Leggings are an absolute must-have basic in any maternity wardrobe – they quickly and stylishly take a top, tunic or dress designed for warmer weather into autumn or winter wear, dressing it up in the process.

And with a range of colours and lengths of preggers leggings available there are endless combinations to play with for a bit of fun. That said, there’s really only one essential you need – an ankle length black pair.

They are so versatile and comfortable you’ll never peel them off, even after bub arrives! And they are one of the few garments that can make the transition from yoga to opera and everywhere in between with a switch of shoes and accessories.

Matt black minimises and disguises, creating longer and thinner pins (and who doesn’t want that?) which are nicely balanced by the burgeoning bump.

Like most things, you get what you pay for, with the more x’y ones likely to keep their black in the wash and not fade to grey (relegate to gym wear if this happens).

A Spandex or elastane mix for some stretch and bounce-back keeps the garment (and you!) in good shape. Bamboo and cotton mixes are feel-good on stretched and stressed skin. Avoid seams on the tummy, or all together if possible, to minimise any skin irritation.

The other hint is to wear a top lengthy enough to cover the butt and the widest part of the thigh (unless you a dancer or model, of course, or have way more body confidence than me). With baby number 3, I trotted out the door one day with black leggings and a long-sleeved hip-length non-maternity (oh-so-tight) t-shirt, also in black. What was I thinking – that I was Cat Woman? Warning, warning, don’t you go there!

So, do non-maternity leggings make the grade? In a word, no!

Preggers leggings come up over the belly bump to stay in place, offering some much-needed tummy support. The last thing you want to be doing is pulling and tugging to keep them up. Or even worse, bending down to retrieve them! You can roll Harry high pants down under the bump for temperature or comfort control.

And no matter what your bumped-up pregnancy style, these basics can adapt to suit:

• Team with black knee-high boots and a floaty patterned tunic for an edgy style
• Pop on some ballet flats and a fitted collared shirt for a touch of Audrey Hepburn
• Add a spike heel, black maternity tank and some bling for night
• Try with wedge ankle boots and a blazer for work
• Team with a coloured belted trench, pearls and sling backs for ladylike chic
• A long-line body con t-shirt belted below bump, scarf and flats are great for meeting friends, shopping and school pick up
• Mix with a funky kaftan with a wedge-heeled shoe to go from work to play seamlessly.

Have fun creating your own personal preggers style with these combinations!