Monday, July 14, 2008

Liz Lange on Easy Pregnancy Style

Feeling good and looking good go hand in hand, so you've got to love the wardrobe wisdom that comes from a mom who's been there, done that ‑- and built a company around it. We asked maternity-wear designer Liz Lange, a woman who certainly puts the "style" in stylish pregnancy, for some tips on pregnancy wear that works.

We all want to be fashionable and comfortable ‑- without spending a ton of money. What are your maternity wardrobe must-haves?

These days, every woman needs denim. It's perfect. It comes in so many washes and can be worn in so many ways. Get a great-fitting pair of jeans in a cut that you like. Darker jeans are the most versatile, as you can dress them up more. The same thing goes for T-shirts. They're a staple. Get one with short or long sleeves, in a neckline that you like to wear. Wear it alone or under a shirt. Try a button-front shirt in a stretch cotton, cut like ones in your husband's closet. Get a tunic ‑- they've moved from trend item to maternity basic. You can find cute ones that are embellished or plain. A great-fitting pair of black pants is a must, because you can dress them up or dress them down. Get a little ‑- or not so little ‑- black dress. It's all about versatility. And when it comes to seasonal stuff, you can't go without some kind of sweater. I like a black turtleneck. And a twin set is an incredible item. You can wear it as an underpinning with suits or with the cardigan. And you can wear the cardigan with sleeveless items or with nothing on under it. And of course, in the summer, a bathing suit and sundress.

Any suggestions for the early stages of pregnancy, when you're starting to show but not quite ready to discard your "regular" wardrobe for maternity wear?

It's all about wearing jackets and blazers and cardigans ‑- and not feeling like you need to button them. As your middle expands, look in your closet for those longer tops you already own. Pick out the items that have some stretch in them ‑- they can take you further than you thought. If you're wearing a longer top, go ahead and leave the first button of your skirt or pants undone. Or, if you want some closure, try the trick of placing a rubber band around the top button to fasten your pants. If you're wearing low-rise pants, you can continue to do that, and they'll fit under that growing bump!

Let's move beyond the clothes closet. Got any de-cluttering tips for the mom-to-be who's prepping her home for a new arrival?

It's so hard to say what someone should keep or throw out. You really need to look at your possessions with a cold objective eye. Decide if there's anywhere else to put it, or box it up, or think about who might get pleasure from it if you're not using it. When you're cleaning out the room that will eventually be a nursery and you come across an item that you think is serving a purpose, ask yourself these questions: If I haven't been looking at it or using it, and I barely knew that I had it, do I really need it? If you discover things you didn't know you had, you know you don't need 'em!

1 comment:

  1. Great information about comfortable womens dresses... Really, These days many stylish maternity dresses are avaiable in the market!!

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