
Your style-maven status might be going strong during the early months of pregnancy, but once you start to show, it can be hard to #dressthebump — especially when it comes to on-duty outfits. But just because you’re now dressing for two doesn’t mean your fashion sensibilities have to go totally out the window. We’ve rounded up 17 chic and super-easy maternity outfits to inspire your work-week wardrobe. Read on to get baby-bump-inspired.
1. Floral Maxi Dress: The ultimate one-and-done look, a pretty floral maxi keeps everything under wraps, while also giving off an effortless yet totally polished vibe. Add on a statement necklace and sleek heels or flats for a pretty and professional finish. (via Cella Jane)
2. Printed Sheath and Bright Blazer: You might be drawn to darker hues when your bump starts to really make itself known to the world, but definitely don’t banish brights and prints to the back of your closet. K&J prove that the two work together seamlessly to create a stunning work-appropriate getup. (via K&J Diaries)
3. Bright Pleated Dress and Pumps: Rachel Parcell takes maternity dressing to the next level with her perfectly pulled-together ensembles that give even the non-expecting among us some serious style envy. We’re loving this crazy colorful dress for spring with vibrant work-ready heels. For a more formal look, you can easily switch out the denim for a tailored jacket or blazer. (via Pink Peonies)
4. Sleeveless Blazer and Separates: Comfy separates come together for a totally modern, minimalist and undeniably stylish effect, but it’s the sleek sleeveless vest that is the real hero piece here. (via @lebrasseacoeur)
5. Wide Leg Trousers and Button-Down Blouse: Being preggo doesn’t have to mean leaving trends behind. Stay on top of your fashion game with wide-leg trousers and a half-tucked button-down shirt in a bold vertical-stripe pattern. (via Cleverly Yours)
6. Leather Pencil Skirt and Boxy Top: A leather pencil skirt? Nope, we’re not joking. And neither is Marie Hinkaer Wolthers — this boxy crop top and leather skirt mix is totally on point. Now that is what we mean when we say #maternitystyle. (via Blame It on Fashion)
7. Bermuda Shorts: When temperatures start to creep up, ditch the pants for a pair of Bermudas and a sharp top. Carefully curated accessories, like a cool chain collar, long drop earrings and a pair of block heels or wedges, will dress up the laid-back look in two seconds flat. (via Sara Stand)
8. Striped Dress and Bright Blazer: Horizontal stripes always seem to end up on pregnancy style “don’t” lists, but we think when they’re worn the right way, they can look pretty freakin’ awesome. Layering a short striped dress under a colorful blazer breaks up the pattern and creates a sort of optical illusion, making your bump blend in rather than stick out. (via Motherhood Closet)
9. Classic Wrap Dress: Wrap dresses are the epitome of working-lady chic, plus they’re incredibly comfortable. And since the waist is adjustable, you’ll be able to wear it post-baby too. (via Style by Alina)
10. Sleeveless Tank Dress: Simple and super versatile, this bias-cut tank dress will quickly become a work-week favorite. Love it? You can get it right here. (via Hatch Collection)
11. Jumpsuit: A jumpsuit is always a good idea. This geometric onesie has plenty of style built right in, making it the perfect piece to throw on when you have 10 minutes to get out the door. (via Love Taza)
12. Classy Kimono and Trousers: A sophisticated kimono is the answer on days when your go-to toppers are leaving you feeling less than fabulous. Layer it over a classic cami and tailored trousers for an office-ready getup. (via My Daily Style)
13. Flirty Midi Skirts: Midi skirts are a definite maternity yes. To play up your fab curves, tack on a stylish cincher at the waist. (via Little Blonde Book)
14. Maxi Shirt Dress: We’re just a tiny bit bummed that Mira Duma finally had her baby, ’cause her maternity style was to die for. This linen maxi shirt dress is light, airy and ready to rock your morning meeting. While she keeps the accessories on the pared-down side, we think a few bold metallic touches at the collar or wrist would take this classic look to the next level. (via The Fashion Spot)
15. Polished Culottes: Culottes and a short-sleeved sweater are a great option for transitional dressing, and they make that bump sing #girlboss. (via @kinmaternity)
16. LBD: Bump or not, a little black dress is a must. Wear it at the office while you dominate that to-do list, then take it out on the town. (via Sara Strand)
17. Mini Dress and Thigh-Skimming Boots: If you can’t bear to part with some of your favorite dresses despite a hemline that continues to creep mysteriously higher and higher, never fear. Balance out those shorter hemlines with over-the-knee boots to bring the frock back into work-appropriate territory. (via Blame It on Fashion)
What’s your favorite way to dress the bump for the office? Tell us about it in the comments!
Welcome to Selfmade Finance School, our new money series with Block Advisors to help small business owners with their tax, bookkeeping, and payroll needs year-round. This week, we explore the tax implications of bringing family members into your business.
The question for today is this: Does hiring your family members make sense for your business? Let me be clear. This is not a piece about whether hiring your family members makes sense for your relationships with those family members. As someone who is part of a family business, I could fill up a lot more than 600 words on my opinions about that. For today's purposes, we focus on whether it makes sense from an overall "good business and tax implication" perspective. As it turns out, there is a decent amount of tax nuance when it comes to employing your family. Let's break it down based on relationship to the employee:
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Spouses Who Are In Business Together
Personally, if I had to be in business with my husband, it would not go well. However, many couples build viable, strong businesses together and I say, good for them! Depending on how you have your business entity structured, it will make a big difference on the tax treatment of you and your spouse working as partners. Because a business jointly owned and operated by a married couple is generally treated as a partnership for Federal tax purposes, the spouses must comply with filing and record keeping requirements imposed on partnerships and their partners. The election to file two Schedule C (Form 1040) forms, (one for each spouse) permits certain married co-owners to avoid filing partnership returns, provided that each spouse separately reports a share of all the businesses' items of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit. Under the election, both spouses will be subject to self-employment tax and on net earnings from self-employment and receive credit for Social Security earnings.
One Spouse Employs Another
If you have a dynamic where your spouse is an employee of your business, then your spouse's wages are subject to income tax withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes. If you are self-employed (not a corporation or a partnership), your spouse's pay does not have to be included in your federal unemployment tax account (FUTA) contributions and payments. However, if your business is a corporation or a partnership you must include that spouse's pay in your unemployment tax contribution calculation.
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You Employ Your Child
First, let's be clear. I work in my family business, but I am an adult, so I am treated just like a normal employee. However, if you, for example, run a family restaurant and want to hire your children under 18 to work for you, there are some tax benefits. But first, you should check with your state for rules on how many hours minors can work (in non-agricultural jobs) and reference the Fair Labor Standards Act for information on limitations on the kinds of work children can perform.
"This is an often overlooked or under-utilized strategy. Paying your children for true services they provide in your business can be a powerful tax-saving tool," says Cathi Reed, Block Advisors Regional Director. "If you are a sole-proprietorship or single member LLC, and the child is less than 18 years of age, the business is not required to withhold FICA or payroll taxes. The child can use his or her standard deduction against income you pay."
You Hire Your Parent
Oh dear. If you are brave enough to do this, know that you will need to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on your parent's wages and make the appropriate withholdings, but you don't have to pay unemployment taxes. Now all you have to do is convince your parent that you are the boss. Have fun with that!
Is Hiring Family Members Worth It For The Tax Benefits?
"There are some positive tax advantages to hiring family members. It's important to treat a family member like any other employee. Hiring your children can result in substantial savings for businesses. Make sure your child has real, age-appropriate work to do and a reasonable pay rate, comparable to other employees. Consult with a Block Advisors small business certified tax pro to ensure that you are complying with all requirements," advises Reed. "Block Advisors, a team within H&R Block, is dedicated to meeting the tax, bookkeeping and payroll needs of small business owners year-round. To start working with the tax experts at Block Advisors, visit blockadvisors.com."
In my opinion, you should not hire a family member solely because of the tax benefits. You should always hire based on whether that person is right for the job and keep in mind how this hire could materially impact your relationship with that person and others in your family. Finally, as I mentioned, make sure you have a tax professional on your team when making these determinations. As you can see, things can get a little tricky!
*All details were sourced from IRS.gov and blockadvisors.com
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regards to your individual situation. Comments concerning the past performance are not intended to be forward looking and should not be viewed as an indication of future results. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. O'Keeffe Financial Partners and any other entity listed herein is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS Investor Disclosures: https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures