Fashion Expectations for Before and After the Baby

Rock on mothers-to-be! These women work, socialize and lead active lives so they want — and need –– to look sharp all the time. Now that pregnancy fashion is no longer an oxymoron and bellies are proudly displayed, moms-in-waiting embrace body skimming dresses and fabulous tops, leggings and skirts, just like their unpregnant selves. The pre-baby months are still a time to embrace one’s inner and outer beauty, expanding waistline or not. All it takes are carefully selected clothes and a little savvy when building a wardrobe with great expectations. Vibrant, stylish ladies are so not going to settle for a tent dress, frumpy jeans and a big bow at the neckline — especially as many manufacturers go for the gold, offering maternity styles that are on trend and comfortable to wear; so be sure clothes that are hits for misses are among your offerings.

In addition to stocking terrific items for a waiting-for-the-baby-wardrobe, also offer products that are not totally focused on pregnancy. Couples should make time to slip in a date with their mate (and purchase a show-stopping piece to wear to it) before the stork makes his special delivery, especially as it may be one of the few times they can be alone together before the newest family member turns up. Accessories lend new life to outfits and extend the wearability of old favorites and new acquisitions.

Post-delivery, many garments live on in women’s lives as they transition from baby waiting to tot-tending. Pregnancy pounds may take some time to shed so stretchy clothes are a particular boon. Stylish tops, versatile jackets and soft, scrunchy sweaters always have a place of pride in the wardrobe. Everyone likes clothes that can be repurposed and offer great value. Remind shoppers that a well-designed, well-made garment will serve them for a long time and showcase an array of A-listers including tunics, cardigans, pieces that wrap and ever-popular leggings. Feature items that have classic looks that do well when mixed and matched so every piece can do double or even triple duty. Smart shoppers look for style and value so make your mark by offering maternity fashions that combine both.

Here’s a trio of brand suggestions: Isabella Oliver, Bellyssima and Baby On Board Apparel.

Isabella Oliver Knows How to Wrap

Customers seeking stylish maternity clothes that combine fashion sense and comfort will be delighted when offered designs from Isabella Oliver. The line, known for its signature detailing including wrapping and ruching, has been featured in major fashion mags and seen on bold-face names including Jennifer Garner and Angelina Jolie.

The new Breton Button top in soft cotton jersey adds an instant update to casual looks with button detailing at the shoulders; a figure flattering ruched body; bracelet-length sleeves; and a modern boatneck. The top, which comes in ecru or dark fern, looks great during pregnancy and after. On a cool day, top off an outfit with an elegant draped cotton and merino wool-blend maternity cardigan for a chic leisure look in caviar black, charcoal or ivory; also great when worn post-pregnancy.

Ladies in waiting will exude urban chic in an oversized, slouchy hooded sweater dress in wool cashmere, available in soft heather gray. This dress works equally well teamed with ballet flats and leggings or worn solo for at-home loungewear. The ruffle detail on a maternity wrap dress in cozy but never itchy jersey, wraps and sculpts curves and adjusts for a flattering fit at every stage. A standout in Cobalt Blue or Electric Plum, the dress also comes in Caviar Black making it a must-have LBD before baby.

Wrap up customers at www.isabellaoliver.com

Bellyssima Celebrates the Beauty of Burgeoning Bellies

For maternity wear that skews high fashion, look at Bellyssima, purveyor of stylish, affordable maternity wear. Owners Amy Feldman and Lisa Brick-Hirsch personally try on each design before adding it to their line to make sure it’s just right. Among their best-sellers is a black twill pencil skirt that’s currently all the rage. Pair it with the gray, sleeveless ruffled tiered top for a dressy look or the crossover drawstring top in flattering plum, evergreen or charcoal for more casual wear. The pencil skirt also comes in plaid or denim and in point jersey that stretches to hug curves.

There is also a straight long skirt with a slight flare made of thick cotton to embrace without clinging. The multi-print dress can be layered with a cardigan over, shell underneath, or worn alone. It looks smashing dressed up or down — a sexy dress with a chic twist front made to fit lean against the body to look glamorous on any figure.

Most women can’t resist layering, so Bellyssima offers leggings in many lengths including the currently popular three-quarter and layering tee shirts in thin fabric that fits close to the body with a range of sleeve styles. These pieces are maternity basics that will see women smartly through all phases of pregnancy, and accommodate changing shapes after the baby has arrived.

Help women show their beauty with fashions from www.bellyssimamaternity.com

All Aboard for BOBA

Baby On Board Apparel (BOBA) is a lifestyle maternity clothing company that combines function and fashion. Each garment has been designed to grow with an expanding belly, work hard with any existing wardrobe and serve as staple apparel even after nine months. Clothing from BOBA is made of quality fabric built to survive multiple washings and plays well with other pieces to make the wearer look amazing over and over.

Everyday Leggings, a must for every maternity wardrobe are ninety percent cotton, ten percent spandex so they fit all blossoming bellies. Pair them with the Ultrasound Tee Shirt that answers the all-too-common question –– do you know what you’re having? Choose from a blue, pink or green (surprise!) checkmark and top it off with the Molly Blazer in Black Slate or Salt and Pepper that features pretty-in-pink cuffs, ruffle pockets and puff sleeves. As a bonus, the Molly easily adapts to outfits after the baby is born.

The Amelia Coat also works pre-and-post pregnancy with a neckline that can be worn in several different ways. The brand-new Monster Mania for Baby On Board Apparel was made to be hip and comes in a super soft fabric that skin adores. These tee shirts can be worn post natal and come with funny cartoon-like designs including The Screamer, Balloon Girl and Upside Down Monster.

Get on board with easy wear, easy care clothes at www.babyonboardapparel.com