Pregnant woman working
Maternity clothes can go either way. They can go very very wrong — or very cute. Ways they can go wrong? Well, sometimes the companies who make them make something offensive. And because for a long time the industry didn't value maternity clothes, the choices weren't too versatile, let alone filled with options for working women. There are different standards of dress depending on the workplace, but some pieces work across dress codes. Regardless of the dress code, working pregnant women deserve to be both confident and comfortable while they do their thing at work. Clothes impact how others see a person and mamas-to-be should not be left vulnerable. Our point: Pregnancy clothing doesn't have to be frumpy. It can be incredibly fashionable and the clothes versatile.
If anything, the Instagram influencers of both regular and plus-size who are pregnant have shown that. And the royals do, too! Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton have great pregnancy style, and so should the average woman. And we're here to make that much easier.
To start, we scoured the internet for some of the cutest work wear and couldn't help but love the items from the Motherhood Maternity line. Some of the outfit items we chose can be staples in a wardrobe — from cropped pants to skirts. Other outfits below — like dresses and longer sweaters — make an outfit complete all on their own. The goal is to really nail down those base pieces: comfy pants (or leggings) and a few nice blouses and dresses. They're made to fit the body in all the right places while giving the belly room to grow.
See, it is totally possible to look like a boss babe while pregnant. Click through the outfits we've picked out and get ready to be a stylish mama-to-be.
Psst: If you purchase an item from this post, CafeMom may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Under Belly Pencil Fit Skirt
Pencil skirts are usually not pregnancy-friendly but this one from Motherhood Maternity is. Pair it with a T-shirt and blazer or a crisp blouse.
Under Belly Pencil Fit Maternity Skirt ($30, Motherhood Maternity)
Secret Fit Belly Luxe Slim Straight Leg Pants
If pants are more the style of choice, then these slim straight pants are perfect work wear. These come in black and crop above the ankle.
Secret Fit Belly Luxe Slim Straight Leg Maternity Pants ($50, Motherhood Maternity)
Short-Sleeve Shift Dress
Black dresses are work staples and can be layered up with tights and a sweater or blazer. This J.Crew shift dress has half sleeves and a swingy cut.
Short-Sleeve Shift Dress ($148, J.Crew)
Drop Shoulder Convertible Sleeve Maternity Top
Wine is a winter tone and it looks lovely as the color of this drop shoulder blouse. Pair it with classic crop pants. The sleeves can roll down or be rolled up.
Drop Shoulder Convertible Sleeve Maternity Top ($20, Motherhood Maternity)
Flutter Sleeve Pleated Neck Maternity Top
Polka dots are a fun style for pregnant and not-pregnant woman alike, and that is true for this short-sleeve top. The pleated detailing around the neck draws the eye up, while the top is loose over the baby bump.
Flutter Sleeve Pleated Neck Maternity Top ($35, Motherhood Maternity)
Résumé Dress in Glen Plaid
For more formal workplaces, this plaid dress will get the job done (literally) while still being comfortable for a growing baby bump. It's short-sleeved and hits right above the knee.
Résumé Dress in Glen Plaid ($228, J.Crew)
The Maia Tall Secret Fit Belly Skinny Ankle Maternity Pants
Work pants come in more colors than black and gray. Switch things up with these khaki ankle pants. Dress them up with a blazer or dress them down with a cute blouse.
The Maia Tall Secret Fit Belly Skinny Ankle Maternity Pants ($40, Motherhood Maternity)
Cozy Honeycomb Knit Maternity Sweater
Just because it's work attire doesn't mean it can't be warm. This long sweater can go over slacks or leggings.
Cozy Honeycomb Knit Maternity Sweater ($50, Motherhood Maternity)
The Zelie Secret Fit Belly Straight Leg Pants
For a wider pant-leg the Zellie secret fit pants is the way to go. It will look amazing with heels or flats.
The Zelie Secret Fit Belly Straight Leg Pants ($40, Macy's)
Striped Pointelle Sweater
We do love a good sweater, but for those who want one that's not too thick, this striped one is a smart choice. It's striped and has a tie above the waist.
Striped Pointelle Sweater ($45, Motherhood Maternity)
Jessica Simpson Front Pocket Maternity Sweater
Cardigans add layers to a look, adding both style and warmth to an outfit. This one comes from Jessica Simpson's maternity line at Motherhood Maternity.
Jessica Simpson Front Pocket Maternity Sweater ($55, Motherhood Maternity)
Tiffany Rose Sienna Maternity Dress
This dress is fit for a queen or politician with its long sleeves. The pleated skirt gives a tailored look that's hard to find in maternity clothing.
Tiffany Rose Sienna Maternity Dress ($205, Nordstrom)
Flutter Sleeve Pleated Neck Maternity Top
The polka dot flutter sleeve is also available in plus sizes, so most mamas-to-be should be able to find a comfortable fit. This one has an interesting pleated neckline and cinches at the waist.
Flutter Sleeve Pleated Neck Maternity Top ($20, Motherhood Maternity)
Faux Wrap Maternity Blouse
For a longer sleeve maternity blouse, we recommend this gray one from Motherhood Maternity. It's a faux wrap-style shirt, which means it looks like it wraps but without the hassle of actually wrapping (or potentially unwrapping).
Faux Wrap Maternity Blouse ($25, Motherhood Maternity)
Balloon Sleeve Plaid Maternity Blouse
This blue and red plaid top is perfect for winter pregnancies. Its sleeves puff out for a fun and on-trend style.
Balloon Sleeve Plaid Maternity Blouse ($40, Motherhood Maternity)
Five Pocket Sateen Leggings
Leggings are a great choice to wear as bottoms when pregnant. They look professional are comfortable enough to wear for a full day at work.
Five Pocket Sateen Leggings ($70, Loft)
Floral Wrap Maxi Maternity Dress
Like the wrap style and dresses? Both worlds collide with this floral wrap maxi dress. It's a perfect dress for any season, with leggings or tights in the winter of course.
Floral Wrap Maxi Maternity Dress ($55, Motherhood Maternity)
Skirted Ponte Maternity Top
The skirted ponte top is work-appropriate without being too formal. It is long-sleeved and stops below the chest, where the button-up shirt style begins.
Skirted Ponte Maternity Top ($40, Motherhood Maternity)
Side Tie Multi Stripe Dress
Styles from the '70s are back in many of today's clothes, and this multicolored dress is proof. It's super cute though, and features long sleeves and a tie waist.
Side Tie Multi Stripe Maternity Dress ($50, Motherhood Maternity)
Maxi Dress
Another day, another max dress. It's black and appropriate enough to head into that meeting like a boss — but a well-dressed one.
Maxi Dress ($45, Motherhood Maternity)
