Maternity Office Wear

Pregnant in the office? Time to update your workwear wardrobe, and we’re guessing sweatpants aren’t part of your company’s dress code. But guess what… When you need a desk for two, comfort can (and should) be top of mind.

Nowadays, maternity brands offer a variety of staples that will make your pregnancy wardrobe SFW (Suitable for Work)! The key is to pick a few items that are versatile, timeless and comfortable. To help you in this task, we went down the “business casual” maternity aisles and picked a few workwear staples that you may even reach for at home.

Where to Buy Maternity Workwear Clothes

Here are the few SFW maternity brands that we keep going back to:

• Ingrid & Isabel: this is the perfect place to find business-casual clothes without breaking the bank. Ingrid & Isabel, which also carries a line at Target, offers basics with a lot of flex (both figuratively and literally) that will take you from pregnancy to postpartum. Not to mention, they are eco-conscious.
• Nordstrom: the department store carries various brands that are work-appropriate and that cater to everyone’s fashion tastes and styles. Just get ready to browse.
• Loyal Hana: a brand made for modern, professional mothers and mothers-to-be, Loyal Hana provides smart, minimalist clothes to help women transition from pregnancy to postpartum to nursing and beyond as seamlessly as their signature hidden nursing zipper openings.

Dressing an ever-changing body is hard, and maternity wear is notoriously a “temporary thing,” which means it tends to be wasteful. If you don’t want to drop too much money on clothes that you know you won’t keep for the long haul (and if you don’t want to increase your carbon footprint), resale websites like Poshmark and thredUP now carry many maternity options.

Clothing rental companies are also an amazing option for workwear and a great way to avoid a rut when putting together office-friendly outfits. Stitch Fix, Nuuly, Rent The Runway and Le Tote are all suitable contenders.

A Flowy Blouse

If you weren’t already on the flowy-top train, now is the time to hop on, friends. A loose, flowy top is the perfect fashionable piece of maternity wear for the office or Zoom meetings. We recommend getting one staple in a solid and one printed pattern for fun. 

Black Leggings

Black leggings are a must-have in any maternity wardrobe. Whether you choose an over-the-bump or under-the-bump style, or even regular non-maternity leggings, rest assured this staple piece of clothing goes with essentially anything. Bonus: dress leggings up with a fancier top and heels, or dress them down with a white tee, cardigan and flats. 

Midi Dress

Whether you prefer a high-waisted dress or more of a stretchy, form-fitting look, the midi-dress is the perfect solution on days that demand simplicity. Long enough to be professional, the midi-length dress is highly practical. You can dress it up or down depending on your shoe choice. This simple dress is both flattering and cozy for a day at the office. 

Maternity Button-Down

A crisp, white button-down shirt is a staple for every situation in life. But this timeless piece is an absolute must for the office. Make sure to size up or opt for bump-friendly options to ensure full belly coverage. Bonus – once your baby makes it earthside, it will be a go-to nursing top if you choose to nurse. 

Slacks/Dress Pants

Yes, you can go for a classic pair of black/gray dress slacks in the “office pants” department, but there are also many additional options that have some pizzazz and tend to be much more comfortable (think, flowy wide-leg dress pants, flare bottoms, or slouchy printed slacks with a cute high-waist tie…). Style with a simple white tee or cardigan, comfy shoes, and you’re sure to look the part. 

Pencil Skirt

Nothing says “put together and professional” quite like a pencil skirt. Pair it with a blouse, blazer or fitted sweater for a sleek and polished office look. Here are some of our most favorite maternity pencil skirts in various price categories:

Maternity Cardigan

Tie it all together at the office with a simple cardigan. Note that as long as the front is open, any cardigan will do during pregnancy and postpartum. If you’re looking for something designed for maternity or more of a fitted look, check out these favorite stops:

Maternity Blazer

Ready to get down to business? Toss a tailored blazer over your dress, shirt… literally anything. In the transitional months, this workwear staple can also double as outerwear to keep you warm on cooler days (or if the office blasts the A.C.). To make room for your bump, you may want to opt for a longer cut or a straighter, boyfriend/oversized silhouette. 
*Denotes non-maternity items.

Colorful Dress

Whether you’re into solids or patterns, maxi- or knee-length, a form-fitting or flowy look, a colorful dress is the perfect addition to any pregnancy wardrobe. You can use shoes and accessories to style a good dress more on the spectrum toward elegant, plain Jane, or “down to business,” and many of these also translate surprisingly well to the postpartum months and beyond. 

Flats

A cute, comfortable pair of flats is a must-have to complete your workwear wardrobe. Most importantly, make sure the pair you choose is supportive, comfortable and offers a bit of stretch for those days when your feet swell. Here are our top picks in each price category:

That’s all, folks! Enjoy your adult time at the office while you can 😁.

Back to: Maternity Clothes Series