Now that her acute morning sickness is thankfully behind her, the style-savvy Duchess of Cambridge is busy stocking up on maternity clothing to dress her blossoming baby bump. After being spotted browsing for waist-friendly jeggings in Gap last week, Kate stepped out on the King's Road on Sunday to indulge in some retail therapy. With her hair pulled back into a high ponytail and wearing a big smile, the royal looked radiant as she visited stores in the exclusive area.
And, much to royal watchers' delight, the 31-year-old was finally showing off a hint of a baby bump. Her rounded tummy was just visible under a black and white checked cape from her high street favourite Zara. The mum-to-be paired the loose number with a black scarf, black leggings and flat brown suede boots. Since the announcement of her pregnancy, fashion fans have been eagerly anticipating the stylish Duchess' maternity wardrobe. And this most recent outing has given us a hint at how she will be styling her burgeoning bump in the coming months. A fan of tight-fitting styles, Kate seems to swapping her more structured shapes for softer silhouettes. Perhaps we can expect to see ponchos, floaty tops and pashminas, all paired with her trusty skinny jeans – or jeggings, if her recent shopping at Gap is anything to go by.
For official engagements, she might be looking to opt for empire line dresses. Cinched under the bust and giving way to a floaty silhouette, it is a flattering style favoured by pregnant women and also one she is often spotted wearing. And she may also look to pour her pregnancy curves into the famous satin sapphire Issa frock that she wore to announce her engagement to Prince William back in 2010, after creative director Daniella Issa Helayel released a maternity version of the iconic dress. The gown catapulted Kate onto the fashion scene, with the stunning number selling out in a matter of hours as women everywhere rushed to emulate the elegant royal. Last week, according to The Telegraph, Kate browsed the stores in her and sister Pippa's favourite shopping area around Sloane Square, seemingly searching the rails for some snug, yet stretchy, jeggings.
The young royal couldn't quite find the right style and length to suit her frame, so left the store empty handed. But just like any expectant mum, Kate couldn't resist a quick look at the baby section before she left. Despite her high profile, a bystander said: "Everyone in the store seemed to recognise her, but they all gave her space and privacy to shop." No images have emerged of the Duchess on her shopping trip. Kate is now feeling better from the acute morning sickness that blighted the early stages of her pregnancy. Being taken to hospital after suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum prompted Kate and Prince William to announce their news early, and left the Duchess feeling weak and forced her to cancel several public appearances.