First off, congratulations! Chances are if you’re reading this you’re expecting a baby and I’m so happy for you! You’re probably already starting your registry, here’s a peek at what I would add to that, but you’re also preparing for your work clothes to not fit and you’re in need of some maternity workwear! Now let’s get down to details.
I did NOT want to spend a bunch of money on maternity workwear because I’m only going to wear those clothing items for a short period of time, right? If I have another baby then maybe I wear them a few more times. But there are workwear pieces in my closet that I’ve had and worn for years and it was difficult for me to stomach that I was going to be spending money on things that I wouldn’t wear for years. Oh and every time I searched ‘maternity workwear’ most of it was SUPER EXPENSIVE! $200 for a pair of maternity work pants that actually felt like sh*t? No thank you!
However, I knew I needed to get some things to wear because my pants were getting a little tight and so were my dresses. I also knew that I was going to have to look professional because I had at least two trials scheduled (at 6 and 7 months).
There are ten things you need to buy for your maternity workwear closet that will, when worn with what you already have in your closet, will take you through your entire pregnancy. I’ve also added some other ideas and items that saved me while I was having to get dressed for the office while pregnant.
You need three dresses, two pairs of pants, three tops, and two skirts. Honestly that’s it; you can make due with those 10 things and laundry every week. If you’ve been following me for a while you might own one of the pair of pants and the skirts already. I didn’t even have to purchase different sizes in them because they lasted the whole pregnancy.
Dresses: You can layer with blazers, lady jackets, cardigans, and scarves already in your closet. If the dresses have sleeves you can wear them without a cover.
Tops: Make sure to have your tanks in basic colors to wear with the skirts and pants. I loved this striped maternity top but you can grab any print you want. If you pick tops with sleeves you don’t need a blazer.
Skirts: These pleated skirts are forgiving in early pregnancy and all the way through the final days. So comfortable and not see through, my usual size fit the entire pregnancy. I have these skirts as well that I wore, they’re also pleated but a bit longer that the ones pictured.
Pants: I ordered my favorite work pants in one size up and it was worth it because I wore them 1-2 times per week. I have a pair of comfortable athletic pants that look work appropriate and they lasted until I was 37 weeks in my regular size.
Slip Shorts: These shorts are going to become your best friend. By the end I was wearing them every time I wore a skirt or dress, which was 85% of my week. No chafing!
New Bras: You do not want to stretch out your regular non pregnancy bras. These were my affordable favs! If you plan on breastfeeding you can move to nursing friendly bras. If you don’t need nursing ones get the ones above!
Belly Band/Pants Extender: When your pants still fit your legs but not the belly this was my best friend because I didn’t want to be walking around work and accidentally giving people a glimpse of the belly! I purchased in black and wore with all colors of pants.
Nude and Black Forgiving Flats: Your feet are going to swell and sweat at the most inconvenient times or, at the end, all the time! I wear these flats (not pregnant) half a size up and they flexed all the way through pregnancy. Bonus was I could wash them!
I’ve linked all the maternity workwear I talked about below and added in some extra cute ideas just in case you wanted more maternity workwear. If I was needed more cold weather maternity office outfits or if I have another baby and will be pregnant during the winter again, I might add some sweaters tot he mix.
Other great places I found maternity workwear was H&M and Target – see the theme of not wanting to spend a bunch of money on maternity workwear? They both have specific maternity lines!
