by Dawn Mellon
Fashion prison. Its' inmates are typically sentenced to a 9-month stay for crimes of fashion that are, in large part, not their fault. They’re expectant mothers whose once fabulous wardrobes now include t-shirts that read, “The Bump is Back” or worse, their husband’s sweat pants.
Thankfully, these inmates have a powerful ally whose advice has freed them - and taught them that the term ‘maternity chic” is no longer an oxymoron. Her name: Amy Koch. Her official title: style expert and author. Her defense strategy: Bump It Up, THE guide to transforming your pregnancy into the ultimate style statement.
Koch, whose personal fashion icon is Kate Moss, says, “The book is an outgrowth of my own pregnancy experience.” She believes it is important to maintain your fashion sense throughout your pregnancy because, “It’s one of the few things you CAN control during your pregnancy, and when you look good, you feel good about your ever-expanding waist line.”
She recently shared her words of wisdom at a nearly sold-out book signing event held at the W Hotel and co-hosted by fellow fashionistas Heidi Dillion, Lori Jones, Pat Smith and Amy Vanderoef. One attendee and expectant mother, Astyn Davis, described Koch’s advice as “inspiring.”
“It is wonderful to know that an expectant mother can still look fabulous, even when they may not be feeling their best,” continues Davis. “Her styling tips are simple, affordable and full of witty insight.”
Following are highlights of Koch’s styling tips:
Invest in a few basic maternity pieces:
– solid-colored layering pieces
– leggings and maternity jeans
Find non-maternity clothes that complement your new ‘body type’:
– ruched tops and dresses made of stretchy fabrics, which can be worn during and after your pregnancy (Koch specifically mentioned Abi Ferrin’s ruched tank dress)
– empire, A-line- or trapeze-style tops and dresses
– bias-cut slips (yes, slips, as in ‘lingerie!’) layered with a belted cardigan or structured jacket
– voluminous blouses and/or tunics – Caution: only wear volume in one place…a blousy tunic needs bare legs, slim jeans or leggings, while a flowy skirt requires a clingier top
Make friends with a great tailor:
– ask your tailor to custom-fit your non-maternity clothes for your now-maternity body
– you may even find one who can design some pieces inspired by the latest trends, but made to accommodate your baby bump
Be creative:
– wrap a bathing suit cover-up around your waist to make a flowy skirt
– wear an elastic-waist skirt as a dress – in the beginning, wear it below your belly with a tank top and later wear it over your chest as a mini trapeze dress
– wear chain belts that no longer fit around your waist as necklaces
– drape scarves around your neck whenever possible – in the beginning, they’ll hide your bump if you’re trying to keep your pregnancy under wraps, and at the end, they’ll serve as a (perhaps, much-desired) distraction.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize:
– a little high heel will balance out your bulge and elongate your body
– colorful baubles, pendants, brooches, earrings, and bracelets can transform the most basic outfit from drab to fab – so, pile them on!
Amy Tara Koch is Chicago-based freelance journalist with national reach. She is the trend reporter for NBC’s Chicago affiliate and style expert for iVillage. Koch is a regular contributor to the Chicago Tribute, the Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine, Chicago Magazine and Chicago Social. She also writes for Vogue Espana, Self, Town & Country, Travel & Leisure, Child Magazine, American Way, Daily Candy, Healthy Lifestyles and Spas, Distraction Magazine and PAPER Magazine.
