I’m Pregnant -- Can I Really Wear Stripes?

Photo: Motherhood Maternity, GAP, Bloomingdale's

Jane is 23 weeks pregnant with baby #3 and looking for cute tees to get her through her day. “I'm so confused and irritated by the plethora of stripes on maternity clothes. I am definitely not looking to add any more width to my growing baby-bump girth. Are these companies crazy or am I totally lost on style and fashion, maternity and otherwise?”

The answer is neither; stripes can make you look wider, but if you choose the right cut and style, they can be flattering and fun. Start with skinny stripes in either a basic neutral (black or navy) or a fun color (red or hot pink). Here’s how to make your striped tee work on your pregnant body.

Go beyond the basic tee. A boat neck broadens your shoulders, which balances your belly; a scoop neck draws the eye up to your face. Avoid a basic crewneck; a crew neckline will make you look bigger, even without the stripes.

Be picky about fit. As your belly grows, the idea of a fitted tee starts to seem ridiculous. But don’t assume that your only option is a small circus tent -- look instead for tees with a drawstring or ruching up the side, something to keep the line slim through the back and sides.

Go long. The tunic is a pregnant woman’s best friend. Stripes work well in a slightly longer length tee, ideally one with an A-line shape; pair with leggings for a casual, comfortable silhouette that’s still polished and chic or with a slim maternity skirt for a slightly dressy day look.

Still nervous about stripes? Tone down a striped tee by layering it under a cardi or blazer. Don't worry about investing in maternity jackets and sweaters; as long as your jackets and cardigans still fit properly through the shoulders, you can wear them all the way to the end of your pregnancy, even with your bump showing (or actually preceding you into the room). But give stripes a try -- they'll brighten up your maternity look and give you a little style boost in those last weeks before the baby comes.

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