One on One with Liz Lange
We really appreciate that the days of flowered muumuus are gone! We were recently given the opportunity to ask Liz Lange, maternity wear designer and entrepreneur, some questions about fashion during pregnancy.
How did you start designing such beautiful maternity wear?
Back in the 90s, maternity clothing options consisted of big, over-sized pieces that made women look much heavier than they actually were. I would either see pregnant women dressing in baggy clothes to hide their body or women squeezing themselves into nonpregnancy clothing because they didn’t like anything that was available in the maternity stores. That’s when I realized that there was a huge void in the market and came up with the idea to create fitted maternity clothing that would help women feel chic and show off their new curves.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I pull elements from outfits and styles that I would dress myself in and make it wearable for the everyday woman. I want pregnant women to have clothing options that are reflective of their own personal style.
What is unique to designing maternity clothing?
When designing maternity clothing, you have to always keep the growing belly in mind. It’s important to make sure the clothes will fit in all the right places and accentuate your new curves.
What is the importance of a maternity wardrobe as opposed to just wearing your stretchy pants and your husband’s shirts?
Wearing over-sized clothing is very unflattering to your shape. This is a celebratory time in your life and you need clothes that reflect how you feel! Fitted maternity pieces will highlight your new curves and make you feel good, which is why it is so important to have a
maternity wardrobe.
What would you say is the one must-have piece in a maternity wardrobe?
Every pregnant woman should own a great little black dress, or not so little as the case may be! I always include chic, affordable LBDs in my Target collection that transition from day to night by accessorizing to fit the occasion.
How do average moms inject some chic and style into their clothing during pregnancy?
One of the easiest ways to make an outfit more chic and stylish is to utilize your accessories and makeup. The right jewelry and makeup can make the most basic outfit pop. Longer necklaces are great to have because they help create an elongating illusion, which also helps you look slimmer. I love eye catching statement pieces such as a bold cuff, a statement necklace, or a stack of bangles. Adding a dramatic smokey eye or bright lipstick also adds instant glamour to any outfit. For shoes, I love pairing ballet flats or a fun wedge. Tie your hair up in a loose top knot to complete a relaxed but chic look. The best thing about these tips is that you already own these accessories and makeup and these items don’t change size throughout your pregnancy!
If you had one fashion tip for a newly pregnant woman, what would it be?
Buy as you grow! Don’t go out and shop for maternity clothes the moment you discover you are pregnant because you don’t know how much your body will grow or change that early on in your pregnancy. Instead, I suggest buying a few key pieces as your baby bump grows so you can mix and match them with outfits you already have in your closet. It’s also helpful to invest in items that you can wear
post-pregnancy. The clothes that you wear throughout your first trimester when you’re transitioning into your new body are the same
clothes that will fit you the months after your baby is born.
Any current fashion trends you love that transfer seamlessly into maternity wear?
I am loving the trend of mixing prints. I especially love the chevron trend because this pattern is extremely slimming as it creates a focal point on your body. I am also loving silk and chiffon maxi dresses in bright colors for maternity wear because while a lot of
pregnant women think they need to be dressed in black to look thin, vibrant colors can actually help create a flattering silhouette.
CFDA designer and entrepreneur Liz Lange pioneered the concept of “maternity chic” by creating stylish, body-conscious clothes for pregnant women. After working at Vogue magazine, Liz tried her hand as a designer and developed the idea for a sophisticated and
slim-fitting collection of maternity clothing. This innovative design approach quickly attracted celebrities, fashion insiders, businesswomen and stay-at-home moms-to-be alike, launching her brand and cementing her status as a fashion trailblazer. In 2002 she partnered with Target to launch an exclusive collection of affordable maternity pieces, from flattering jeans and T-shirts to on-trend dresses and swimsuits. Liz is also the author of “Liz Lange’s Maternity Style: How to look Fabulous during the Most Fashion-Challenged Time.”
