Maternity Monday: What to Wear to Work

Those of you who have ever incubated a human being know that pregnancy is hard work. Just growing a baby is a job in itself! Especially during the exhausting, vomit-inducing first trimester, when all you can do some days is brush your teeth. That might sound ludicrous to the rest of the world, but you mommas know it's true.

So, to the moms who actually get out of their PJ's every day and make their way into the workforce, I salute you. I was a full-time college student during my first pregnancy, and let's just say I'm glad I didn't have to abide by any dress codes. Or be productive, for that matter. But, for those of you who have real jobs, you've still gotta look professional. No jean skirts and flip-flops for you.

And even if you're a stay-at-home mom, there will likely come an occasion during your pregnancy when you actually need to look presentable (think hubby's work functions, church ... that kind of thing). So, this post is for you, too.

1. Pants

This is the boring part, but good pants make all the difference in a wardrobe. Pants are the foundation. Without them, your wardrobe will fall apart.

The biggest problems with maternity pants are their potential to bag in the crotch area and to sag in the butt. EEEK! Girls, you need a pair of good trousers that are going to make you look awesome and allow you to focus at work, not pants you are going to be thinking about all day, wondering if you look like a grandma. So, don't be afraid to spend a little extra on them. This is a worthwhile investment.

Secret Fit Belly tweed trousers, A Pea in the Pod

These wide-leg trousers are really great. Not only do they have an interesting tweed texture, but they're wide-leg, which makes them very slimming. Plus, they've got the Secret Fit Belly! This is a fantastic invention. Basically, the long, elastic waistband keeps the pants up all day, which means no saggy butt and no baggy crotch! The band is very thin, but tight. So, it also functions as a shaper. Awesome!

Motherhood Maternity also carries Secret Fit Belly pants. If you're looking for a less-expensive alternative, check these out.

I caution you to avoid "flare" cut pants at all costs. Flares are generally not flattering on women (or men, for that matter ...). Why? They emphasize the thighs and hips! A wide leg or boot cut option is much better because they won't hug your thighs. You'll look long and lean instead of short and squatty.

2) Skirts

I'm just going to echo Jae here and simply say two words: pencil skirt. But, you don't want to go too pencil-y; your silhouette is different now that you've got a belly. Find something that's a little A-line but still sheath, like this:

Knee-length A-line skirt, A Pea in the Pod

3) Tops

I need to warn you about something. The maternity Oxford shirt. You might see this and say, "Buttons plus collar equals dressy! Yaaay." But look at it. Blah. Boring. Unfeminine. If you're going to wear that, you might as well get into your husband's closet and put one of his on for free. You can do so much better.

You CAN wear a crisp, white button-down, but get one that has something special, like ruffles:

Ribbon-trim textured shirt, Gap

And do jazz it up with color, like maybe some red flats or a colored blazer. You don't want to look like a waitress.

Or, you could put on a nice knit top, like one of these:

Knot -front top, Nordstrom Satin pintucked top, Forever 21

Leah top, Forever 21 Garden Bloom top, Forever 21

Dress them up with a cardigan or blazer, if needed. Then, add some accessories and a fun bag, like this...

Roxanne shoulder bag, Forever 21

... and you're ready to bring home the bacon, sister!

What to Wear: to a work function

Whether you work or your husband works, there are always work parties to go to. I have never seen something strike more fear into the hearts of women everywhere than stressing about what to wear to their husband's work Christmas party. I think it stems from the fear that you'll be the "dumpy wife" there.

By the same token, I see a lot of women that totally go all out and overdress for theirs or their hubby's work stuff. And in my book, there is nothing worst than being overdressed. So when in doubt, err on the side of being a little casual. Do not run out and buy a prom dress for heaven's sake.

Can I also say that my husband's last work function was an office wide trip to go to a Kenny Loggins concert? I KNOW! How funny is that? It was actually pretty fun, besides the fact that the only two songs I knew that are by Kenny Loggins are Footloose and Danger Zone. How's that for a clothing dilemma? "Honey! I've got a work party this weekend." Got it. "...and we're going to a Kenny Loggins concert!" What the?? What am I supposed to wear to that? (If you MUST know, I was pregnant at the time... so I wore dark jeans, a very low necked shirt [pregnant boobs, yay!] and a leather jacket. See? I can dress for any occasion!)

Here are a few outfits that work for a work function for me. In general, I don't like jeans at work functions, unless you KNOW it will be pretty casual. Such as, dinner out a casual dining restaurant, Kenny Loggins concerts, etc. Otherwise, get a good pair of black bootcut slacks. The ones shows here are from Spiegel.

Love a blousy, festive type top. The color of this one from Spiegel is amazing. Then add some slacks, shoes are from Wild Diva, earrings from Guess and a violet clutch from Target. I love the idea of this for a cocktail-esque, dinner work party. Anywhere that you're going out to a non casual place, but still don't want to look crazy dressed up.

For something a little more casual, such as an informal meeting, dinner out or a catered event, try this.

K, so start with the same black slacks, add a BRIGHT tank with a white blazer (Spiegel) and then tie your accessories in with another color (Clutch by Murval). I love teal and pink and white in the summer, this outfit would be awesome for an outdoor event. Then shoes in a non matching color (Guess) and you are all set.

For something more formal, or an event where your husband is required to wear a suit, or even a sportscoat, I would do a skirt. Still a little on the casual side, but dress it up with your accessories.

K, so start with a crisp white shirt, the puffy sleeves make it flirty and not business-y. (Kohls) Add a pencil skirt... I LOVE THIS ONE! (F21) and then belt that sucker! Remember that a pencil skirt should hit just above your natural waist, where that teeny part is. So belt it right at your smallest point. Then add some awesome shoes so its definitively not business wear. Add a clutch (Also from Target) and you're the hot wife!

Now, for plus sizes, black pants are your friends. Also, don't be afraid of a pencil skirt. You probably have killer legs.

K so the clothes are from Avenue and the accessories are WetSeal (Which has sizes up to 24 and 3X now, as well as Forever21 just launched Faith21 for plus sizes and its freakin adorable.) Anyhow, love the color. I feel like plus size girls are all about the black because its supposed to be slimming, but it just makes you look depressed. Have fun with your accessories. Wear big earrings that bring the attention up to your loverly face.

And then.... strut.

Seriously though. There is no excuse for a) freaking out when you get invited to a work party b) showing up with baby barf on your shoulder and c) not looking like a million bucks.