I'm Pregnant—These Are My Favorite Looks to Wear to the Who What Wear Office

I’m going to be perfectly honest. Until just a few weeks ago, dressing for my pregnancy was not exactly the most enjoyable endeavor. Quite the opposite, in fact. As a fashion editor who gets genuinely excited to put together an outfit every morning, it’s been a shock to actually dread the act. But between nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and the general discomfort that come with the first three to four months of pregnancy (if not, longer), I couldn’t fathom thinking about what to wear, let alone try to look stylish in an office filled to the brim with fashionable young people. By my fourth month of pregnancy, I couldn’t fit into any of my go-to jeans (don’t even think about stiff high-waisted Levi’s), and yet I was still too small for maternity clothes. My closet—once a world of infinite sartorial possibilities—became a narrow room of inadequate prospects. It’s been nothing short of a challenge to find outfits that feel comfortable while still looking notably chic.

Luckily, I have now just entered my sixth month of pregnancy and am well into the “honeymoon period”, as they like to call it. I’m not only feeling more energized and like myself again, but I’m finally excited to dress my new curvy silhouette. Dressing for the office while pregnant (especially in an office as stylish as Who What Wear) involves balancing comfort and style. Think stretchy, light knit dresses, adjustable wrap dresses worn with kitten heels, or maternity jeans worn with loose-fitting blazers.

While today there is a lot more variety when it comes to maternity wear, I still find many maternity clothes underwhelming and uninspiring. Luckily, every single piece of clothing you wear doesn’t need to be “maternity”. Stretchy wrap dresses have become my go-to for the office, as they are comfortable, adjustable, stylish, and work-appropriate. When it comes to pants, however, there is no escaping maternity. Your regular buttoned pants just won’t cut it. I have, however, found several elasticated waist pants, like these satin ones from Mango that are comfortable and chic enough to wear with my growing belly. Pair it with a loose shell top and blazer.

Most designer denim brands now make maternity jeans fit for the office. I particularly like this cropped style from 7 for all Mankind and these skinny AG jeans. H&M maternity and ASOS maternity have some great options too. I picked up these black jersey H&M pants, which are super comfortable yet still boardroom-worthy. There are other excellent maternity finds from H&M’s Mama brand, which I have added to my weekly workwear rotation. Including this wrap dress, which is perfect when paired with wedge espadrilles or kitten heels for summer in the office.

It’s been a shockingly slow ride for me to embrace maternity wear and certain maternity styles (I never wore body-con maxi dresses before I was pregnant, so why do I have to wear one now? The answer to that is swollen ankles and comfort, I suspect.) But luckily my newfound enthusiasm for dressing up again will not let me sacrifice my style. I’ve searched high and low for chic outfits that are comfortable yet still make me feel like my stylish self and most importantly look great in a chic office setting. Scroll below to shop all my favorite pieces I’m currently wearing to the Who What Wear office.

Monday

A stretchy wrap dress is an office (and maternity) essential. This comfortable printed frock from Mango is flowy yet shows off your curvy silhouette in all the right places. And just to note this isn’t a maternity dress. I just ordered one size up.

Tuesday

A black lightweight knit midi dress (or jersey dress) is my go-to for day-to-night dressing. Not only is it cozy and comfortable, but the black silhouette is also ultra-flattering. It also gives you the opportunity to have fun with your accessories—think layered gold necklaces or hoop earrings and this season’s trending translucent sandals.

Wednesday

If your workplace allows for jeans, these stretchy AG skinnies are a must. I like to wear mine with a crisp white tee, sleek white kitten heels, and a relaxed blazer to pull the look together.

Thursday 

A loose fit and a ruffle hem add a playful yet polished touch to your work outfit. This silhouette feels très français and looks just as good when paired with ankle boots as it does with polished pumps.

Friday

Summer Fridays call for a fun and relaxed wrap dress paired with white sneakers or wedge espadrilles. I’m practically living in this floral-print maternity frock from H&M, which is adapting to my growing belly.

Up next: the ultimate maternity style guide.