THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, April 29, 1996 TAG: 9604270073
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Fashion
SOURCE: BY KIM WADSWORTH, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines
SO YOU'RE HAVING a baby. Congratulations!
We're here to help with one of the numerous changes and challenges ahead: Keeping your growing body in clothes.
The primary concern during this time of physical change: Comfort and fit that is flattering. And on that front there's good news, because the latest designs in maternity wear are made to withstand repeated wear and growing waistlines.
``Maternity wear has been updated,'' says Terry Watson, head of retail development at Japanese Weekend, a maternity wholesale company in San Francisco.
``Women want to feel comfortable in this natural state of being. They don't have to feel dowdy.''
For the working woman who is expecting, the options in maternity business attire have improved greatly. Because a structured look is impossible when you're eight months pregnant, jackets are designed to gently drape and can be worn over pants or skirts. Dresses in flowing fabrics, pleated jumpers and shell tunics with short skirts offer acceptable ensembles.
Ashby Hopkins, a training analyst with Cigna Group Insurance in Virginia Beach, is just beginning to adjust to her changing waistline. ``I've been wearing elastic waist pants and no waist or drop-waist dresses up to now,'' she says. ``But I will definitely purchase one or two maternity blazers and pants.''
Hopkins finds herself at that funny in-between stage - too early for maternity but too late for her own clothes.
``I'm just floating in the middle,'' she says.
As pregnancy progresses, wardrobe options shrink. But maternity wear that expands as a woman does will help. Look for clothes that will be useful in postpartum, with nursing flaps built in and adjustable tabs to pull in excess fabric.
Laurie Reed, a fourth-grade teacher at Corporate Landing Elementary in Virginia Beach, is a second-time-around mother.
``I'm in my ninth month, so my options are pretty limited. I'm wearing empire waistlines and oversized tops. I'm trying to mask the frumpiness with some new accessories to make me feel better.''
Reed suggests adding fashionable jewelry, shoes and scarves to draw attention away from the tummy. ``And I go out and shop for some new things for me as soon as the baby comes!''
Despite your shape-shifting, this is one of the most feminine times in your life. So look for attractive clothes that meet your expanding needs and make you feel confident with your temporary silhouette. ILLUSTRATION: MOTOYA NAKAMURA
The Virginian-Pilot
LEFT: Japanese Weekend rayon print dress works before and after
pregnancy with adjustable tabs and nursing flaps. $93 at Maternity
Boutique, Virginia Beach.
MOTOYA NAKAMURA
The Virginian-Pilot
Ashby Hopkins wears a full-bodied jacket, $168, with metallic tank
top, $78. Both designed by Ran Designs II. Pleated plaid skirt
offers lots of room for expansion, $91. By Ma Divine Clementine.
Fashions from Maternity Boutique, Virginia Beach.
STYLE TIPS FOR EXPECTING MOMS
Don't buy clothes that are too small. If you are at the
mid-point, make certain the top is loose with room to grow. By nine
months, there won't be any room left.
Accessorize around the neck and face area. Use scarves, necklaces
and earrings to draw attention upward. If your bustline is one of
your assets, you can wear tops that are slightly low-cut.
Shoulder pads offer balance to your silhouette, especially with a
full tummy. Clothing drapes better and gives a more sophisticated
look.
Buy one or two basic maternity pants, and mix and match tops.
Colorful choices tend to lift the spirits.
(Source: Barbie White of Japanese Weekend)
by CNB