Maternity Tip

How to Dress for Work When Pregnant

The days of dowdy and frumpy maternity wear are long gone. Hordes of hip moms-to-be are flocking to the modern maternity shop, which boasts a variety of super-cute and subtly chic pieces appropriate for a casual or dressy office environment.

Steps: 

1. Tailor a dressy work wardrobe around wool crepes and     gabardines with spandex, as well as fine-gauge knits that give. Skirts will be more comfortable than pants near the end.

2. Invest in a blazer that can match a pair of pants, a skirt and a dress to maximize your options.

3. Look for a few simple A-line dresses in black, basic navy or muted gray. Add a pendant on a long chain to go casual, or dress it up with a scarf and blazer.

4. Stock up on oversized blouses. Pair them with a unitard for a casual ensemble or with a skirt and scarf for a dressier one.

5. Invest in a few tunics, varying sleeve lengths, necklines and colors. Their boxy cut gives your belly some room, and they work just as well over leggings as they do a skirt.

6. Keep feet comfortable in wide loafers or flats, lace-up shoes and ballet slippers. If pumps are a must, choose a low heel and slip them off periodically to stretch your toes.

Tips: To keep your condition under wraps, introduce new pieces gradually, and when possible, pair them with items familiar to your colleagues. Also, buy new clothes that mimic your pre-pregnancy style. Try non-maternity clothes in a size or two above your normal size. Until your belly really starts to form and your breasts fill out, this might be your easiest option.

Warnings: Remember that skirts and dresses will hike up in front as your belly grows. Try everything on, then sit down to see where the hem hits.