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!
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.