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Issue Date: March 30, 2003
10 principles of personal style
She may be America's foremost maternity designer, but don't expect muumuus and stretch pants. Here are the basics of dressing well, from the woman who made pregnancy fashionable.
by Liz Lange
Who among us has not stood gazing into her closet and pondered that eternal dilemma: What am I going to wear? Whether wardrobe planning thrills you, bores you or fills you with dread, spending precious morning-rush time building an outfit is a luxury few women can afford. Wouldn't it be great to wake up and find the perfect ensemble waiting at the ready? Believe it or not, by making the most of what you already own and buying a few key pieces each season, you can build a wardrobe in which everything flatters, with a style that's totally you.
Personal style is a concept I've relied upon in my business. I founded Liz Lange Maternity in 1997 because I wanted to give pregnant women a fashionable alternative to frilly, babyish maternity clothing. I didn't think women should have to change their style just because they were pregnant, and they resoundingly agreed. Although I firmly believe there are no rules to dressing, there are lots of fashion tips and tricks that can help you maximize your style, pregnant or not.
1. Keep your wardrobe fresh. No one wants to slavishly follow trends, but you can employ little touches to keep your look current. This season, it's all about a 1950s flashback. Last year's ruffle-laden peasant look has given way to a prim and pretty '50s moment and even a mod/ladylike '60s attitude. This look is one of my favorites because it plays on the iconic styles of Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn. Pieces like pastel cardigans, sophisticated pencil skirts and Chanel-style jackets -- even a polka-dot halter dress, à la Marilyn Monroe -- update your look this season and are perennially chic.
2. Dip yourself in a single color. Whether it's black, white or pastel pink, wearing one color from head to toe is instantly slimming. Add a splash of interest to the monochromatic look with a bright sweater in a different, fun color thrown over your shoulders or a tasteful scarf around your neck.
3. Don't fall back on black. Wearing black all the time is a little too safe. Although it's an indispensable part of any wardrobe, black shouldn't stand alone. Look for colors that will enhance your complexion and make you glow. This season, try a pink deep V-neck tee with a straight red skirt for a flamenco-chic flair. Top it off with a great piece of costume jewelry.
4. Wear your clothes fitted, but not tight. That's my mantra! No matter what your shape, clothes look better when they are cut close to the body. Try a slim-cut sweater over sleek pants or a body-skimming dress that shows off your curves. But be sure no undergarment lines or -- heaven forbid -- body parts are visible. That's crossing over the line to too tight.
5. Kick it up a notch in heels. Shoes are a girl's best friend, and they finish a look like no other accessory. Heels are another way to look slim right away. A kitten heel is great with a shorter skirt or cropped pants; a striking stiletto is best peeking out of long, boot-cut trousers. But don't go too high. This season, I love the new peekaboo-toe shoes. Be selective in your shopping process, and pick quality over quantity.
6. Keep it simple. When in doubt, wear tried-and-true basics. Always classic, always appropriate items like the little black dress, the classic white shirt, the hip black turtleneck and the khaki trench will be worn over and over until they are threadbare. Make sure your basics are well-made.
7. Shorter is sweeter. Show off sleek arms in a sleeveless top or great gams in a knee-length skirt. Don't go shorter everywhere; choose your best feature and work it. This spring's minis are a bit risqué, but if you have great legs, flaunt them.
8. Make a splash in swimwear. There are so many ways to look hot at the beach this summer. One-piece suits always flatter, and this year's tankinis cover just the right amount of skin. Pick a suit in a sexy but not overdone print. Sarongs give an ethereal mermaid-y feel that's divine over a simple swimsuit.
9. Mix it up. Remember when Sharon Stone wore an inexpensive turtleneck with a fabulous ball gown skirt to the Oscars? Mix and match designer and less expensive pieces -- a crisp white T-shirt with a designer suit, for example. You'll be admired for your ability to pair trends and basics. It's also a great way to save.
10. Confidence is always in style. No matter what style you choose, you'll look best when you feel great in what you're wearing. Add clean makeup, good posture and a perky smile to make a fabulous impression every day. W
Liz Lange, who has a new line of maternity clothes at Target, is the author of the upcoming book "Liz Lange's Maternity Style" (Clarkson Potter, $22.50).
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