Dressing Business Casual While Pregnant

Okay, ladies, so you've got the bump that says baby on board, but you want your clothes that announce that you are still a professional? Dressing business casual while pregnant does present a challenge to moms-to-be, but if you follow these tips, you'll still say pro even while your pregnant belly says mom.

10) Be happy you're pregnant today! Five to ten years ago, you would have dealt with severe frustration as you tried to look smart, professional, and business-like during your pregnancy. Nothing says unprofessional like frumpy maternity wear and poor-fitting suit jackets. Today, however, many more companies are offering great selections. For instance, Becoming Mommy, was started by a woman frustrated by the late of great maternity clothes. These designer beauties are creating with the ever-changing body of the pregnant woman in mind. (www.becomingmommy.com)

9) Before you buy anything, examine your wardrobe for any pieces that you can still wear during your pregnancy. You may have slightly oversized blouses that will still fit you through the second trimester. Pair these with elastic-waisted trousers or a skirt for a great look. Wear your jacket open until you're so big that it looks awkward.

8) Ready to buy? Make sure you invest in clothes specifically designed for pregnant women. While you might be feeling like a giant lump with your pregnancy bump and growing breasts, don't make the mistake of buying bigger sizes in non-maternity clothing. Your clothes won't fit you probably, and will end up making you feel worse about your body shape. Pregnancy is a glorious time, celebrate yourself, and buy quality maternity wear, even if you can only afford a few staples, you'll be thankful you made the investment in the long run. Maternity clothes are designed to accommodate your changing body size; regular clothes are not.

7) Know your maternity clothing size. Don't just assume that you need a large because your belly is large. If your usual size is small, chances are excellent that maternity clothes in size small will fit you just right. Don't want to go to the store and try on a bunch of clothes? Send your husband or a friend to the store to buy for you to try at home. Or shop online: just make sure that you check out the E-tailer's return policy before you buy.

6) Ask your friends and family members with children if you can raid their pregnancy wardrobe. Trying maternity clothes on a loan is a great way to save money, get more use out of otherwise little used clothes, and learn what pieces really work best for you. This will also help you determine the best sizes to look for when you shop.

5) Know what to buy new and what to buy used. If you aren't lucky enough to have a formerly pregnant friend or family member willing to pass on her clothes to you, you might be worried that all this money on money-to-be clothing won't leave you with much to take care of your new baby. Some items are easy to find new without breaking the bank: tank tops, t-shirts, and jeans. Other items like business casual items and special occasion outfits cost so much to buy new that being them used is great economics: if you don't buy your maternity clothes until that baby bump starts to show, how many times, really, do you think you'll wear that great designer dress?

4) When you do purchase your maternity clothes for your great business casual look, remember Tim Gunn's 10 essentials: the basic black dress, trench coat, dress pants, classic shirt, jeans, any occasion top, skirt, day dress, jacket, and sweatsuit alternative. If you have these essentials in your maternity wardrobe, you will be able to mix and match these items in order to still look great even while pregnant. Invest in several quality separates and use these to build your pregnancy wardrobe.

3) Look for details that will ensure you get the best bang from your pregnancy wardrobe buck. An adjustable waistband is a nice pair of black trousers will ensure that your pants fit you from month three to month eight. Tiebacks on blouses can be tightened in the early months, and loosened as your body changes. Similarly, look for a little black dress with hidden adjustments on the inside or tiebacks similar to the blouse on the outside. Comfortable elastic waistbands are an essential: the ones covered in soft velvety material are the best.

2) Don't forget to accessorize. Beauty is as beauty does, and making sure to add tasteful jewelry, complimentary purses, and stylish, yet comfortable, shoes to complete your look, will keep you looking perfectly professional. Maximize that glowing complexion by minimizing the makeup you wear, but don't neglect the finishing touches.1) Schedule yourself for a day at the spa. Get a great haircut, a gentle facial, and a nice steam in order to nourish that fabulous woman at your core. You'll be run ragged after the baby is born, so make sure to take a little time to tender, loving care for yourself before your deliver your little one.

As you can see, dressing business casual will you are pregnant needn't be a headache. To learn more about Tim Gunn's 10 Essentials, read his great book A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style or visit bravotv.com.