Hide it or flaunt it? Why not flaunt it? Especially since there is a entire line of fashionable wear that will help you do that. Maternity fashion is here is to the rescue. Comfort and elegance are the buzz words that describe it.
Expectant mothers can now flaunt their baby bumps in style. There are pants, skirts, dresses, shirts, smocks, and jackets that expand gently as the tummy grows. Most designs include elastic bands and other features that allow shirts and pants to be let out. At Mom& Me retail outlets in the city, the Kriti and Motherhood brands have lined up loose fitting tops, kurtas, leggings, jeans, and pants that come with secret belly (that can be worn through out pregnancy from the first trimester onwards).
Here are a few tips from designers about things you should keep in mind before stocking up on maternity-wear. “Comfort is definitely a priority,” says designer Megha Desai Asher. “Though today’s mommies choose to look stylish as well,” she adds. They can show off with empire cut blouses or go in for lovely day dresses in digital print cottons or soft linen shirt dresses. Georgette Kaftans, she says, look very chic for a night out. They should avoid denims and pants.
Lengthy and flowy clothes are best suited for expectant mothers, says designer Aparna Sunku. “Basically, they need to wear clothes that breathe. Cottons and georgettes have a cooling effect on the mother-to-be and the baby.”
She too recommends empire line cuts that separate the bust from the bump. A-line cuts also work well for concealing the baby bump at work during the first trimester. If the top half is tighter, the stomach and thighs tend to have a slim look. While salwars get uncomfortable, leggings are a boon. Comfort is the defining factor when it comes to maternity fashion, says Swati of Little Secrets that caters to clothes for kids. “Stretch pants, capris, pants with draw strings… I strictly recommend cottons.”
Megha Asher says pregnant women can jazz up their outfit with trendy accessories. “If you are wearing kurtas and leggings, just add a smart belt on the kurta to make it look different and stylish. After all, this is time where one can truly show off their stomach without worrying.”
Pregnant women can also try fusion wear — skirts and wraparounds teamed with a smart top, T-shirt or a kurta. Such clothes give them the option of multi-tasking. More flowy and airy they are, the better. Expectant mothers can show off the baby bump in tunics too. Working women can team up kurtas with leggings with a comfortable waistline. For party wear, anarkalis with kalis or panels are the best. Says Aparna, “Maternity lines have evolved with women, lifestyle changes and nuclear family set-ups. Women are always on the move and have to be well-dressed.”
STYLE MANTRA
Smart palazzos, wraparound skirts, boho skirts and linen trousers
Cool tunics
Scarves and belts that jazz up simple outfits
Winning combo
Patialas and flowy kurtas
Loose-fitting pants with a tee and a jacket
Stretch pants with linen shirts
Cropped jackets over tank tops
