Work

Liz Lange's Maternity Style: How to Look Fabulous During the Most Fashion-Challenged Time
by Liz Lange

Preface

pregnancy style. To some this idea seems baffling, but to me it's always made perfect sense. Pregnant women are beautiful, and pregnancy is undoubtedly one of the happiest, sexiest, and most exciting times in a woman's life. In my mind, a pregnant woman should be celebrated, in every way, so I've never understood why maternity clothes needed to be so incredibly unattractive. Remember those ruffles and bows? I do, and it's the reason I began designing my own maternity wear line. It's also the reason I've written this book.

There's absolutely no reason a woman must sacrifice her sense of style just because she's pregnant. She shouldn't have to dress like a child just because she's having a child; it's one thing to put a toddler in a sailor suit, but it's a completely other thing to condemn a grown woman to such a fate. Instead, a woman should be able to dress as she would in her normal life, wearing chic, simple American clothes. More importantly, those clothes should show off-rather than hide-an expecting woman's body. Not only do more fitted clothes make you look thinner (a definite plus!), but they also assert that pregnancy is a natural, beautiful, and sensual state.

So how to use this book? Most important is knowing that achieving the Liz Lange look is a philosophy and not a price tag. You don't have to spend a thousand dollars on maternity wear to look great when you're pregnant, and any woman can achieve a fabulous sense of style no matter how large or small her budget. Together, we can create a wardrobe that focuses on ease, elegance, economy, and comfort; a wardrobe that's built around a few good pieces that can take you through any number of occasions: work, weekends, evening, travel, holidays, and special occasions.

When I was pregnant, both with my son and daughter, I learned how important it was to simplify my life-and especially my wardrobe. There's nothing worse than opening a jam-packed closet to find nothing to wear, so I hope this book helps you find a few great looks that you can turn to again and again. I also help it to debunk a few old myths: a pregnant woman doesn't need to hide behind oversized clothes; she doesn't need to dress like a little girl; she doesn't need to have a new outfit for every occasion; she doesn't need to spend a lot of money to look good. A pregnant woman can stick to her budget and maintain her sense of style-even achieve a better sense of style. She can find clothes that are clean, tailored, fun, and appropriate.

When you're pregnant, everyone always talks about the miracle of life and how being a mother is the most important job you'll ever have. And while that's true, no one ever speaks frankly about what you're going to wear. Since I started my line in 1997, it's been such a pleasure working with women and helping them find creative ways to feel stylish and "normal" during their pregnancies. Thanks to all who have let me share in their excitement, and congratulations to all the moms-to-be.

— Liz Lange

work

Women work. Today it's no longer the anomaly; it's the norm. Working women-working pregnant women-are a common sight in the office, and apart from the occasional afternoon nap, many women work right up until their water breaks. If you fall into this bring-home-the-bacon category, you may need to elevate your feet from time to time, but everyone agrees, your doctor or midwife included, working is a great way to keep your mind active and distracted from various pregnancy anxieties.

The question for professional women, then, is how to look like a corporate tiger when you're really feeling like an overstuffed kangaroo? The answer is to go clean and finished. That's the watchword for the workplace. Women have come way too far to hide behind large and unfashionable clothes for nine months. Today we are lawyers, doctors, editors, professors, and corporate executives. We command authority and respect, and the clothes we wear need to reflect that.

Work clothes, therefore, may be the one area where you will want to spend a little money. To look polished and professional can require some selective purchasing. You by all means don't need to go on a spending spree, but when you're standing in front of a boardroom filled with pinstripe-suited men, I guarantee you'll be happy that you spent a little extra on the right jacket and coordinating skirt.

"When in doubt: black, black, and more black."

— Lara Spencer, Good Morning America

find your uniform.

Every pregnant working woman knows that you need to find the one look that works for you.

This is your foundation, the outfit you can turn to with ease on those mornings when the idea of getting out of bed seems like an Everest-sized effort. One of my customers who works as a magazine editor relied on a pair of black pants, a tailored man's-style shirt, and a merino-blend cardigan. With shirts in a couple of pretty colors, she always had a combination that worked.

The important thing to remember is that no one expects you to have a new outfit every day when you're pregnant. The concepts of rotating and recycling go a long way.

Everyone knows that maternity clothes are a short-term investment, and even in the most conservative of offices, the same one or two suits will be just fine as long as they're clean and in good shape.

suit up

If you do work in a conservative environment, a suit is probably required.

This may seem daunting-both physically and fiscally-but the good news is that today's maternity suits are simpler, more professional looking, and designed to complement your growing figure. Just start with the essentials. Buy the dress, the skirt and/or the pants, and the jacket. You now have several variations on a basic foundation, and with a few simple sweaters and a couple of pretty blouses, you have more than a week's worth of office attire. Also, in the early or even mid-months of your pregnancy, feel free to use your regular blazers-just wear them open.

"My must-have item during pregnancy was a pair of beautiful but comfortable slim pants. I could dress them up with heels or down with flats."

— Deborah Roberts, 20/20

Underpinnings such as blouses, shirts, and sweaters, should be nice and fitted. Make sure the shoulders match yours correctly. This is not the time or place to be wearing your husband's oxford. The suit jacket is the most important component and will be noticed far more than a pair of pants. Look for set-in sleeves and traditional, soft tailoring. A strong-shouldered "power" look is particularly unflattering on a pregnant woman.

Tall black boots are a favorite of mine. When matched with a knee-length skirt, they lend a modern twist to conservative attire. If your budget allows, you can also build on your basics with a longer dress coat. Paired with a skirt or a dress of the same length, it's a feminine yet professional look.

Simple shells and sweaters go perfectly under suits. Look for crew-necks, V-necks, and turtlenecks. Just keep the cleavage to a minimum-save that for after work! Slim skirts work best. If your office allows, I tend to like a shorter hemline. Something around knee length, or just above the knee, if you can, looks great when you're pregnant.

You can't go wrong with a simple single-breasted suit jacket. Not only is the look long and lean (aka slimming), but it does wonders at reducing wider hips and a fuller bust. If you're going to buy one suit, buy it in charcoal gray. This classic tone is ultimately versatile and much softer (and less lint attracting) than black.

Cardigans and twin sets are also excellent options. They are always appropriate, never severe, and you'll wear them again and again both at work and on the weekends. Go for neutral colors and a fairly fitted shape. Suit pants should be skinny. A good cigarette pant with a slight flare or a boot cut is my personal choice. Stay away from oversized palazzo pants. They just look sloppy.

"I was definitely showing by two months! I work in a pretty casual environment and wore lots of floaty, feminine skirts with low waists and somewhat fitted but not tiny tees. I think you have to get into having a sexy little stomach and showing it off; otherwise you're stuck looking uncomfortably huge."

— Jean Godfrey-June, Beauty Editor, Lucky

"Today's chicissimo maternity clothes provide the perfect working uniforms for fashion victims like myself: black stretch pants, cashmere cardigan sweater, and a cotton button-down shirt."

— Kate Betts, Fashion Writer

Stockings

I've never met a pair of maternity stockings I liked. I know that in some office environments stockings are required, even in the summer, but my advice is to stay away from the maternity brands. My clients have a much better time buying their favorite brand in an extra-large size. Legs queen-size, I've heard, are particularly good. Thigh highs are another great and comfortable option if the idea of constricting your belly is just too much.

"My pregnancies predated the designer maternity trend by a few minutes, unfortunately. I couldn't bear those maternity clothes from stores with cute puns in their names (my favorite one was Balloon-just what a pregnant woman doesn't want to be compared to!), and instead I improvised. In the first four months, I jury-rigged my waistbands with rubber bands looped through buttonholes and around hooks. Large safety pins were also essential. As each pregnancy progressed, I ended up buying clothes a size or two larger. I lived in a black cashmere turtleneck and an elastic-waist skirt, a wrap skirt and jacket, and a black trapeze dress topped with a brocade coat for cocktail parties. I'm sure some of these clothes made me look A bit too much like Marlon Brando IN his later years-big and square in the body with little legs sticking out below-but I did what I could."

— Linda Wells, editor-in-chief, Allure

nine to five

I read once that Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, buys a few outfits at the beginning of each season and simply wears them again and again. This is a good lesson, especially for a pregnant woman. If the leading lady of the fashion world can depend on a few key pieces to take her through her busy schedule, then so can you. You have to remember that although work sometimes seems to command your life, it's only five days you have to dress for. The intervening weekend does wonders at cleaning a fashion slate, so even if you have only a select number of pieces in your wardrobe, you should be able to come up with a number of suitable outfits that can take you through the week.

"On the set I needed bright colors that would stand out for the cameras. There's also that extra five (to ten!) pounds the camera gives you, so I needed to be very careful about keeping it slim. Tighter fitting clothes made me look thinner, I think, or at least made me feel good about myself."

— Kelly Ripa, live with regis and kelly

the no-fail outfit

You've been preparing all month for an important pitch. The presentations are ready. Clients are flying in from all over the country, and it's up to you to seal the deal. If this isn't an occasion for a little splurge, I don' t know what is. There are moments in every working woman's life when she needs to add a little pizzazz and personality to her everyday attire. For your moments in the spotlight, make sure you have a great outfit that makes you feel chic and in control.

Don't underestimate the impact of cashmere.

A gorgeous wrap in winter white adds a knowing air to an everyday sweater or a standby little black dress.

Leather says sophistication. It says confidence. It says "listen to me." Although not appropriate for all offices, in a more liberal environment it speaks volumes when paired with an understated top.

Accessories

Stack heels.

Pearls.

A red leather bag.

Choose items that help you look pulled together.

A small pump.

Simple hoops.

Punch up an outfit with a scarf, or tie a cardigan around your shoulders for a littleburst of color.

color coded

Unless your job requires you to stand out in a crowd, I suggest you adopt a more neutral palette for your office attire. Gray, charcoal, navy, chocolate, olive, camel, and even a clever red can be excellent choices, especially when combined in a monochromatic way. By selecting understated pieces in similar tones, and mixing and matching fabrics, you can easily achieve a business-like look.

Question: I just found out I'm pregnant.

I'm thrilled, but want to keep it under wraps at the office until I'm at least through the first trimester. If I could still wear my old clothes it would be much easier, but already it seems I can't fit into anything. What to do?

— Cecilia, Denver, CO

Answer: Don't panic. Your first trimester is definitely a no-woman's-land, neither here nor there when it comes to size, but disguising your pregnancy at such an early stage, should be easy. The key is to look, and act, as normal as possible. Wear as much of your regular wardrobe as you can, making small allowances for your lack of a waist by wearing longer sweaters or shirts and unbuttoning the top button of your pants. (No one will notice, I promise.) Drawstring or elastic waistbands are also great at this stage, and you could buy one or two low-waisted pants or skirts to tide you over. Just try your best to avoid any oversized items that will truly make you look much bigger than you are at this stage.

casual fridays

What a relief!

Casual Fridays are such a break after a long week in constricting clothes. On these days when you can take it down a notch, I still encourage you to maintain a level of professionalism. The harshreality of pregnancy is that it doesn't take a lot to look sloppy, and at work you need to look neat and pulled together. Choose your separates wisely. Save the denim, corduroy, and active wear for the weekends. Simple skirts, tailored pants, comfortable sweaters, and broadcloth shirts are better options.

Excerpted from Liz Lange's Maternity Style by Liz Lange Copyright © 2003 by Liz Lange. Excerpted by permission of Clarkson Potter, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

About the Author

Liz Lange grew up in Manhattan, where she lives with her husband, Jeffrey, her four-year-old son, Gus, and her two-year-old daughter, Alice. She graduated from Brown University in 1988 and worked as an assistant editor at Vogue before opening her own sportswear company in 1993. She opened Liz Lange Maternity on Manhattan's Upper East Side in 1997, and since then, her company has expanded to include boutiques in Long Island and Beverly Hills. Additionally, a booming Internet and catalog business brings Lange's collection to pregnant women around the world. More recently, Lange designed maternity clothing for Target stores and teamed up with Nike to create a terrific new line of active wear for pregnant women.