Maternity workwear. Isn't that phrase just so...depressing? Ugh. It conjures up images of schlumpy, black, ill-fitting suits and those awful maternity button-down shirts. (shudder)
We can do better, Mamas.
I threw together a small Spring capsule wardrobe for working mamas-to-be. And it's almost completely post-partum friendly, and much of it is pumping-friendly. But best of all? Maternity workwear (blaaaah) has come such a long way that not only would I happily(!!) wear any of these pieces NOT pregnant, but most are pretty. darn. affordable.
1. Layering Camis
The secret to stretching your non-maternity clothes at the office is to make sure your belly is always covered. I tried many a maternity cami, but the only ones that would reliably cover my GINORMOUS pregnant belly was Isabella Oliver's. Also, these camis are more like tank-tops than undershirts, so can be worn alone on the weekends.
Featured: Isabella Oliver Ruched Cami, $52
2. Blousey Tops
Look for tops with both volume, and drape. They will hide the early-pregnancy pooch from your co-workers, have enough room to accommodate a growing belly and serve you well in your post-partum days. Many are even nursing-friendly. Extra points if you can find a cool pattern.
Featured: LOFT Maternity Printed Blouse, $64 | Seraphine Bamboo Nursing Top, $85 | ASOS Cowl Neck $29
3. Maternity Trousers
If you can get away with your non-maternity work pants...well. You are a luckier Mama than I. I had to buy actual maternity pants for work...and the side panels (like the black ASOS pants above) are my preferred waistband. They fit even if you carry low and large, and also work post-partum.
Pregnancy is a great time to try an unexpected style. Your body is changing so fast, you might be surprised by what works! Personally, I'd snap up the slouchy, cropped, Topshop trousers (styleboard below).
I found that if you work full(ish) time, you can get away with two pairs of pants. It gets boring after a while, but works.
Featured: ASOS Black Maternity Pant, $37 | Topshop Maternity Brushed Chinos, $56
4. A High Waist Pencil Skirt
This is such a flattering silhouette for pregnancy and post-partum. Pull that waistband up over the bump (or post-partum pooch). In post-partum, you'll need Spanx, but the high waist does help distract from the pooch.
Featured: TopShop Maternity Tube Skirt, $40 (Or try the ASOS Maternity Pencil Skirt, $33 if you prefer black)
5. A Day-To-Night Dress
This dress isn't *really* going to work post-partum, or even after you get your shape back - at least not on its own. You can't nurse in it, it's only borderline work-friendly. So why was it included? Because everyone - especially pregnant mamas - should have something that makes them feel sexy. And besides....I think pregnant mamas can get away with a wee bit of...creativity in the work place. Throw a blazer over this bad boy and you've got a work outfit. Take it off? Voila! Date night. Besides, these maternity bodycon dresses are surprisingly affordable.
Featured: ASOS Maternity Geo Scarf Print Dress, $50
6. Comfy and Cheerful Shoes
At some point....most mamas surrender their killer heels. I resisted all through my first pregnancy, but my second? BWAH HA HA...NO. Pregnancy is a good time to invest in some seriously comfortable shoes. But OMG there is NO REASON they need to be depressing comfort shoes. You know?
Featured: Tieks Lavender Snake Flats, $265 | Kate Spade NY Kimmy, $209
ps. Tieks are pricey, but I was recently sent a pair to review and...OH MY. They are the only ballet flats I've tried that are seriously cushy with butter-soft leather. I'm showing a printed pair here, but their solid colors are roughly $100 less.
7. An Oversized Tote
You belly is big. Your bag can be bigger. Besides, you can always use it as a diaper bag eventually.
Featured: Vince Camuto Julia Satchel, $248
*****THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED****
Winnner:
ASOS GIVEAWAY!!
ASOS has generously offered one of our lovely readers a $50 gift card! If you aren't familiar with ASOS, they are a huge (HUGE) online retailer of amazing, on-trend pieces. They are one of my very top picks for maternity clothes (see their entire line here), and have a decent selection of gorgeous nursing bras. If I won, I'd snap up this dress, and I wish this parka came in a non-maternity version....which reminds me:
You don't have to be pregnant to win. Any US resident can enter this giveaway. The $50 code is good for anything on ASOS.com. The giveaway ends Friday, March 8th at midnight.
To enter, leave us a comment and let us know what is at the top of your shopping list for Spring.
Good luck, and happy shopping!!
xoxo
S
