For the pretty mama-to-be
Someone once said that style is eternal. A woman can be stylish no matter how her body changes. Designers Sanjay and Shammy, who design maternity clothes, tell Metrolife that a woman, even during her pregnancy, can still stand out and make a style statement.
Thanks to the choices available, the duo explain that times of hiding expanding stomachs under layers of fabric are finally passe.
But the top most priority when it comes to maternity wear is comfort. “But comfort does not mean loose fitted clothes. One has to go for clothes with a little shape in fabrics of cotton and linen blends as it is stylish and low maintenance,” says Sanjay.
Going for outfits which have a slimming effect on the woman is in trend right now. The duo suggest that it is always better to go for garments that expand as the body grows.
“Be careful in selecting appropriate size. Always buy with room-to-grow. You can’t imagine how large you’ll be in nine months,” he says while adding, “more than trend, it is the usability that should be of concern when it comes to this garment.”
Sanjay suggests a garment for every occasion. For lounging around the house, he says, “One can go for thigh to knee length frocks which do not strain at the abdominal area.” While one can also choose from loose fitted tees to stretchable pants or salwars that do not have draw strings on the waist. While going out for a brunch or a stroll in a mall, he says, dungarees are a great choice. “One can also play around with the fabrics. Go for some fabrics with a little lycra feel, so it will give one the fit and the comfort. Pinnafones are nice pick even as office wear,” he says while adding, “according to many gynocologists, who we have spoken to before designing clothes, the weight of the dress should fall on the shoulders of a woman not anywhere else.”
To take care of formal outings, it’s better to have a few great ensembles than many mediocre ones. Sanjay says that it is definitely better to invest in one outfit that makes you feel special. “A lovely georgette dress in the evening or a flowy top or a stunning salwar suit can make you look like a million dollars. Try to avoid layering as they only add bulk to the body,” he suggests.
This being the summer season, Sanjay says one can go for light floral colours which can brighten up any woman’s mood and keep the heat away. “Minor checked prints or colours of ivory and lemon too are soft for the eyes,” he says.
But when it comes to accessories, he says, keep things very minimal. “I personally do not recommend many accessories. Plain and simple is the way to be. But then again during pregnancy a woman under goes a lot of mood swings so ultimately the choice is hers,” he adds.
Things to avoid
* Ill fitted clothes
* Under-sized clothes
* Don’t go for outfits with elastic, tight belts, or stockings as they leave a mark
* Avoid layering of clothes for a slim look
* Also avoid clothing that may draw attention to your middle
* Avoid high heeled shoes.
Comfort speaks
»Arvinder Kaur George, who is entering her ninth month of pregnancy, says that buying special outfits throughout her pregnancy is very important. “What tops my priority list while buying maternity clothes is comfort,” says she.
Arvinder enjoys picking out a blend of Western and traditional outfits. “When it comes to kurtas I go for the ones that fit well but in Western outfits, I love flowy tops and team them up with stretchable trousers,” she says.
But a lot goes on in her mind before picking them up. “I do keep post pregnancy in mind. As most of my outfits are flowy, there is no need to alter them as I can use them later on as well. But off late I am buying clothes where I am able to nurse my child easily,” she says. But when it comes to colours, she prefers only happy bright colours as it keeps her in a positive mood.