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!