Maternity Trends for Fall 2011

As a fashion designer for over fifteen years, I know that when it comes to maternity fashion trends this season, fall 2011 has much to offer every stylish mom to be. Many trends from the catwalks can be translated into maternity fashions, from the long sleeve maxi dress to colored denim. Here are some of my favorite emerging trends.

• Fashionable outerwear in the way of a poncho or cape offer comfort and a distinct chic look. This will become her main go to for fall. Thrown on over almost anything, it will elevate her look.

• The maxi dress moves forward into fall, taking on a new twist with long sleeves in solids and patterns. This head to toe look is so easy and polished.

• Denim takes new shape with the bell and flare bottom, while skinny denim is still important, it gets updated with color giving it a new point of view and further versatility. Look for grey, black and camel denim.

• Wrap cardigans are always key for maternity and this season, details like rib placements and engineered stripes take it to the next level. Used for layering over almost anything, it is a great transitional piece that will grow with her as her belly bump blossoms and there after.

• Leggings still continue to enhance her wardrobe and will continue on as an essential. New patterns/textures from the corded legging to double knits take this comfy essential one step forward.

• The tunic takes shape with Henley details and transcends into fall in all fabrications; knits, woven’s and sweaters. Perfect over all the new colored skinny denim and legging textures!

• Silk carries forward from spring into fall with a pop of color and color blocking to create pattern. Great in dresses with tights and booties, also blouses with denim or a dressy cargo pant and great wedge, silk charmouse and silk crepe can be dressed up or down and should be on everyone’s must have list for this season.

• Knits continue to evolve with a slightly dressier flare with soft and drapy fabric such as viscose/lycra blends and modal/ctn slubs. Details such a exposed zippers, metal buttons and draped looks take the knit away from just being a basic and making it a stand alone piece.

• Animal prints are so timeless and always help kick a look up a notch. New this season in more sophisticated tonal colors, anyone can wear it without feeling overpowered by it.

• Sweater coats in heavy gauge with lofty yarns are accented with ties, buttons and military details (i.e. pockets and epaulettes).

• Fall’s color palettes are grounded with black, grey in all shades and crème. Pop colors in purple hues such as lilac, eggplant and aubergene accent the base. Also, hints of deep coral and honeysuckle play nicely off warm camels.

As you can see, for the expectant mom that expects to continue to look her best and does not want to just blend into the background there are many options that retailers need to make sure they have on hand to help her evolve her style.

Editorial provided by: Tara Strafford, Creative Director of Pour Deux, “Maternity for Two.”