maternity work wear?

[WDWAurora]

Ok, I've asked about cribs, and I'm basically decided on that. Now I need to know what basics I need to wear to work. I work in a fairly business-like atmosphere, so typically some sort of dress trouser and dressy shirt. Suits are not unheard of for me, but uncommon when it's warm, for sure. I don't typically wear button up shirts (just preference). In the winter, I wear a lot of sweaters and trousers.

I need to know how little I can get away with for a work wardrobe. I really don't want to spend a lot of money on clothes I can wear for such a short time. I'm doing fairly well with casual clothes that were handed down, but my work wardrobe is starting to get a bit...tight...to use a pun.

What do you consider to be the basics? I have several dresses that were passed down, but they are really for spring. I bought 2 pairs of black pants and there are a few shirts/sweaters I can wear. Much less than a week's worth of clothing options.

 

[Charitycase20]

Congratulations!!

When I was pregnant both times, I had 3-4 pairs of pants, khakis and slacks and about 6 tops. A couple blouses and then the rest were cotton, pull-over type shirts. I also invested in a sweater that I could put over the cotton tops and a comfy but great looking pair of shoes. That was my work wardrobe, yes it was repetitive but it worked and I only needed it for about 5-6 months of my pregnancy. Most of the clothes came from Target and Old Navy, not too expensive but very cute. Of course, my first baby was born in January so I splurged on a great dress for the holidays!! Also check into BellaBands, they will help get a few more weeks out of your normal pants too!

 

[QVCshopper]

I actually bought most of my matnerity wardobe at the Goodwill. Target also has a nice Liz Lange selection. I worked throughout both of my pregnancies in a business environment right up until my due dates. Worked til 5 and had my DD at 12:30 that night! LOL!

Layers are your friend. Sweaters, blouses, etc. I found that while I was dressed nicely, I certainly wasn't as fancy the women in suits, but that was considered just fine. (ie, pregant ladies got some slack). Good luck and congrats!

 

[Donnainnj]

Kohl's also had some good buys in maternity. Good luck.
Donna

 

[3boymthr]

I did really well at, believe it or not, Sears for work options. I also agree with second hand. In addition to the salvation army around here many of the children's consignment shops also have a section of maternity clothes.

I mostly wore pants with tops with a couple of skirts thrown in. Bottoms were 90% black. If you have 8 or 9 outfits you're doing well. Unless you work in a really highly paid job no one expects you to have a huge wardrobe.

Don't discount those dresses. You will probably find that as you progress in your pregnancy that even though it's winter you will want to wear short sleeves anyway - I and most of the women I've known have all been soooo hot when pregnant - all those extra hormones. Plus you can always throw a regular cardigan (no need for maternity just wear it open) or shawl over one of those dresses if you get cold.

If you can buy clothes that will transition from work to home and get everything washable.

Christmas is coming up so don't be afraid to mention to people in your gift giving circle that you need maternity clothes. I ended up getting a lot of my clothes that way

 

[deva]

Almost all of my work maternity clothes came from the Gap (online). I had 2 black, one khaki and one gray pair of pants. I loved their button down oxford type maternity shirts. You can wear just the shirt, under a sweater or under a jacket. I had one suit jacket (matched one pair of black pants), 3 button down shirts, 3 sweaters and 2-3 pullover shirts. If you catch the items on sale there you can get a good deal and I think they are better made than many of the other maternity clothes out there.

 

[mom of 3G's]

My favorite black pants were the kind that are matte polyester. LOVED them and you can dress them up or down. I scored some super items off Ebay for 99 cents plus shipping. Old Navy is fairly reasonable and I liked their clothes.

ETA: A dressy looking shirt that is very comfy are the kind that have an empire waist and tie in the back. I had some that had beads on the waist and received many compliments. They are a little dressier than just your plain knit shirt.

And yes, you will be hot so don't invest in too many sweaters! I wore a sheer top in December in North Dakota and I was far from freezing.

 

[dreamer423]

not so budget-but i loved my chicos stretchy pants and jackets.

 

[4boys531]

Check your local craigslist too...I see lot of postings for maternity clothes.

 

[fakereadhed]

JC Penney has decent looking maternity clothes and you can often get them on in store clearance for $6.97.

http://www5.jcpenney.com/jcp/X5.aspx?DeptID=50434&CatID=66575&cmAMS_T=X3&cmAMS_C=C17&ResetClicked=False&seq=&dlEventTarget=&PageIndex=0&CmCatId=52786|50454|66575

Congratulations!!!

 

[DVCBELLE]

My favorite maternity clothes came from Target! I loved everything there! I had two basic pairs of pants and then tops that would work for work and out!

I was looking at the JCPenney link and they have some REALLY cute tops! Maternity tops were NOT that cute when I had my kids!!

Also check for second hand maternity stores - we have a lot of them around here.

 

[Disneychix]

I agree with a PP, I was so so hot while pregnant! You may get away with those 'spring' dresses.
I also agree with a PP when I say that pregnancy clothes will get repetitive. If you actually pay attention to pregnant coworkers or friends you probably would notice they wear the same things weekly. By the end of my pregnancy I was wearing my favorite black pants up to 3x a week! (only thing that was comfy!)
My theory was no one wants to check out the pregnant woman so as long as I was comfy!