Pregnancy is a joyous time in a woman's life – morning sickness aside – but when it comes to the best maternity clothes, the biggest statement you're likely in the mood to make is "I'm extremely comfortable" by wearing sweatpants and slippers everywhere. Unfortunately for working mothers-to-be, this simply isn't an option unless they're lucky enough to work from home. Maxi dresses can't solve all of your pregnant working woman fashion issues, especially in the winter. Here are some tips on how to dress your baby bump up like the professional you are.
Keeping it together for the first few months
Every woman is different with regard to when they begin to show and how big they get, but up until about the three month mark you ought to be able to wear most of your normal attire. If you decide to leave a button undone for some breathing room – or if you unexpectedly pop a button courtesy of your bundle of joy – cover it up by simply untucking your shirt. It may not be quite as clean-cut and sharp as the look you left the house with, but it's better than exposing your undone button to the entire office. Here's a neat little trick for making your regular clothes last a little longer during your pregnancy: Take a rubber band and put it through the buttonhole of your skirt or slacks, wrap it around the button and voila! You've just rigged up an elastic waistband.
Neutral colored business suits, can flatter any frame even as it balloons to that of a fully pregnant female. Grey, black and light brown tweed are traditional colors that will help you achieve the professional look you desire. When the weather turns hot, cotton and linen materials are your best bet for keeping cool. Stick with narrow slacks as the wide-legged option is likely to make you look, well, wider.
Changing your look as your bump grows
In between the "barely there" and the "can't miss it" phases of pregnancy, you're likely to go through a phase where you look like you've just put on a few pounds. No biggie. Most maternity clothing may still be too big for you, so you'll have to get a little creative in coming up with some fashionable solutions. Low-rise slacks that sit beneath your protruding stomach are one option, as are thick leggings matched with a dress, tunic or a blouse and long jacket. Caftans are also a trendy and comfortable way to accommodate your baby bump. Look for stretchy materials such as cotton, jersey and knits so you and your baby can be comfortable while you work hard for the money.
Dressing it up with accessories
If you didn't appreciate the importance of good accessorizing before you became pregnant, now is a great time to get into it. They may not do anything to hide your pregnancy, but the right accessories can set an outfit on fire, and help you feel fabulous for the whole nine months. Choose earrings, necklaces and bracelets that are classy without being too flashy for an office environment. White gold and diamonds are perfect, but steer clear of chandelier earrings and costume jewelry. Scarves are a great addition to any outfit, and with both heavy and light fabrics to choose from, can be worn in any season. Finish the look off with a cute purse, and you're good to go!
It may take some trial and error, but you'll find what works best for your frame as you grow if you just keep at it. Indulge yourself and splurge on one outfit that makes you feel absolutely amazing for those days when you're not feeling your best.