-wise once you start wearing maternity clothes, bags, scarves, hair accessories and make up looks are an easy shortcut to feeling more you. 

Pregnancy is the perfect time to have a bit of fun with how you get dressed. Once you start wearing maternity clothes, your usual wardrobe will taking a back seat for a while, so why not experiment with colours or shapes you wouldn't usually wear, especially if you need outfits for parties and events. 

Maternity clothes, as well as some postpartum and breastfeeding-friendly looks, will only be useful for a handful of months, so renting rather than buying is a more sustainable and cost-effective way of upgrading your wardrobe.