Maternity Tunics and Blouses

Is it possible to look like a professional working woman while pregnant? Truthfully, most pregnant women would be more comfortable barefoot, or at least in sneakers; but, when at the office, it certainly is possibly to diminish the “maternal” charm of pregnancy, while still accentuating the beauty of the season.

A pleated back creates a very tailored look. For the “tucked in” effect, choose blouses that are fitted below the bump. This will avoid the “swing” that is nicer in a more casual setting. Also helpful in portraying a tailored appearance are adjustable maternity tunics and blouses. When a piece is adjustable, a woman is not required to purchase the same piece in different sizes throughout her pregnancy. A cross-over top accentuates the bust, and defines the bump. To downplay the bust at the office, the cross-over top can be paired with a maternity jacket. The jacket can then be removed in the evening for the perfect office to outing ensemble.

For a casual weekend, it can be nice for a pregnant woman to wear tunics and blouses with a little swing, rather than a gathered hem. However, this will add some bulk to larger framed women. To maintain a slim appearance while allowing the blouse to swing freely, it should be gathered at the bust-line (or tied in back), and should be paired with slim-fitting jeans or leggings.

In general, a good maternity blouse is a way for a pregnant woman to announce her pregnancy. An empire waistline features the bump, and can be created through gathering and ruching under the bust-line, high tie-backs, or the structure of heavier material and defined stitching. No matter how it is achieved, the feature of an empire waist is a very important one in a maternity blouse. If a maternity blouse does not offer an empire waist, it should come with a belt for the option of creating one. Without accentuating the high maternity waistline, a pregnant woman can easily seem lost in a sea of fabric, thus feeling more “fat” than pregnant.