As a working woman, you will have mastered the art of business dressing. You look sharp in a suit, and your don’t-mess-with-me power dresses never fail to make a good impression. You may have a carefully cultivated capsule wardrobe full of colour coordinated pieces to mix, match and accessorise, but when your body is about to embark on the crazy nine month journey that is pregnancy, it may be a good idea to sit down and have a wardrobe re-think.
But don’t be put off! The good news is that whether you’re pregnant or not, the rules of fashion are essentially the same, with just a few minor adjustments to flatter your changing shape.
Here is a list of the top 5 most important things to know about dressing your bump for the office:
1) The Suit
Invest in a good quality maternity suit at the beginning of your pregnancy, and it will see you stylishly through your full nine months.
When shopping for a maternity blazer it’s a good idea to keep certain things in mind. Firstly, look for stretch fabrics such as jersey or soft Ponte di Roma – this is a piece that ought to flatter your figure throughout pregnancy, so it needs to be able to grow with you. Secondly, the cut should be tailored in towards your empire line, which, as your pregnancy progresses, will become your new natural waist.
When it comes to skirts and trousers, the most important consideration to make, is whether you want them to fit over or under your bump as it grows. There is no right or wrong answer here; it’s all about what feels most comfortable to you!
Black Super Stretch Maternity Blazer
Black Super Stretch Maternity Pencil Skirt
Black Stretch Tailored Maternity Trousers
2) The Dress
A small collection of flattering maternity dresses in different colours and patterns can go a very long way to transforming your office style during pregnancy. The best way to flatter your changing figure is to choose dresses that focus on the empire line. This will help to define your new shape, allowing plenty of room for your growing curves, and drawing attention to the slimmest part of your body. Flowing A-line dresses will be incredibly comfortable, and don’t be afraid to flaunt your changing curves in a figure hugging bodycon style!
Burgundy Maternity Shift Dress
Black Lace Panel Maternity Shift Dress
Green Knot Front Maternity Dress
3) The Shirt
When it comes to shirts and blouses, it really is important to get a good fit, and investing in a maternity shirt is one way of guaranteeing this throughout your pregnancy. A good quality maternity shirt will be made in soft stretch cotton that is kind on sensitive skin and will adapt to your changing curves. Yet again, it’s all about the empire line, and it’s a good idea to look for a shirt that is cut long, to ensure that your curves are kept neatly covered at every stage of your pregnancy.
White Empire Line Stretch Cotton Maternity Shirt
Graphite Grey Sheer Pintuck Maternity Blouse
4) The Shoes
During pregnancy, it’s more important than ever to choose shoes that support your feet properly. We know it isn’t easy to hear, but flats really are the way to go if you want to prevent back pain and avoid swollen ankles. ShoeTherapy is a fantastic range of stylish ballet pumps and loafers, which are ergonomically designed to improve your posture and boost your circulation during pregnancy. Not only do they provide all of these fantastic health benefits, but they also look smart and professional, and are unbelievably comfortable to wear – even when you are on your feet all day long. Once you’ve tried these comfortable little ballet flats, you may not want to go back to your heels!
ShoeTherapy Black Ballerinas
ShoeTherapy Black Studded Loafers
5) The Accessories
The right accessories can make all the difference to your maternity office wear style; lifting your mood and adding an extra fashion edge to any outfit. They will also help you to keep your capsule maternity wardrobe looking fresh. Add a printed scarf around your neck to jazz up a plain maternity dress, or define your shape with a simple empire belt. After your baby is born, a stylish tote changing bag can help you to keep your things and your baby’s bits and pieces organised while you’re out and about.
Blue Lace Print Scarf
Double Wrap Skinny Waist Belt
Black Seraphine Tote Changing Bag
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