When it comes to maternity workwear, it can be tough to find the right look. Especially something that can keep you comfortable throughout the day – especially during that end of day bloat. Expecting mamas not only want to look smart and stylish in the office but also need to ensure that their attire accommodates their changing bodies without sacrificing style. Our curated list of best maternity work dresses is designed with this balance in mind.
Maternity work dresses are not just about accommodating your beautiful bump; the right dresses helkp you maintaining your style identity during pregnancy. The ideal maternity work dress blends function with style, incorporating stretchable fabrics, flattering cuts, and versatile designs that can be worn throughout the various stages of pregnancy and even postpartum. From the boardroom to casual Fridays, there’s a dress for every work occasion. Better still, you can have so much fun accessorising your ‘fit for a powerful, polished and chic look.
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Here are our top picks for every expecting mother in the workplace
Top chic maternity shift dresses for ultimate ease
The maternity shift dress is a quintessential piece that offers a relaxed fit for the utmost comfort at work, while its structured design keeps you looking polished and professional.
Adel Linen Dress Olive
Stylish A-line dresses for the chic mama
The A-line dress is a celebrated classic, offering a blend of comfort and style that adapts gracefully to your changing figure. It makes it a top-rated choice for expectant employees who want to maintain a chic presence in the workplace.
The Daytripper Shirtdress White
Best empire waist dresses for unmatched comfort and style
With their signature cut, empire waist dresses excel in providing comfort without sacrificing style, making them the best option for moms-to-be in search of a dress that offers both throughout their pregnancy.
Black Stretch Jersey Maternity & Nursing Dress
Flattering wrap dresses for versatile wear
Wrap dresses are renowned for their versatility and ability to grow with you, which is why they stand out as the most stunning option for women who need a dress that’s as adaptable as it is fashionable.
Elevated maxi dresses for all-day elegance
Maxi dresses are the epitome of elegance and ease, providing a chic and comfortable option for the workplace, and are a favorite among expecting mothers who value both style and comfort.
Super cool shirt dresses for a polished look
Shirt dresses bring a level of polished professionalism that’s hard to match, offering a fabulous choice for expectant mothers who want to keep their office attire crisp yet accommodating.
Mama Before & After Nursing Shirt Dress Blue/Striped
Adel Linen Dress Olive
Best bodycon maternity dresses for a sleek office look
Bodycon maternity dresses offer a sleek contour that celebrates your pregnancy shape while providing the flexibility needed for a long day at the office, making them a best pick for mothers-to-be who favor form-fitting elegance.
Ruby Rib Nursing Dress Maroon
Best maternity midi dresses for workday versatility
Midi dresses strike the perfect length for office wear, offering an elegant and versatile option that pairs well with anything from blazers to cardigans, a top choice for adaptability and style.
Best flowy maternity dresses for the modern workplace
Flowy maternity dresses offer a breezy and modern appeal, perfect for the office environment that values both comfort and a contemporary aesthetic. They are the best choice for staying cool and unrestricted during those long work hours.
Light Blue Chambray Button Front Maternity Dress
Best maternity jumper dresses for layered sophistication
Jumper dresses excel in versatility and offer an opportunity for layered sophistication. They are a top-notch choice for transitioning through the seasons and various stages of pregnancy with ease.
Black Maternity & Nursing Dress With Breton Sweater Black Maternity Nursing Dress With Breton Sweater
Most maternity shirtwaist dresses for a timeless look
Shirtwaist maternity dresses are the epitome of timeless style, offering a gorgeous and classic look with a comfortable waistline that’s perfect for the office as your baby bump grows.
Cotton & Lyocell Maternity & Nursing Shirt Dress Bluestrp
Fit-and-flare dresses for office elegance
Fit-and-flare maternity dresses are universally flattering and enchanting, creating a graceful silhouette that’s ideal for an office setting where elegance is appreciated.
Best minimalist maternity dresses for a sleek and simple aesthetic
Minimalist maternity dresses are all about a sleek, simple aesthetic that speaks volumes in a professional setting, proving that sometimes less is truly more for the chic expectant mother.
Zipped Neckline Dress Ecru
Jill Sleeveless Tank Midi Dress – Black
Most elegant maternity knit dresses for cozy sophistication
Maternity knit dresses combine the comfort of soft, stretchable fabric with elegant designs suitable for the office, providing a cozy yet sophisticated option for chilly workdays.
Sloane Knit Dress Black
Rib Knit Maternity & Nursing Dress Stone
Best bold-pattern maternity dresses for a vibrant work wardrobe
Bold-pattern maternity dresses are a perfect way to add vibrancy and personality to your work wardrobe, selected as the best for their eye-catching designs that don’t compromise on professionalism.
Mama ribbed nursing dress Black/striped
Joyce Shirred Dress White / Navy
Top monochrome maternity dresses for effortless matching
Monochrome maternity dresses offer a seamless way to look put together, providing an effortless matching option that is versatile and always in style for the workplace.
Most comfortable maternity jersey dresses for all-day wear
Jersey maternity dresses are prized for their unparalleled comfort, making them the most comfortable choice for long hours at the desk or when you’re on the move in the office.
Best plus-size maternity dresses for curvy professionalism
Plus-size maternity dresses are designed to flatter a fuller figure, ensuring that curvy moms-to-be can dress professionally without sacrificing comfort or style.
Black Basic Maternity Plus Wrap Maxi Dress
Forest Green Ribbed Side Slit Maternity Plus Maxi Dress
How to dress stylish when pregnant at work?
Dressing stylishly for work during pregnancy can be achieved by choosing classic silhouettes, like a pencil skirt or a tailored blazer, adapted for maternity. Opt for pieces that offer a snug but comfortable fit to maintain a polished look. Incorporate statement accessories to complement your glow and bring personality to your ensemble.
Invest in quality basics such as a well-fitted maternity dress shirt and black pants that can be mixed and matched with cardigans or tunics. This strategy allows for versatility and can be easily adapted to various professional settings.
What clothing style should be avoided during pregnancy at work?
In a professional setting, it’s advisable to avoid overly casual or clingy clothing that may not adapt well to your changing shape. Tight belts or waistbands that dig into your stomach should be swapped out for more forgiving, stretchy fabrics. High heels may also become uncomfortable, so consider stylish flats or low heels for the office.
Additionally, it’s best to steer clear of clothes that are complicated to put on or take off, especially if you’ll be needing frequent bathroom breaks or have a nursing schedule to consider postpartum.
When should you start wearing maternity clothes to work?
The transition to maternity clothes at work should be based on your personal comfort and the fit of your regular clothes. Most women find that around the end of the first trimester or the beginning of the second, maternity clothes or looser-fitting styles become necessary. Listen to your body—if your clothes are feeling tight and restrictive, it’s time to explore maternity options that will allow you to work comfortably.
Some women choose to start with a combination of maternity pieces and larger sizes of their regular attire, gradually shifting to full maternity wear as their pregnancy progresses.
What are the best maternity work dresses for different stages of pregnancy?
For the first trimester, shift dresses and flowy tunics can often accommodate your growing belly while maintaining a professional look. In the second trimester, you might explore dresses with ruching or side gathers for added comfort. By the third trimester, empire waist or wrap dresses are best as they offer the most room for your bump and are still office-appropriate.
Always look for fabrics with a bit of stretch for comfort and consider adjustable features like tie-backs that can grow with you throughout your pregnancy.
How to maintain a professional image during pregnancy with the right work dresses?
Maintaining a professional image during pregnancy is all about choosing the right pieces that are both flattering and comfortable. A-line dresses, wrap dresses, and those with peplum detail can create a polished look while accommodating your bump. Solid colors and subtle patterns are typically more professional, and layering with blazers or structured cardigans can add a formal touch.
Make sure your maternity dresses are made from quality materials that don’t wrinkle easily, ensuring you look sharp throughout the day. Comfortable, supportive footwear and well-chosen accessories will complete your professional maternity attire.
How to balance professional attire with pregnancy comfort?
Opt for maternity pieces that offer a blend of stretch and structure to balance professionalism with comfort. Jersey knit dresses with a blazer can look professional while providing comfort. Empire waist dresses are also a good choice, as they sit above the belly and offer a flattering fit without constriction.
Consider investing in a few key pieces with adjustable features like drawstring waists or shirred sides, which can grow and shrink with you. It’s also worth exploring maternity wear with built-in support, like dresses with belly bands, to reduce discomfort during long hours at work.
Are there any specific styles to consider for work during the third trimester?
In the third trimester, prioritize dresses that provide maximum comfort and ease of movement. Maxi dresses or those with an A-line silhouette can be ideal as they offer plenty of room for your belly and can be layered with smart jackets or cardigans for a professional look. Look for dresses with details like pleats or gathers, which can provide extra fabric to cover your growing bump comfortably.
Wrap dresses can be easily adjusted to accommodate your size and are stylish enough for the workplace. Make sure the fabric is breathable and the fit is not restrictive, to keep you comfortable throughout your workday.
What are some essential maternity workwear pieces every expecting mother should have?
Every expecting mama should have a versatile maternity wardrobe for work that includes key pieces like a professional maternity dress, a comfortable yet polished pair of maternity trousers, and a stretchy pencil skirt. A well-tailored maternity blazer can dress up any outfit, while a few maternity blouses or tunics can provide variety and comfort.
Also essential are supportive maternity undergarments and flexible, comfortable footwear. These pieces can be combined in various ways to create multiple outfits, ensuring you look professional and feel comfortable throughout your pregnancy.
Navigating postpartum work attire
Returning to work after having a baby presents a new set of challenges for your wardrobe. During the postpartum period, your body is still changing, and comfort remains a top priority. Look for work dresses with soft fabrics and ruching to accommodate a post-baby belly. If you’re nursing, consider pieces with easy access for breastfeeding, such as dresses with discreet zippers or layers.
And while the best age to return to work varies for every mother, it’s important to choose attire that doesn’t add stress during this transition. Whether you go back after a few months or a year, your postpartum work dresses should make you feel confident and supported.
How to dress comfortably for work after having a baby?
Postpartum work attire should prioritize comfort and convenience, especially if you are breastfeeding. Opt for dresses with wrap fronts or discreet nursing access, and choose soft, stretchable fabrics. Elasticized waistbands or adjustable closures can provide the flexibility you need during this transitional period.
Consider loose-fitting tops that can be paired with structured blazers for a professional look that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Layering can also be a great strategy to handle varying temperatures and to provide privacy if you need to nurse or pump at work.