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mama style work wardrobe edit

Best maternity work clothes reviewed

The best maternity workwear looks for 9-5 

There’s nothing that makes you want to tear your hair out more than when you can’t find anything to wear to work. This rage is especially real when you’re hot, heavy and just need to get out the door. We have enough to worry about growing a human life inside us without having to worry about what to wear to work, so we’ve put together a guide to stress-free maternity work clothes for the 9-5.

Whether you’re in a more casual environment or corporate vibe, be inspired by these simple, comfortable and easy looks you don’t need to think about. We’ve also included a mix of regular brands as well as a few maternity-specific brands here depending on what trimester you’re in.

Best affordable maternity outfits for the office

There are some fabulous and affordable basics from H&M Mama that will stretch and grow with you. Black and white stripes are super versatile while their black pencil skirt is a steal. We’ve used this one in one of our famous outfits too! You can wear a button up shirt over the skirt without tucking it in. 

Mama ribbed cotton dress White/black striped
Credit: H&M

Mama ribbed cotton dress White/black striped

Mama cotton jersey skirt Black
Credit: H&M

Mama cotton jersey skirt Black

Best pregnancy tops for work

Whether you’re still at that “I feel bloated” stage or starting to show, you can’t go wrong with a flowy or loose fitting top when it comes to maternity work clothes. You’ll be able to get away with regular shirts until the second trimester, after which you could opt for a boyfriend or oversized shirt designed to highlight your changing figure without making you feel constricted.

The Boyfriend Shirt Umber
Credit: Hatch

The Boyfriend Shirt Umber

Striped cotton oversized shirt Off White
Credit: Mango

Striped cotton oversized shirt Off White

Most comfy and stylish work pants

You may very well feel larger toward the end of the day so choose pants that have drawstrings or elastic earlier in your pregnancy, then graduate to maternity pants when you need. The last thing you need is your waistband digging into you or the feel of an irritating fabric so choose cooler materials and opt for a size up just to be sure.

Maternity Work Pants Black
Credit: Boob Design

Maternity Work Pants Black

The Wide Leg Suit Pant Black
Credit: Hatch

The Wide Leg Suit Pant Black

Mama dress pants Beige
Credit: H&M

Mama dress pants Beige

Mama Choice Badge

Most versatile pieces to wear pre- and post- pregnancy

Returning to work means finding your new groove. It can also be super daunting and a lot. To make sure you’re doing your best to limit your stress, choose pieces that are simple, comfortable and can be thrown on without needing to be ironed (Ha! Who has time for that.) We also highly rate nursing-specific dresses and tops for if you need to express during the day or feed as soon as you’re home, depending on your circumstances.

The Eliza Dress in black
Credit: Hatch

The Eliza Dress in black

Mama Choice Badge

The nursing office dresses

Many women continue to pump and feed when they return to work. Luckily there are some super cute dresses that make it easy to quickly pump or nurse when you need to. 

Camille Maternity/Nursing Shirtdress White
Credit: Angel Maternity

Camille Maternity/Nursing Shirtdress White

Ella Rib Maternity/Nursing Sheath Dress Green
Credit: Emilia George

Ella Rib Maternity/Nursing Sheath Dress Green

Mama Choice Badge

Best pregnancy formal outfits for work events

Work events can mean later nights and longer on your feet – ouch. Here’s where you want that perfect balance of sophistication and comfort. Choose a wrap or fitted dress, pack some low heels in your tote and accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. You’ll be amazed what some gold earrings, a statement necklace or blingy rings can do to your look.

Mallorie Ribbed-Knit Midi Dress Taupe
Credit: Reformation

Mallorie Ribbed-Knit Midi Dress Taupe

Asos Design Maternity High Neck Knitted Midi Dress In Grey Charcoal
Credit: Asos

Asos Design Maternity High Neck Knitted Midi Dress In Grey Charcoal

Mini annie heel in ivory
Credit: Larroude

Mini annie heel in ivory

Alessia two-tone leather slingback pumps Black
Credit: Aeyde

Alessia two-tone leather slingback pumps Black

Best plus size maternity work clothes​

Plus size mamas can’t go wrong with vertical stripes and a super comfy black skirt. Not only will you stay cool and comfortable, but you’ll be on trend. That was easy!

Black Wrap Maternity Plus Midi Skirt
Credit: PinkBlush Maternity

Black Wrap Maternity Plus Midi Skirt

The plus signature poplin oversized shirt in springy stripe Blue
Credit: Madewell

The plus signature poplin oversized shirt in springy stripe Blue

Maternity work clothes for different seasons

Winter

Do: opt for layers when choosing maternity work clothes for winter case you get hot during the day.

Don’t: Skimp on the material quality of your maternity wear – you don’t want to get itchy during your work day.

Nella Long Sleeve Rib Maternity Dress Ivy
Credit: Ripe Maternity

Nella Long Sleeve Rib Maternity Dress Ivy

Mama Choice Badge
Toni leather chelsea boots Black
Credit: Loeffler Randall

Toni leather chelsea boots Black

Summer

Do: When dressing for summer while pregnant, you want cooling fabric and flowy designs that don’t feel restrictive.

Don’t: Force yourself into long sleeved or closed toed shoes if your feet are swelling and you’re running hot during pregnancy.

Ribbed Maternity Tank Dress With Nursing Access Trench Coat
Credit: Boob Design

Ribbed Maternity Tank Dress With Nursing Access Trench Coat

Vivid heel in nude
Credit: Raye

Vivid heel in nude

Fall

Do: Embrace low heels and your regular coat for an elevated look.

Don’t: Overlayer. You’ll still probably feel hotter than normal.

Night Out Midi Dress Black
Credit: Storq

Night Out Midi Dress Black

Houndstooth wool-blend coat Brown
Credit: Mango

Houndstooth wool-blend coat Brown

Spring

Do: Choose a timeless stone trench to elevate your spring outfit.

Don’t: Forget to enjoy the best time of year to be pregnant!

Francesca Wide Leg Maternity/Nursing Jumpsuit Black
Credit: Nom Maternity

Francesca Wide Leg Maternity/Nursing Jumpsuit Black

Dahrah trench coat - camel
Credit: Esther & Co

Dahrah trench coat – camel

FAQS

How to incorporate maternity wear into a corporate dress code?

Choose darker colors, more conservative necklines and aim for dresses at or below the knee. It’s the perfect time for a fitted or wrap dress with a blazer and low heels, or black maternity pants with a crisp white shirt and blazer.

What to wear when returning to work after mat leave?

Whatever you buy during your pregnancy you’ll want to get some use out of afterwards too. Choose simple, stretchy and comfortable pieces to wear when returning to work after mat leave. Keep it simple, comfortable and in darker colors in case of spills or stains.

 

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