Maternity Wardrobe Must-Haves for Working Moms-to-Be
Pregnant professionals have a lot to contend with—from navigating the daily commute with morning sickness to fighting off a bout of pregnancy fatigue during company-wide meetings. It’s hard enough going into the office every day, but coming up with work-appropriate outfits every morning can be a tall task. Here’s the good news: You can still put together professional, bump-friendly looks without replacing your entire wardrobe. The key is to select a few signature pieces versatile enough to take you from executive conferences to casual Fridays. Here, we’ve curated a list of must-have maternity work clothes that are as fashion-forward as they are comfortable. With tons of styling options, you’ll reach for these items again and again. And because this list isn’t exhaustive, we’ve also included our top three shopping destinations for maternity office wear.
In this article:
Where to buy maternity work clothes
Best maternity work tops
Best maternity work pants and skirts
Best maternity work dresses and jumpsuits
Best maternity work outerwear
Need to source professional maternity clothes? Touring the mall for the perfect pair of slacks can be difficult at the best of times. Luckily, many online stores now offer a curated selection of maternity work clothes, so you can skip the lines and stuffy dressing rooms and shop from the comfort of your couch. Here are three of our favorite places to buy (or even rent!) pregnancy outfits for work.
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Ingrid & Isabel: Create a capsule wardrobe with Ingrid & Isabel. Each piece is designed to complement the items you already own, and is crafted from high-quality fabrics that stand the test of time. From stretchy pregnancy work pants to wrap shirts, this is the perfect place to find business-casual basics.
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Loyal Hanna: This is our go-to brand for office attire during pregnancy. All of Loyal Hanna’s garments are designed to fit and flatter changing bodies with hidden zippers for easy nursing access—meaning you can wear each item during the postpartum stage too. We adore everything from the easy-breezy shirt dresses to the uber-sophisticated jumpsuits. Oh and did we mention that this brand is a Best of Pregnancy award-winner too?
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Rent the Runway: Want to sidestep shopping altogether? Opt for a maternity clothing subscription and rent the items you need instead. Browse professional styles from top brands like Isabella Oliver, Hatch and Nom Maternity. Depending on your plan you can rent up to four items a month and shipping is always free. Bonus: Get 40 percent off the eight-item plan for two months with the exclusive code BUMP40.
Maternity tops for work form the foundation of a capsule wardrobe. While you may be tempted to squeeze into your regular shirts, having a few tops specifically designed for pregnancy will make dressing for the office a lot easier. Pregnancy tops tend to be roomier and are made from stretchy, breathable fabrics that grow with your bump. Here are six essential styles that’ll see you through your 9 to 5.
A button-down shirt
A crisp, white blouse is a must when it comes to maternity work clothes. This timeless piece of clothing has the ability to transform any outfit into smart business attire with minimal effort. The classic button-down gets a maternity makeover with this tailored, three-quarter-length sleeve shirt from Ingrid & Isabel. It’s a little longer than most to ensure full-coverage, and the peplum detail comfortably accommodates your growing bump. Use it to dress up your favorite pair of maternity jeans or add slacks and a structured tote bag for a killer office look.
A flowy blouse
A pretty, patterned maternity blouse is both versatile and practical, and will easily carry you through your entire pregnancy. Wear it with a blazer and slacks for an office-ready outfit or alone over jeans for a more relaxed look. This top from Kimi and Kai is a standout thanks to the bold floral print, loose fit and surplice neckline that makes discreet nursing a breeze.
A cozy sweater
A soft sweater looks great and goes with just about anything. So why not add one to your collection of maternity work clothes? We love this V-neck sweater from PinkBlush. The neutral color and slightly oversized fit make it an ideal layering item for fall. Pair it with dark-rinse jeans or jazz it up with fitted maternity work pants and pumps.
A turtleneck top
There’s a reason Steve Jobs wore a black turtleneck to work every day—this classic top is timeless and elegant—not to mention incredibly versatile. Use a black polo as the base layer for a tailored suit, wear it with jeans for a casual yet chic look or layer it underneath a shift dress for a modern take on professional attire. We like this pick by Parisian brand Envie de Fraise, as it’s incredibly comfortable thanks to its soft, sustainable fabric.
A striped shirt
Sometimes referred to as a Breton, a striped shirt is a true fashion staple. Why? It’s flattering, easy to wear and never goes out of style. This long-sleeve version by HATCH boasts horizontal stripes and a patch pocket at the front. Wear it with slim-fit jeans, loafers and some red lipstick for good measure. Talk about a chic maternity workwear look.
A two-in-one sweater
Love the layered look but struggle to match separates? A sweater-shirt combo is the perfect solution to your style dilemma. This soft textured sweater will keep you and your bump cozy, while the smart mock shirt peeks out at the cuffs, collar and hem.
Now that we’ve got tops covered, let’s turn our attention to maternity pants for work. While you can use a Bellaband early on in pregnancy, at some point you’re going to need a pair of comfy maternity pants. Options include over-the-belly pants with a built-in fabric panel or under-belly styles that are cut low on the waist and rest underneath your bump. Here you’ll find a few pairs of smart-casual slacks, jeans and chinos, plus a couple of skirts to add to the mix too.
Black slacks
A chic pair of black pants is a working mom’s best friend. Perhaps the most adaptable of all maternity work clothes, black pants can be dressed up or down and go with pretty much anything. And black tends to be super-flattering. These stylish slacks from H&M hit right at the ankle so you can show off your favorite shoes. Plus, the cotton-blend fabric and stretchy belly panel ensure a comfortable fit. Pair them with a statement set of flats and your favorite top for a simple office outfit.
A pencil skirt
Nothing gives off professional vibes like a classic pencil skirt. And just because you’re sporting a bump these days doesn’t mean it’s off limits. This midi skirt from Kindred Bravely is cut to fit and flatter your growing belly and keep you looking office-chic. The breathable bamboo fabric makes it a great choice for summer, but it can be paired with boots and tights for a cozy fall look too.
Chinos
More relaxed than slacks but dressier than jeans, chinos walk the line between smart and casual attire. This preppy pair by Old Navy comes in five neutral colors and has an elasticated fold-over waistband for added comfort. Plus, at only $39 they’re an affordable option to boot.
Black leggings
Leggings can be business casual if you pick the right pair and style them appropriately. Our advice? Layer dark-colored leggings underneath a shirt or tunic that hits the mid-thighs. Smart accessories—like pointed pumps and a chic handbag—can also elevate your look. The Zip Leggings by Storq meet the criteria for maternity workwear. They’re fully opaque and have stylish zip details on the ankle. And because comfort is key, a double-fabric panel at the waist can be pulled up under your bust or folded down for extra belly support.
Dark wash jeans
Take casual Friday to a whole new level with stylish dark-rinse jeans. The darker tone lends better to a business look, and you’ll still get to revel in the comfort of your favorite jeans. The slim silhouette on this pair is flattering and work-appropriate, and a stretchy roll panel discreetly covers and smooths your belly. Endlessly versatile, they’ll take you straight from the office to dinner out.
A pleated skirt
Add a touch of femininity to your professional maternity clothes with a pleated skirt. This style is flattering to all body shapes, as the pleated fabric skims your curves and creates movement as you walk. We like this skirt as it falls just below the knee and boasts a delicate animal print in a modern olive green hue.
Add it to your list of pregnancy to-dos: Find a few garments that make you feel amazing throughout all three trimesters and beyond. Maternity work dresses and jumpsuits are the perfect choice if you simply want to get dressed and get on with your day. These all-in-one outfits are easy to style and comfortable to wear—precisely what you need from your maternity workwear. Keep scrolling to discover six styles every woman should have in her wardrobe.
A bodycon dress
A sophisticated maternity work dress with a bodycon fit will help you exude confidence in the office. With a high, boat-neckline and textured fabric, this dress is conservative yet sexy, thanks to the shorter length and form-fitting cut. Don’t like wearing restrictive clothing? This little number is made with a touch of spandex for added stretch. Pair it with sheer tights and keep accessories to a minimum—this dress speaks for itself.
A little black dress
The search for the ideal LBD doesn’t stop just because you’ve got a baby on board. A simple black dress is a maternity workwear essential, whether you’re lunching with clients or presenting to the board. Good thing we found this super-chic pregnancy edition from The Nines by HATCH. It’s figure-hugging with a scoop neck to show off a touch of decolletage, but the long-sleeves and midi-length hemline are office-friendly.
A printed dress
There’s no need to hide in black maternity clothes your whole pregnancy—a fun statement dress is a great addition to any mom-to-be’s collection of maternity work clothes. This candy-stripe option from Sexy Mama Maternity has work-appropriate long sleeves and a below-the-knee hem, but ruffle details keep things fun.
Fit-and-flare dress
A fit-and-flare dress is a maternity workwear staple with good reason. With a cinched waist and a full skirt that flares out at the hips, this type of dress suits all shapes and sizes. Motherhood Maternity’s plus-size version comes in a vibrant color, and the shorter length is counter-balanced with long sleeves and a turtle-neckline.
A jumpsuit
A jumpsuit offers the best of both worlds for working moms. They’re as stylish as dresses and offer the practicality of pants. Plus, a jumpsuit is the perfect one-and-done look for days when you just can’t decide what to wear. Our top pick? This button-down jumpsuit by Loyal Hanna. Made with a stretchy fabric to accommodate your changing shape, this chic black style offers easy nursing access once baby is on the scene.
A shirt dress
A list of the best maternity work clothes wouldn't be complete without a shirt dress. This throw-on style is as comfortable as they come, but the classic silhouette and belt tie make it formal enough for the office. Better yet, shirt dresses tend to be affordable and come in every print imaginable. This chic option from H&M would be a great addition to any professional’s wardrobe.
Now that we’ve covered the basics—tops, pants and dresses—let’s turn our attention to outerwear. A smart jacket or blazer can complete a look. That’s why we’ve rounded up five essential layering items to add to your maternity work wardrobe.
A structured blazer
A tailored blazer is a maternity workwear essential. Toss it on over everything, from dresses to jeans, and you’ll look instantly pulled together and ready to power through your day. We love how the ponte fabric gives this maternity jacket from Seraphine an extra bit of bump-friendly stretch.
A cardigan
Another office essential? The cardigan, a bump-friendly piece of clothing if ever there was one. It’ll protect you from the arctic blast of the office AC without drowning you in fabric. (And when you’re hit with a hot flash, it’s a cinch to slip off.) Wear your favorite pre-pregnancy style, or pick up a cardi designed for moms-to-be. This plus-size pick in neutral gray is a good choice, as the longer length provides a little extra coverage.
A trench coat
Add polish to any look with a classic trench coat. This utilitarian piece is perfect for tricky transitional weather, when it’s too warm for a winter coat but too chilly to go without a cover-up. With wide lapels, a double placket and a tie-waist, this trench coat from ASOS checks every box in terms of fashion and function.
A side-slit blazer
For a modern twist on classic tailoring, opt for a side-slit blazer. This black jacket from PinkBlush will look great at every stage of your pregnancy. Wear it with a basic white tee and dark wash jeans for a professional look that’ll still turn heads.
A knit jacket
A drapey, relaxed-fit jacket is another great layering piece. It’s more structured than a regular cardigan, but can still be worn indoors, unlike a typical jacket. This neutral knitted option will take you through fall and winter, and can even be worn once baby arrives.
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