pregnant

What to wear to work when you’re expecting

Look fashionable and professional even with a baby bump
Look fashionable and professional even with a baby bump

Okay, readers, it’s happening. In July, my better half and I will welcome a screaming bundle of joy into the world. And now that my morning sickness (correction: literally ALL DAY sickness) has finally tapered off, and I cannot zip up a single skirt, I finally have to wrap my panicked head around a basic question: what the bleep am I going to wear to the office for the next five months without sacrificing professionalism and polish? I don’t know about your firm, but mine isn’t really a “leggings and hoodie” type of environment.

So, here are my recommendations for what to wear to work when you’re expecting!

 

Forget black. Wear colour. You know that so-called pregnancy glow? Yeah, I don’t either. I certainly don’t see it when I look in the mirror. But you can absolutely fake it — and mask that ever-present fatigue — with strategically placed colour. You have the rest of your life to wear black, but now is supposed to be a joyous and beautiful time…right? So once you have your black basics down, buy some colour. Trust me on this one.

 

 

Consider your current wardrobe before buying. Everyone’s body changes differently. Once you start noticing those changes, tailor your shopping accordingly, and don’t buy until you need specific pieces. You’ll likely start expanding in your midsection first, which generally means you can work your current collection of blouses and blazers for at least some of the pregnancy. Eventually, you’ll need maternity skirts/pants, dresses and tops. But maximizing what you already have is key to budgeting during this wardrobe evolution.

 

Be strategic and know where to go. Maternity wear is your friend (basics such as skirts and pants can be found at Thyme Maternity, Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in the Pod and department stores), but not your only friend. There are actually tons of options at regular stores too. Case in point: I went to RW & Co. recently and found a plethora of colourful, silky blouses that drape over the belly. Paired with the requisite maternity skirts, these fresh new pieces have made me feel a lot more comfortable going to work in style and comfort. H&M is also great for stylish and affordable maternity clothes and regular pieces that are versatile enough for now and later.

 

Dresses, dresses, dresses. Yes, I bought a few black maternity skirts that can be paired with my current blazers to give the illusion of a suit in client meetings — and you should, too. After all, we are lawyers. But honestly, dresses are just way more comfortable. Topped with a jacket from your pre-pregnancy wardrobe, they can go a long way.

 

 

Be lazy. Ultimately, pregnancy is not going to be your most stylish time (and quite honestly, you have better things to worry about than fashion right now). It’s difficult to find well-made work clothing without spending a lot of money — the quality simply isn’t the same. So check out maternity style blogs (yes, they DO exist!). Don’t ask me where these chicks find the time and energy to put together chic outfits and pose with perfectly coiffed hair — I’m still trying to get through the day without gagging at the sight of chicken — but they have essentially done the styling work for you. Look and emulate! Gossip sites and fashion mags are also obsessed with pregnant celebrities; visit these pages for inspiration and information. Finally, I’m finding Pinterest helpful: search “maternity” and tons of cool image boards will come up.

Here are some of my favourite maternity fashion blogs:

 

And if all else fails…. I’m not going to reiterate maternity clothing lists from the Internet (leggings? Duh), but they ARE helpful and there when you need ‘em. And here’s my top five wish list to help you create your own: slim-fitting maternity skirt in black or charcoal; black cigarette pants; silk tunic in a rich or bright colour; structured sheath or an a-line shift dress that can expand as I do; funky belt; and dark rinse skinny jeans (there’s no need to miss out on Casual Friday, the best day of the work week!).

 

Pregnancy is a physically and emotionally difficult time, and a lot of lady lawyers have confessed to me that they felt like they were losing themselves. By embracing (and dressing) the physical changes, you can positively affect your emotional state. Far from being a waste of time and money, selecting (and enjoying!) an excellent maternity wardrobe is empowering, and helps you to feel confident about your new body and life. In the legal profession, you want clients and coworkers to see YOU, not the belly, and remember that you’re a competent advisor. Because you are, pregnant or not!

Now I’m off to eat a batch of brownies…anyone else want one?

 

Emma Williamson is a fashion-obsessed corporate commercial lawyer at FMC. Her mission is to inspire Precedent’s female readers to break out of a style rut while obeying obvious and not-so-obvious workplace dress codes. Follow her on Twitter: @EmmaWorkStyle. Have questions or a column idea for Emma? Send them to tips@lawandstyle.beta-site.ca.

Image: eurobanks via iStockphoto