For example, I wore this dress while traveling in France. Am I the only one who feels hats, though difficult to travel with, are so necessary for the overall jet set vibe?. The bold solid color and below-the-knee length would be right at home in the office. But the flowing linen fabric also made it feel really fresh and casual for travel, too. For me, it was about working in accessories that set the overall look’s tone.
Note: This is not a maternity dress, but the criss-cross front can be tied however you’d like. So I was able to wear it over the bump.
It really comes down to accessories, and letting them polish a look perfectly for a professional setting. Or giving you a bit more comfort and functionality for casual days. I kept things on the delicate side with this look, because the last thing I want weighing me down during long walks in the French Riviera is weighty accessories, knowwhatimean?
The last thing you want is a closet full of dresses you love, but only for very specific occasions. Investing in pieces that can be worked (no pun intended) into multiple scenarios, from business meetings to weekend brunch catch-ups, opens up much more room to have a little frock-focused fun. With summer hang outs and perfect travel weather coming up, last-minute plans are sure to follow. Adding a few flexible pieces to your wardrobe is smart and timely.
Below, a round-up of my favorite examples of work to weekend dresses that are just as effortless on Monday as they are on Saturday. Now if only we could say the same thing about ourselves…
Maybe the most fun (and I do use that word in air quotes) part of pregnancy dressing is that it is a perpetually moving target. Your waistline is always growing, so you want to invest in pieces that grow with you. For example, in the first few months, you might be able to just size up in your favorite fitted wool sheath dress, but three weeks later, that’s not going to fly anymore. You’ll be left with a dress that’s too big for your pre-pregnancy body, and without any stretch, won’t fit you farther into the second and third trimesters. Save your money for the items (detailed below) that you can wear throughout your pregnancy.
A second overall tip to keep in mind is a trick for styling your ever-changing curves: As your body grows and you become increasingly curvy, I find that accessories with clean lines and angles make maternity looks feel more balanced. This includes everything from a chic belt with a square buckle, to blazers with angular shoulders and a structured cut. These items offer a nice aesthetic contrast to your figure which is becoming more and more round—as it should be!
Without further ado, let’s get into the nine workwear essentials that will allow you to look polished and professional at the office while still being comfortable throughout your pregnancy…
THE TOP 9 MATERNITY WORKWEAR ESSENTIALS
1
Flowy Blouses
I actually recommend flowy blouses to everyone. Especially though for those who are pregnant or are considering pregnancy in the near future. You want to reserve the right to tell people (especially coworkers) that you are pregnant however and whenever you are ready. So if you wait until you’re several weeks pregnant to start wearing flowy pieces, you might arouse suspicion. When you start wearing drastically different clothes out of nowhere, you can inadvertently send the signal to your colleagues that you’re expecting. Before you’re ready to reveal that information. Even early in the first trimester when you’re not really “showing” but your midsection is a bit beyond what your normal fitted pieces can handle.
The smart move: start incorporating flowy pieces into your wardrobe as soon as trying for a baby is on the horizon. That way nothing seems out of the ordinary when you actually need to wear them. Whether you’re concerned about miscarriage risks or simply aware of the harsh realities some women face when pregnant in the workplace. You deserve to tell people exactly when and how you want. Flowy blouses are perfect for pairing with maternity workwear pants or jeans. They are a solid workwear investment before and after pregnancy as well.
HALOGEN
Tie Front Top
RAG & BONE
Victor Silk Blouse
HALOGEN
Peplum Top
LEITH
Button Detail Wrap Top
VINCE
Slim Silk Blouse
CHELSEA28
Tie Waist Wrap Top
VINCE
Round Neck Silk Blouse
EVERLEIGH
Roll Tab Sleeve Tunic
EQUIPMENT
Haty Shirt
PALMER/HARDING
Pointed Shirt
2
Blazers
Blazers are your workplace best friend always, but especially throughout pregnancy. They make concealing your mid-section in the first trimester so much easier, but they’re also a killer option throughout the later stages of pregnancy.
When it comes to maternity workwear in general, I typically like to think of it in layers. With blazers acting as the icing on top that holds everything together. This comes in especially handy for anyone working in a business formal environment or dressing for a high-impact meeting or event. When pregnant, your base layers need to be comfortable and forgiving. Think flowy blouses, knit tops, and stretchy dresses (discusses below!). On top, blazers balance and elevate these loose or stretchy base layers to make the overall look perfectly professional.
This won’t come as a surprise, but comfort is key during pregnancy. Minimizing discomfort by dressing in anticipation of it is a smart plan of action. Not only are long cardigans and dusters comfortable and cozy pending any overzealous office air conditioning this summer. But they often play a critical role in making your base layer office-appropriate. Similar to the discussion of blazers above. This is especially true of super stretchy form-fitting dresses and separates. While these figure-hugging base layers can be incredibly comfy during pregnancy, sometimes they result in a look that’s a little skin-tight for many professional settings. Especially in conservative environments. It might not be the best look to have every contour prominent in a thin jersey-knit sheath dress. Having a long flowy cardigan or duster to put over these form-fitting base layer elevates the look. Plus allows you to enjoy the underlying comfort without feeling overexposed.
ALLSAINTS
Drina Cardigan
HATCH
Airplane Cardigan
EILEEN FISHER
Long Cardigan
VINCE CAMUTO
Textured Long Cardigan
JENNI KAYNE
Open Sweater Coat
4
Knit Dresses
I’m telling you, knit dresses are God’s gift to pregnancy. Whether they’re a form-fitting jersey knit sheath, or a loose-fitting knit dress that flows. The point is that they STRETCH. This means that they’re both comfortable and that they expand with your growing bump (and other areas!). If you’re opting for a super form-fitting knit dress, as discussed above, I strongly recommend topping it off with a blazer, cardigan or duster. Especially in the more conservative and formal work environments.
For work, I personally prefer to avoid dresses in super thin jersey knit material. Instead, I opt for thicker knit options like the dress I’m wearing in the photos today! They’re just as comfortable but offer a bit more structure and coverage.
Finding the perfect pair of classic maternity pants is absolutely essential. Whether you’re pregnant during winter and simply need them for warmth, or pregnant during the summer when the office A/C has a mind of its own. You want to make sure you have a solid pair in your closet at the ready. By pairing them with a flowy blouse and a structured blazer, you create a polished look perfect for the workplace.
ANGEL MATERNITY
Maternity Pants
INGRID & ISABEL
Crop Maternity Pants
NOM MATERNITY
Natalie Maternity Pants
HATCH
Ipek Pants
INGRID & ISABEL
Maternity Pants
6
Maternity Denim
Of course, the same temperature-related incentives above apply here. If your workplace is casual, a sleek pair of maternity denim is a wise investment and a closet staple. Pair them with flowy blouses, sweaters, and/or blazers. You’ll never be sad you have these in your drawer—both in and out of the office!
1822 DENIM
Skinny Maternity Jeans
INGRID & ISABEL
Sasha Jeans
1822 DENIM
Maternity Jeans
7 FOR ALL MANKIND
The Ankle Skinny
PAIGE
Verdugo Jeans
7
Versatile Flats
You might find that heels while pregnant are too tough to handle all the time. Not only is your balance affected by your growing belly, but heels can also contribute to foot and ankle swelling (super fun). Now is the time to find a pair of polished, versatile flats. Something to wear to the office most days or have at the ready to switch into when you’re commuting and/or out of that important meeting. A good place to start is my ultimate list of the best flats ever!
The photos in this post were taken right before an important business meeting. So I switched into heels. Especially while pregnant, some days can feel so frumpy. Heels sometimes serve as a great confidence booster for certain big moments. However, you better believe that these heels popped off the second I was out of that meeting. The luckily I had a polished pair of flats ready and waiting in my Senreve tote (discussed below!).
Of course, there are more than enough gorgeous flat options so that you can wear them all the time, it just comes down to personal preference.
If you’re concerned that flats don’t look as dressy as heels—rest assured, there are plenty of pairs that look super polished and professional. The Ferragamo Varina (the style that you can see I switched into which comes in a ton of colors) is a great option. But I also find that pointed-toe flats tend to be both particularly versatile and very dressy looking for the office. In my opinion a pointed toe flat (like these) look fantastic with dresses, pants, and skirts alike. So you’ll get tons of mileage out of them. Not only does the point aesthetically harken to a classic pointed toe stiletto making the flat feel elevated, but the point is also leg-lengthening, making you look longer and leaner.
If you’re investing in a new pair while pregnant, keep in mind that your feet will likely swell a bit (sometimes a lot!). Especially in your second and third trimesters. If you’re purchasing a pair in your first trimester, I recommend buying at least a half size up so that you have a little wiggle room, so to speak.
GUCCI
Brixton Loafer
J.CREW
Pointed Toe Flat
AGL
Softy Pointy Toe Loafer
PRADA
Pointy Toe Flat
SALVATORE FERRAGAMO
Zeri Pointy Toe Flat
8
Tote Bag
You’ve heard me sing the praises of the Senreve Maestra time and time again. It’s the ultimate work and travel tote. But, it’s worth noting that this bag has been especially amazing during pregnancy for multiple reasons:
First, while ideally we’re wearing flats as often as possible there are still days where heels feel like the better call.
Whether that’s because you feel like your outfit appears frumpy without them, you’ve got an important meeting and want to look (and feel) your absolute best, or maybe you just don’t have flats that go with a particular outfit. You need a bag that can comfortably fit a pair of back up flats so you can rock your heels when you need to. Also, you want to fit a pair of heels when you swap them out for comfy flats when you’re no longer “on.” The Senreve Maestra can fit flats or heels (or even commuting sneakers/sandals!), along with all of your other daily essentials.
Second, his bag is particularly strong when it comes to interior pockets and compartments.
It can not only house your laptop, tablet and documents, but the interior organization also keeps all of your other maternity essentials orderly as well. Think prenatal vitamins, Tums, ginger chews, hand sanitizer (we have to be extra careful about germs while pregnant, since our immune systems are suppressed), and any other pregnancy essentials you like to keep at the ready. Something else fun to look forward to? I believe (and know from friends) that the Maestra makes for an amazing diaper bag once the little one arrives!
9
Accessories!
At a certain point, investing in additional maternity-specific workwear might feel like a waste because it can only be worn for a short period of time. Once you accumulate a good stock of basics, use accessories to make them feel fresh. You might wear the same stretchy black dress two (or more) days a week, but no one has to know if you switch up your outer later and play around with accessories.
You’ve seen me constantly throwing on various statement belts above the bump and under the bustline, which creates a nice shape and also gives the underlying dress a fresh look. I recommend finding belts on the skinny side—anything thick is super uncomfortable and too aesthetically crowding in an area that’s already got a lot going on!
Similarly, scarves, necklaces, hair accessories and statement earrings will breathe new life into your maternity basics so that you can get the most miles out of the workwear that’ll take you all the way through your pregnancy.
BAUBLEBAR
Dalya Imitation Pearl Bobby Pins
HALOGEN
Patent Bow Belt
KARINE SULTAN
Pearl Collar
KATE SPADE
Silk Bandana
8 OTHER REASONS
Hoop Earrings
ALEXANDRE DE PARIS
Pearl Barrette
VALENTINO
Multiflower Silk Scarf
ETTIKA
Lucite Earrings
STELLA + RUBY
Chain Link Collar
SAINT LAURENT
Monogram Belt
SOPHIE BUHAI
Hoop Earrings
If you’re snagging new maternity pieces today, don’t miss Nordstrom’s Half Yearly Sale which is going on now! Tons of amazing finds—both maternity and non-maternity alike—are available for major discounts across the site. Happy Shopping!
Thanks to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for partnering on this post!
Moda Operandi is also unique because they offer customers the ability to pre-order the latest ready-to-wear fashion, shoes, handbags, accessories, etc., months before they are available anywhere else. For those of us who simply can’t bear the stress that, for example, this objectively perfect midi dress immediately sells out when it becomes available at other retailers, pre-ordering on Moda Operandi is a glorious gift from the fashion gods.
Pre-ordering aside, Moda Operandi’s ultra-curated collection of buy-now styles has also earned it the reputation of being the place to uncover the latest and greatest when it comes to seasonal styles and must-have trends. Think of them as your older, cooler, always-in-the-know BFF. Below, a few seasonal style moments I’m focused on right now that were discovered on Moda Operandi. Take my advice and get inspired now before you get that first sun burn tan.
1
Vacation Mode
Oh, hello perfect vacation dress, pleased to make your acquaintance. This Zimmerman dress is so cute I feel like it needs to come paired with a flight to Capri (and actually so does this TO-DIE-FOR polka dot option which is on major sale). While I don’t think I’ll be making it to Capri anytime soon, I will absolutely be wearing these beauties stateside with these slides. I have the brown wedge version of these sandals, and was thrilled to discover on Moda Operandi that the brand makes a slide version, too. All vacation dresses deserve good hats and bags, btw. I don’t make the rules, I just follow them.
Wedding guest dresses get a lot of limelight, but if you don’t feel like buying a new dress for everyone’s nuptials, reinvent a frock already hanging in your closet with accessories! Personally, I think you should consider having way more fun with your bags this summer, starting with this gorgeous statement bag by Markarian or this red clutch with turquoise clasp by Kayu that’s on sale (FYI, I own this one and absolutely LOVE IT). Don’t let the accessory refresh stop there, earrings should get in on the action, too.
KAYU
Jen Clutch With Turquoise Stone
BRINKER & ELIZA
Uptown 24K Gold-Plated Pearl Earrings
3
Everyday Essentials
The essentials are lovely, but I hate it when “essentials” and “basics” become the same thing. I require an essential sundress all summer, but I don’t want there to be anything basic about it. You may remember seeing me wear this Staud dress ad nauseam last summer, so you can imagine my excitement when discovering at Moda Operandi that they’ve made it again in an ivory and red linen option (which is on sale!). *Immediately adds to cart.* I also live in my white jeans all summer, and this pair is on strong sell-out alert. I wore a nearly identical pair last summer by the brand and I believe they were completely gone about 30 seconds after I posted. Love how that braided waistband detail adds a little something extra! And while I’m on the topic, I’m a big proponent of one’s “go with everything” earrings having a little interest to them, too. This pair is a nice alternative to the ever-classic hoop.
FRAME
Le Palazzo High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
FALLON
Gold-Plated Hoop Earrings
4
The Buzziest Trend of Summer ’19
You can’t hop on the ‘gram without noticing how headbands are gearing up for the summer of their lives as the “it” trend of the season. This one in particular is breaking cute barriers all the way down, but there are so many amazing options for this summer. And they’re not all headbands, either. I never thought barrettes would see such a comeback, but elementary school me is elated—ELATED I tell you!
LELET NY
Loren 14K Gold Plated Faux-Pearl Barrette
LELET NY
14K Gold-Plated Faux-Pearl Barrette
LELE SADOUGHI
Crystal-Embellished Velvet Headband
5
Out Tonight Edit
Going out at night is so much more fun during seasons that don’t require a coat. But somehow heels hurt equally all year. I love this metallic gold sandal (also included in the ongoing sale!) for summer nights out because (a) hi, they’re gold and therefore dressy, but (b) they’re not killing my feet. Also, have you ever seen a cuter low heel in all your days? This is a shoe you won’t have to take off the second you walk in the door (or get on the elevator—we’ve all done it). Also, while we’re on the subject of metallic footwear on sale, this enchanting silver sandal is another stellar option for all those summer evenings out, and on your feet.
ALEXANDRE BIRMAN
Clarita Bow-Embellished Metallic Leather Sandals
6
The “It” List
One of the first places I look on Moda Operandi is their “It List” which is a collection of their most-wanted and best-selling pieces, updated weekly. When it comes to items flying off the shelves, look no further than Roxanne Assouline, this summer (and every summer, honestly). My personal favorite is this pair of earrings which is the most fun take on the asymmetrical earring trend I’ve seen yet. Truth be told, I also have eyes for this fun pair, too. And, lest you think Cult Gaia’s major moment was limited to last summer, allow me (and Moda Operandi) to direct your attention to this pair of mules. I bought them last summer and will continue to be wearing them for the entirety of this summer too. So comfortable and so cute.
ROXANNE ASSOULIN
Hip-Hop But Not Mismatched Earrings
CULT GAIA
Alia Cutout Leather Mules
REBECCA DE RAVENEL
Daisy Drop Earrings
Thanks to Moda Operandi and ShopStyle for partnering on this post!
What does this mean? The service is eligible on orders made before 12 PM ET. It’s complementary if you sign up for Selfridges+. Selfridges+ already gives you unlimited shipping and free returns for $55 per year. So now as an added benefit, you’ll receive next-day delivery for free if you live in New York!
So how am I putting this new life perk to use? A new Saint Laurent bag, as one does. I love this bag because it is actually three bags in one. You can wear it with the logo clutch inserted, the clutch alone, or you can wear the bag alone without the logo clutch. See photos below if that’s confusing. I love a good investment piece, but I feel so confident in pieces that offer multiple ways to wear them and multiple looks to wear them with.
That is an outstanding tote bag if I ever saw one. But I’m also dying to take that clutch on a night out. Also I’ll be doing all of those things forever, because this is the kind of timeless bag that lasts for life. To make any bag-switching easier on myself, I use this chic, slim cardholder as my wallet. It fits in any bag I chose to carry.
If you live in New York (sorry rest of the world), this $55 investment is going to give you so much sartorial confidence. Just knowing any time you need the perfect outfit for [insert fun occasion here], Selfridge’s has it, and you’ll have it by tomorrow, too.
Here, I’m carrying the Maestra in Chestnut, and I love this color because it’s the best kind of neutral. Where black might feel strictly business, I’m just as comfortable carrying this cognac brown beauty into meetings and onto airplanes. But enough about the color (this bag comes in a million gorgeous hues which you can peruse here) you’re probably noticing that extremely chic monogram. I’m getting there…
SENREVE
Maestra Bag
FRAME
Classic Fine Linen Blazer (similar HERE, HERE, and HERE)
I’ve typically discussed this bag in terms of its amazing form + function combination (think interior laptop sleeve, perfect compartments for all of your essentials, and the ability to wear it as a backpack, top handle tote or shoulder bag), but right now there’s actually an extra reason for me to sing its praises. This month, Senreve is celebrating female icons who inspire them, when it comes to all things motherhood. As part of this month-long celebration, the brand is offering complimentary hand-painted icons (see what they did there?) on their bags. Not only can you get your initials, but they also offer adorable flowers, hearts, stars, etc., all hand painted by a local San Francisco artist. The complementary painted designs come with purchases over $300 for this month only—so make sure to scoop up yours by 5/31.
SENREVE
Maestra Bag
The Maestra is one of those practically perfect bags you’ll want to cary forever (and will actually be able to, because the quality is so high), but I must say there is something really special about personalizing a bag for a celebration or a moment in time that will always remind you of something special. Rounding the corner of trimester #3, I can tell you this moment feels very special indeed.
SENREVE
Maestra Bag
FRAME
Classic Fine Linen Blazer (similar HERE, HERE, and HERE)
