WATCH NICKY'S CHALLENGE ON OUR EXCLUSIVE FABULOUS VIDEO: CREATE THE PERFECT PARTY LOOK FOR A MOTHER-TO-BE

Bethan Owens used to describe herself as fashion conscious with a kooky twist – but being six months pregnant has left her feeling fat, frumpy and decidedly unstylish.

“I haven’t had a night out since my bump started to show, mainly because I’ve felt so dowdy,” confesses the make-up artist from Rhyl, North Wales.

“When I got pregnant my main worry was that I’d look frumpy or mumsy. I still wore a lot of my normal clothes, and other than a few key things like jeans, I haven’t bought anything new.”

But with a friend’s birthday bash coming up soon, Bethan, 28, needed to find a sensational party look that could work well with her baby bump.

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“I haven’t got dressed up in months. I just want to feel attractive again,” she says.

According to stylist and 10 Years Younger presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones, Bethan is not alone in feeling confused about maternity fashion.

“Lots of women feel heavy and shapeless when they’re pregnant, so it’s important to embrace your femininity and realise that you’re glowing and blooming,” she says.

Nicky got her team started on Bethan’s transformation while giving her some useful tips on avoiding common pitfalls.

“Pregnant women often go for dresses that are frumpy and older than their actual years,” says Nicky.

“Choose clothes that flatter your shape but allow you to feel your age. Don’t let your beauty routine slide now, because if you don’t put the effort in before the birth, it’s certainly not going to happen afterwards!”

Luckily, pregnancy has left Bethan’s hair and skin in radiant condition.

“You don’t need a lot of make-up, as all those pregnancy hormones usually leave the skin hydrated and plumped up,” Nicky explains.

“And because blood flow increases, cheeks have a natural flush.”
Bethan loved the results.

“I feel much more glamorous,” she says. “I look like I was before I was pregnant – it’s good to know I can still look great.”

NICKY ON CLOTHES “This empire-line dress gives a sense of a waist and shape, and the soft, stretchy fabric falls over the bump nicely.

"If you want to wear a heel, opt for a sturdier one rather than a stiletto to give you more stability.”

NICKY ON GROOMING “Pregnancy makes hair and skin shine, so revel in your natural glow.

"Follow your usual routine, but be careful not to use any products that are banned in pregnancy.”

NICKY ON MAKEUP “Bethan has amazing green eyes but they were lost beneath her heavy fringe.

"To give them definition it’s important for her to wear eyeliner and mascara.

"Browns show off the colour of her eyes beautifully.

"A slick of gloss is all Bethan needs on her lips.”

NICKY ON HAIR “Keep hair trimmed so it has shape.

"If you prefer to avoid chemical dyes when pregnant, use vegetable ones.

"Bethan has great hair, so we just shortened the fringe to bring out her eyes and straightened it to glam it up a bit.”

 

BETHAN'S SHOPPING LIST

Dress, £38, ASOS
Tights, £4.95, Jonathan Aston
Bracelet, stylist’s own
Shoes, £65, Bertie

STOCKISTS

ASOS (www.asos.com)
Bertie (01865 881986)
Jonathan Aston (www.mytights.co.uk)

Words: Zoe Smith and Louise Bennett Photography: Lancton Backstage Photography: Alicia Clarke Hair: Dwight Isaacs and Oliver Lyons for Oliver Lyons Salon, Oxshott, Surrey (01372 842414) Make-Up: Nadira V Persaud using Givenchy Assisted by: Claire Farrell Read Top To Toe by Nicky Hambleton-Jones (Hodder & Stoughton, £16.99)