I’ve been reasonably lucky on the clothes front so far; five months in I still have some pre-pregnancy dresses and skirts I can wear (albeit hitched a little higher on the waist). But work, with my usual uniform of trousers and fitted tops, is a little trickier and it’s been more of a challenge to find well-fitting, good value maternity clothes for the office.
Here are five of my favourite finds so far:
Although I might not have bought this dress in person, as it’s a viscose-type material, it’s actually proven to be a very useful staple. It clings a little, but mainly in a good way (I still have a waist! Who knew?!) and can be easily dressed up and down for more and less formal days. It’s light and summery with a good quality finish.
Despite being a ‘wide-leg’ trouser, these strained a little at first over my copious thighs! However, they stretch quite quickly, and soon become relatively loose. So if you want some comfy work trousers with a bit of give (and a handy internally adjusted elasticated waistband for above or below bump wear), these are handy to have. My only criticism is that the material can feel a little cheap and less breathable, so these are perhaps better for winter and spring than full-on summer.
One of my favourite good value buys, this is a very comfy flowing smock top which enhances and flatters full pregnancy breasts. It does tend to give and stretch a little, but this plus the ASOS trousers and a little black cardie has become a great way for me to be cool and comfy but still smart in the office.
Gap has some lovely long-line, stretchy yet fitted cotton mix T-shirts which are great dressed up with a pretty cardie or dressed down with jeans. They can be hard to find, as not everywhere stocks the maternity line, and they’re generally better value if you can find them during the sale. My personal preference is for the longer sleeves, as I’m not keen on displaying my arms, but there will be plenty of short sleeved (and probably a little cheaper) versions in the stores now, in the traditional Gap block colours and stripes.
Jeans? For an office? Well, some people have dressing down days or less formal offices! I save mine for weekends, but there are some pretty lovely styles so you won’t necessarily have to. Mine are the slim fit flare, which are flattering with a good length and a very comfy and supportive elastic belly band. I’m 5’9” and a size 14, so jeans are generally a challenge, but I plan to wear these forever if I can get away with it.
Jeans are such an individual fit I couldn’t recommend a specific style, but the soft, stretch denim and quality cut ought to appeal to anyone.
Image via Gap