FASHION/STYLE : Pregnant and stylish

Just because you’re pregnant, doesn’t mean you have to lose your style. Most pregnant women are unhappy with some aspect of their looks, and think they are too heavy to be stylish. Long ago, mothers-to-be used to wear oversized and sweeping garments. The thought was because the tummy accents would distract the eye from the mother’s growing midsection, but the effect was far more clownish. Those days are over. However, recently women started to want to show off their pregnancies. Now there is an entirely new perception of what looking beautiful while pregnant is. A rising number of pregnant women are showing off their bells in a more fashionable sense and their figures, thanks to our celebrities and mostly female maternity designers. The modern mother-to-be’s wardrobe matches the stylish and spirited maternity fashions that are huge hits on market. “We live in a culture that is celebrity obsessed,” says Joanna Gakuba, who started her maternity collection boutique in Nyamirambo 3 years ago, adds, “I often encourage my clients wear chic clothing when they’re pregnant, and consider it not only the right way to go, but the only way to go. Gakuba offers a variety of maternity collections, both casual and formal. For example, pencil skirts with matching coats of the same length, little dresses and twin sets. “These outfits are perfect for the pregnant shape--they give a fabulous fit at every stage and are very flattering,” adds Gakuba. Pregnant women will, therefore, make do with a collection of loose-fitting “regular” clothes, a pair or two of maternity jeans. It’s so important to feel good about yourself when you are pregnant. Even if you go on a shopping spree and buy the whole collection, rest assured, the stretch property of the fabric allows each garment to recover its original shape after wear and washing. This means that the piece you wore at nine-months pregnant will be wearable immediately after your pregnancy too. It also means, that it works throughout your pregnancy, and even for your second, or third pregnant. Showing off your figure and curve is totally acceptable. But women need to be advised not to wear overly tight and skip clothes, especially to the office. Stick to tailored dresses and skirts paired with a sweater or a jacket to maintain a professional look. Little striking maternity dresses are versatile for home or evening wear. They offer extreme comfort and breathe ability. Add some glamorous accessories and a pair of chic lower shoes--and all of a sudden you’re the most elegant woman in the room, expecting or otherwise. With shoes, you don’t need high heels, but lower heels add a bit of elegance on your look. Avoid ankle strap shoes and boots, especially from the fifth month of your pregnancy to avoid backaches. A more comfortable shoe with a moderate heel will do. Finally, when putting together your maternity wardrobe, avoid buying maternity clothes until you actually need them. A better deal is to purchase a couple of things throughout your trimesters. It will save money, certainly, but it’s also very difficult to predict how--and where--you will fill out. So, be more conscious and ever ready for gradually changes in your body. Ends