A Guide to Dressing Professionally During Your

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

If you’re anything like I was when I first found out I was pregnant, you’re feeling excited … maybe a little terrified … just a teensy bit overwhelmed … and – oh yeah! – psyched for your new maternity wardrobe!

The plan: you’ll be a totally stylish mama-to-be – the envy of your friends, the opposite of frump! You’ll look flawless pretty much all the time, with a perfect, proud little bump, and of course you’ll be doing it all in 3” heels (at least). Just like the models on the websites — but way more professional.

Okay, now how about a reality check?

The truth can be somewhat more complicated than all of this, both because – if you haven’t already discovered – pregnancy is not the most glamorous time in your life, and also because the selection of work-appropriate maternity clothes is tremendously limited. How are you supposed to look chic, pulled-together and professional when your only options seem to be overpriced polyester pants and dresses with huge, horribly placed floppy bows?

CorporetteMoms: A Guide to Dressing Professionally During Your Pregnancy contains some of my best tips to help you find stylish, work-appropriate maternity clothes, all without breaking the bank. Now that you’re subscribed to our newsletter, you’ll also get weekly suggestions for maternity-friendly clothes, as well as the occasional round-up of specific items you may be on the hunt for (similar to The Hunt series at Corporette).

General Maternity Clothes Advice (First Trimester and Beyond!)

(1) DO NOT BUY SHOES – at least not with the thought that “these will be great when I’m back in regular clothes!” My foot changed a full half-size after pregnancy (and I also developed some other new, fun foot problems) and I wound up selling many of the shoes I’d bought and was excited to wear after pregnancy – and just giving away the majority from before. Maybe you’ll be different, and I hope you are! But my $.02: don’t buy shoes unless you need them for the pregnancy itself. (Look for more comfortable flats and low heels, supportive walking shoes, etc.)

(2) If you still have tags on any recent purchases of regular, non-maternity clothes, seriously consider returning them. There can be a myriad of reasons you won't want to wear them after pregnancy: size and fit (most mamas I know agree that their bodies were fundamentally different after pregnancy, and even if they were the same size or weight, clothes just fit differently), trend (unless it's a very classic piece, consider returning it), style (you won't know what works for you when nursing/pumping unless you're there -- or even if/how long you're going to nurse/pump), fabric (warning: you will be very reluctant to wear silks, nice wools, and any general dry clean only fabric until your kiddo is out of the Sticky Hands Phase), and more. If you can get your money back on anything you bought before you knew you were pregnant (or before you read this), I strongly recommend you consider returning it.

(3) Don’t get too crazy with maternity clothes. Many women can wear their normal pants until week 20 (perhaps with the aid of a Bella Band or even a rubber band), and you can get by with many of the same dresses and tops until much later. Depending on weight gain (how much, where) you should even still be able to wear your old blazers well into your pregnancy (albeit unbuttoned). The really bad weeks will be weeks 30-42 (most doctors won’t let you go past week 42 without inducing you) – so primarily buy clothes with that season in mind.

(4) Regular (non-maternity) cardigans are great, particularly open/waterfall cardigans. You’ll find these wearable during your pregnancy and useful if you’re nursing – and the great thing is that no matter what your size after birth (or how your body weight has redistributed), odds are good that they’ll fit. Look for easy care fabrics like cotton and washable wool, and reconsider cashmere, silk, and other delicate fabrics.

(5) Buy big, fun necklaces. Maybe this was just my experience, but my chest was huge while pregnant and even bigger while nursing. For balance, I needed some statement necklaces. (They were also great for helping me feel like I had a bigger maternity wardrobe than I actually did!) Think 18”-22”, no longer – you want them near your face. Avoid faux crystals and other sparklies to keep it on the professional side of things. Have fun with color, material, and subtle sparkle. Online discount shops like BaubleBar can be a great source (click here if you need an invite); otherwise look for sales at spots like J.Crew, Bluefly, Last Call, and flash sales like Gilt and Rue La La. Museum shops (such as MOMA’s) also tend to have large, interesting, and affordable necklaces. If you have a big event coming up and — CorporetteMoms: A Guide to Dressing Professionally During Your Pregnancy © Katfry LLC 2014. All rights reserved. 4

want something really special, note that Rent the Runway does rent statement necklaces. Pictured above, clockwise: Geographics Necklace by Mellssa Zook, available at MOMAstore.org ($125); Greenbeads Glitter Circle-Link Necklace, available at LastCall.com ($75), Betty Necklace at Banana Republic (coral pictured, $69.50), Pearl twisted hammock necklace at J.Crew ($98), Braided Strands, available at BaubleBar ($36).

(6) Buy colorful printed scarves in easy care fabrics. Sensing a trend here? Back away from fine silk/cashmere scarves, at least for a little while. You can wear the easy care scarves for balance (and much needed variety) in your maternity wardrobe; later, if you’re nursing, you can use them as an impromptu cover, to hide milk stains (hence the patterns), to camouflage too-full breasts, etc.

(7) Don’t worry about finding great maternity suits. The quality and styling on maternity suits is generally horrible (Pregnant Fashionista, an anonymous lawyer who shopped her way through four pregnancies in six years, considers it “maternity’s most elusive piece”!). Honestly, you’ll probably be fine to wear a maternity dress with a regular blazer unbuttoned over it. Furthermore, I think most circumstances that might otherwise require a suit – court, big meeting, presentation, job interview – will be filled with people who either a) won’t give a second thought to why the pregnant lady isn’t wearing a suit, or b) will understand. If you’re literally in suit situations every day, buy a few maternity suits in very neutral fabrics – but by and large the rest of you get a pass.

“The quality and styling on maternity suits is generally horrible … you’ll probably be fine to wear a maternity dress with a regular blazer unbuttoned over it.”

(8) Focus on simple, versatile toops and pants. Many, many mamas end up wearing their maternity pantss for several months after pregnancy -- and if you buy simple basics, these can hopefully be worn again in a second (or third) pregnancy. Note that mmaternity pant s are generally offered with a stretchy band that goes underr your belly or a stretchy "full panel" that goes OVER your belly. (Seraphinee Maternity has a great “bump band guide, pictured”) This tends to be a matter of preference, but the general intention is that the under-belly bands are for early pregnancy, and the full -panel bands are for later pregnancyy. Personally, I vastly preferred the full-panel bands -- they smoothed out mmy baby bump, and helped me feel in general likke I wasn't losing my pants throughout the day.. (Unfortunately, you'll probably feel like you'ree yanking/adjusting most materernity pants throughout the day.) (In our Checkliist we’ll get into how many pants to buy and wwhich stores may be your best bet.)

(9) For tops, camisoles, and eveen dresses -- keep an eye out for ones that doubble as nursing tops. There are many produccts on the market that will accommodate your buump during pregnancy, and then are frienndly for nursing. There's a huge variety in style and quality (to say nothing of feasibility of nnursing), but if they’re affordably priced they caan be worth it. (That said, I primarily wore rregular t-shirts while nursing my son, and if youu’re planning to pump at work your consideraations may be different — see this Corporette poost for our discussion on pumping-frienddly clothes .

Underpinnings

(10) Invest the money in at leeast two bras for every size your breasts go thrrough during pregnancy. You will find thaat throughout pregnancy your breasts may grow,, dramatically -- make sure that you're wearingg a bra that fits you at all times, both for professionalism,s propriety, and, gosh dang it, ccomfort. (Buy two of ea ch size so you can give them at least a day off between wears, and aavoid other cardinal sins of bra care.) (I never saaw a need for maternity underwear, but youu may find you want to purchase a larger size.) After about

— CorporeetteMoms : A Guide to Dressing Professionally Durinng Your Pregnancy © Katfry LLC 2014. AllA rights reserved. 6

week 35, your breasts probably won’t get any bigger and you can purchase your first nursing bra. Don’t get too crazy here — I wound up not liking any of the first nursing bras that I bought, even though they were fine for regular bras — so wait until you actually start nursing to buy a lot of them.

(11) Get maternity tights. If you'll be pregnant at all during cold weather, I highly recommend maternity tights (particularly if you tend to wear “control top” tights when you’re not pregnant). You may also want to talk to the women in your family about varicose veins, spider veins, and other fun pregnancy side effects — these tend to be genetic. Pregnant Fashionista had a great post a few years ago about compression tights. At least in early pregnancy, you may also want to try this DIY approach to roomier tights, which some Corporette readers have suggested:

If you want to wear tights, but want to loosen the waistband you can try this trick (on a cheap pair of tights). Up at the top of the thick part of the band, make a small vertical cut down about halfway the length of the band (not through it completely, that’s how you get a run). You can put two in front, two in back, and one on each side. When you put them on they’ll pull apart like a V. Add a little clear nail polish and BAM, roomier tights. (12) Consider other light support garments while pregnant. Even if you're usually not a fan of Spanx or other girdles, most mamas I know appreciated the (very light) support while pregnant — I was so happy with Spanx’s maternity line, I haven’t tried other options.

The Importance of Budgeting

Behold, below: a chart of everything I bought during my first pregnancy. I share this list not because this is the definitive list (trust me, it’s not), but for shock and awe value. You’re going to be amazed at a few things here: a) how cheap everything was -- nothing designer, nothing fancy, all bought on sale b) how many pieces were gifted (usually by my mother), and c) how small my collection of clothes was, and yet d) you will be gobsmacked that I still managed to spend almost $900 on maternity clothes, worn for about four months. For most moms-to-be that is not an insignificant amount of money, so budgeting of any kind can be very helpful. (Plus, what you don’t spend on maternity clothes you can instead spend on a great bag, piece of jewelry, or — just for kicks — your kiddo’s 529 fund.)

Keep in mind, of course, that if you plan to birth five kids — and have no intention to change plans from your current lifestyle/job — then you may want to buy better pieces and avoid budget lines entirely. That said, life has a way of throwing you for a loop, particularly where kids and parenting are concerned . . .

Kat’s Maternity Purchases in 2011 Maternity Total $899.58 Thoughts at the Time (2011)

_Tops_ 3 black Ts (Liz Lange, Wore PitP one to death; LL best for Pea in the Pod, Gap) $27.49 casual/workout; Gap a bit too small. 1 gray floral T (burnout, Nuka) $16.50 Wore a lot at end. 3 tank tops (blue, 2 black) ($8.50, $10) $28.49 Wore a lot earlier on under blazers/cardis 1 light blue burnout tank $12.99 Wore a bit.

_Layers_ 1 black Old Navy waterfall cardigan $17.50 Love 3 camisoles $12.47 Wore under low cut dresses ponte blazer $58.99 Wore a lot Wore a few times but important times - fit better twist blazer gift near end, also lightweight — CorporetteMoms: A Guide to Dressing Professionally During Your Pregnancy © Katfry LLC 2014. All rights reserved. 8

_Bottoms_ Not very useful -- the Mama Spanx or maternity Gap pencil skirt tights came up higher than it. Only wore in ($49.50) $49.50 beginning. Gap bootcut pants $59.50 Wore a ton. Gap jeans ($79.50) $63.60 Wore a ton. Didn't wear much. (2014 update: hemmed them for flats and wore them a lot since the jeans kept PitP pinstripe $59.50 falling down in early pregnancy.) Barely wore at all -- had to have mom hem them PitP bootcut $22.00 for flats. Wore to legal conference though.

_Dresses_ 1 short black Nuka $25.50 Wore a lot in mid pregnancy. Wore a TON, loved the dress even after it 1 black maxi Nuka $33.00 stopped being cute. Wore to baby showers, weddings, etc. Not the best, not the worst; glad to have one "fancy" green Rachel Pally $89.10 dress. Bad purchase -- way too low cut, had to wear with tank tops, not flattering. Maybe I'll get more wear out of it as a nursing dress. (2014 navy Velvet $59.99 update: I didn't.) Bad purchase -- no "waist" meant it felt like a tent for 9 months. I probably wore it 5-8 times. 2014 update: Already wore it twice because its black/gray/blue floral polyester layered more nicely under a cardigan Pea in the Pod $18.99 than the cotton Old Navy dresses. Wore a ton; went best with my preferred summer footwear that summer: red gray Old Navy $15.00 Birkenstocks. Wore a ton even though it didn't go with my red purple Old Navy $15.00 Birks. black Old Navy maxi $20.00 Not flattering, didn't like. Wore this a bit during pregnancy and a few purple Olian nursing gift times postpartum.

Lingerie Secret Shaper Panty $16.98 Was this Mama Spanx? Wore to death. Assets Tights $18.00 Worth the money. Other black tights gift Not worth the $ - cheap, weird panel. — CorporetteMoms: A Guide to Dressing Professionally During Your Pregnancy © Katfry LLC 2014. All rights reserved. 9

Fantasie Bra $40.00 I think I wore this one. stupid Old Navy nightie $15.00 Threw it away. Natori bras (2) $52.00 Wore to death.

Lounge Hardly wore at all. (2014 update: wore a ton Yoga Pants $14.99 postpartum though!) Reebok sport camisole $22.50 Wore to death. Old Navy yoga pants $15.00 Wore to death.

How to Save Money on Maternity Clothes

1) Shop really early. As soon as you find out you're pregnant, check out our maternity shopping guide, which lists all the stores that sell maternity workwear. I'd suggest spending a few hours one night, opening them all in tabs, and taking a look at their sale sections -- odds are good that whatever is in their sale section NOW is what you'll want to be wearing in seven-eight months. Keep an eye on return policies, but if you see seasonal pieces you like -- sweaters, short-sleeved dresses, even shorts or bathing suits if you're planning a babymoon -- then consider buying them now.

2) Stalk specific pieces you like — before you need them. While you've got the stores' websites up, take a swing through their "just in" sections, and see if anything really catches your eye. It may be a going-out top, a dress that would be perfect for a baby shower, or just some lovely basic. You won't actually NEED these items for several months, so I recommend using a few Internet tricks to "watch" these items until they go on sale. Two services that are great for this are Shopping Notes and Hukkster -- once you're set up, they'll send you an email notification if anything you've liked has gone on sale. (We've covered both services on Corporette in more detail; links to those posts are above.)

3) Get alerts when there are general maternity sales. If you're looking for basics on sale, sign up for Shop It To Me, which sends you a daily email of any clothes on sale, in your size) -- they

do cover maternity sizes! I'd suggest setting your "sale amount" at 30% if you're looking for maternity basics on sale; it's rare for them to go much above that.

If you see any designers that you truly love and want to stalk for maternity sales, I'd also suggest setting up an alert on ShopStyle. (You can do more general alerts on "maternity pants" or "nursing tops" but you may be overwhelmed by the selection. So, unless you're an old hand at treasure hunting for bargains, it's easiest just to focus on a few designers who may or may not go on sale.)

4) Shop the flash sale sites. The flash sale sites can have great options for maternity clothes, so don't discount those. Some of my favorites for maternity wear:

- Gilt Groupe (click here if you need an invitation — fyi, the maternity clothes are often under the children’s section) - Zulily (mostly kids clothes, but they often feature maternity/nursing clothing -- click here if you need an invite) - Baby Steals (ditto).

“Buy only what you really need in maternity clothes …. black maternity pants and a black maternity t-shirt (an outfit by itself in NYC) can be accented with a number of non- maternity items, including an unbuttoned blazer, a cardigan worn open, a statement necklace.”

5) Buy only what you really need in maternity clothes, and try to use your regular wardrobe as fillers. For example: black maternity pants and a black maternity t-shirt (an outfit by itself in NYC) can be accented with a number of non-maternity items, including an unbuttoned blazer, a cardigan worn open, a statement necklace. You can layer non-maternity — CorporetteMoms: A Guide to Dressing Professionally During Your Pregnancy © Katfry LLC 2014. All rights reserved. 11

camisoles and tanks beneath the maternity t-shirt (even if they don’t cover your bump, you’re ok as long as the t-shirt does). Similarly, try layering (at least in the early months) a non-maternity blouse beneath the t-shirt — you’ll get the pop of color and professionalism from the collar, and if the blouse doesn’t fit the best in bust or the belly, it shouldn’t be an issue as long as the maternity t-shirt covers you. Also, you may be just fine in regular dresses — albeit worn with maternity tights or maternity Spanx — until your bump gets seriously big.

Finally: What NOT to Buy

All of my friends and I did this: the second we found out we were pregnant we started looking for fancy diaper bags. Resist the urge to do this, at least until after the kiddo is born and you've been using a diaper bag for a little bit of time and have a better sense of your needs. For example, the one that I bought (a very nice Rebecca Minkoff one) I ended up hating, because I didn't want a two-handled tote bag -- one handle would fall off my shoulders, and I felt like the whole thing threw my balance off further, particularly if I was babywearing. It also didn't fit neatly over the stroller handles (or underneath in the basket) -- in short, I've used it about three times.

The truth of the matter is, you may not NEED a diaper bag, at least at first -- I wound up just using an old LeSportSac Everyday bag for the first several months of my son’s life; other women just use backpacks or totes (like many of the commenters on Hellobee note), or keep supplies in your stroller or car). If you're breastfeeding you don't need to cart any food or snacks for the first six months; when they're very little you don't need many toys; and so the main things that you need to bring with you are 1-2 outfit changes and your diapering supplies. If you're traveling with a breast pump (which is a whole other ball of wax), odds are good you'll just want to shove the diapering supplies and outfits into the same tote. I don't think I used an actual diaper bag until he was about a year old, honestly. (I'll share what's in my diaper bag in later posts -- it's taken me two years but I finally have what I think is a great system.)

Furthermore, your diaper bag isn't really going to be "yours," at least not in the sense of your other bags -- your partner is (hopefully) going to carry it occasionally and will likely take it on outings. Other caregivers (nanny, mother in law, etc.) will probably do the same.

So, for my $.02, hold off on buying the designer diaper bag -- at least until the kiddo is born. Instead, buy a budget diaper bag, or prep a regular tote bag, backpack, or messenger tote until you have a better idea of your needs.

Maternity Shopping Checklist – The Minimum

With a bit of creativity, you probbably could get away with buying only these itemms. You’ll probably buy more, of course, buut these are the main things to keep an eye out. ThroughoutT the list I’ve also listed things to eye mmore warily.

Bella Band. You mmay or may not get a lot of use out of this, but as yyour belly starts to expand th is can be a great way to exxtend the use of your pants. They're generally oonly $20 or so on Amazon or at Target

Bras that fit (2 for each size you go through).

At least 3 work-apppropriate pants. In your first pregnancy you'lll wear these probably from weekks 20 -40 (in your second maybe much earlier). I'd suggest: Onee neutral pair hemmed for heels Onee neutral pair hemmed for flats Onee "fun" pair for when you can't look at your neutrral pairs again. Minne was navy pinstripe (SUPER fun, right?). Onee pair of jeans. (If you work in a more casual envvironment wheere you can wear these to work, consider splurginng a bit more

or buuying multiple pairs.) ☺ Brands Wee Like: Gap, Loft. Theory does make maternity pants (last spotted excllus ively at ShopBop). Check other sites like 6pmm, Amazon, Nordstrom, and Gilt) for reliable brands such as Maternal AmericaA or Japanese WWeekend. For jeans: I had Gap, but I know a lot of mamas

who swear by J.Brand or H&M jeans. Note that with some stores you may need to “stalk” the pants for a while before they’re back in stock in your size. — CorporeetteMoms : A Guide to Dressing Professionally Durinng Your Pregnancy © Katfry LLC 2014. AllA rights reserved. 14

3-5 work-appropriate dresses. These are great because you can layer on top of them (cardigan, blazer), won't have a problem wearing maternity Spanx under them, and are easy to wear with heels or flats as you change from wanting to wear one to the other around week 30. Tip: Much more so than with pants, I would consider wearing a pre-owned dress -- ask friends if you can borrow some; check out eBay, and more. Tip: Brands to consider: Isabella Oliver, Japanese Weekend, Olian, Seraphine, Rosie Pope. On the budget side, Liz Lange Maternity (at Target)

and Old Navy Maternity both have cute dresses sometimes.

Maternity tights (if any of the second half of your pregnancy will be in cold weather). I was a big fan of Assets by Sara Blakely Marvelous Mama Tights.

Maternity Spanx (particularly if any of the second half of your pregnancy will be in warm weather). As you gain weight there may be chafing issues (see? glamour!) as well. (If you really don’t like the idea of Spanx, but still have chafing issues, consider Jockey slipshorts in a size or two up, or also consider Monistat Soothing Care Powder Gel, which a number of Corporette readers love in the summertime).

3-5 Tops. Here’s the thing: maternity tops are going to look a lot better on you, even if you can wear regular tops well into your pregnancy. There will be ruching to hug your belly, and they will definitely cover the full length of your torso. That said, you can cheat a lot with your regular clothes — try using the Bella Band to extend a shirt’s length; try using a skinny belt buckled above your bump for shape. You need at least two to four t-shirts for layering under cardigans and blazers, but everything else is a luxury. I had about eight tops and wore them all, though, so you will get your money’s worth. Tips: Avoid lower cut tops, because you will be surprised how big your bust is for the next few months (and onward if you’re nursing). Keep an eye out for simple tops that are also nursing tops intended to also be worn during pregnancy, particularly in dark solids or prints (to hide possible milk stains) (for example, watch for sales featuring Milkstars, Nom Maternity, Japanese Weekend).

1 pair of workout/lounge pants. I wore many non-maternity workout pants/shorts well into the depths of my pregnancy, but for limited time periods only — you will appreciate having maternity yoga pants for longer lounge periods, such as lazy weekend days (enjoy ‘em while you can) and during your maternity leave. I had two pairs: an over the belly pair from Old Navy, and a purple under-belly pair — I wore both more in the postpartum period than I did while pregnant!

1 maternity workout tank (aka a yoga tank). This tank-with-shelf bra will be helpful if you take a prenatal yoga class, but I found I loved sleeping in mine, particularly during my second pregnancy — I felt comfortable but appropriate for early morning visitors such as my in-laws, babysitters, and even my toddler son.

Reconsider work-appropriate maternity skirts. I almost never wore the single maternity skirt that I bought — with over-the-belly undergarments like tights or Spanx, there were too many layers going in different directions and it felt like it took forever to get them all straight again on my many (many) trips to the bathroom. That said, I know that Work That Bump wore a lot of her skirts constantly, and 9 to 5 Chic said the same for weeks 30 and beyond.

Reconsider maternity blazers. I would advise NOT to buy these, at least in your early pregnancy -- depending on how you gain weight, you may well be able to wear your regular blazers (albeit not buttoned) well into your pregnancy (week 30 at least). If you have a huge meeting 30+ weeks on, start looking for one on sale -- but don't feel obligated to get one earlier.

Maternity suits. I mentioned this earlier, but I’ll repeat it here: I ordered a few during my first pregnancy and sent them all back -- the quality was truly horrible. Plus, I feel like unless you're in court every day, you can get away with wearing a structured dress + blazer to most important meetings.

Maternity camisoles and other layers (such as panties). I never found the need to buy special panties; you may be different. I did buy about $40 worth of "maternity" camisoles and, while I wore them, I don't think they were very necessary at all — your belly will be covered by other top layers

Maternity button-fronts. These do exist, and maybe you’ll love them — I never explored them. In general, you’re going to want to get one that’s stretchy enough across the bust and belly, which is usually where tees and knits excel.

Maternity pullover sweaters. This depends heavily on the season in which you're pregnant. If your due date is in the depths of winter, consider buying a few pull-over maternity sweaters. But be warned that cardigans are going to be MUCH easier to get your money's worth -- and if you're wearing them open they don't even need to be maternity cardigans. You can wear them again in your postpartum days (either for warmth or for easy access if you're nursing or pumping); cardigans also fit a wide range of sizes if it takes your weight a while to stabilize after giving birth.

Maternity nightgown. You probably will not need this — I bought one and threw it away. You may want to look into a nursing nightgown, however, particularly to wear in the hospital. Look for something that you’d feel appropriate in if your father in law saw you in it. I’d suggest a nightgown instead of PJs in the hospital — a nightgown is easier to slip over your head as soon as you get to the postpartum ward, and can stay bunched around your waist beneath the hospital covers. That said: I was so out of it during my hospital stay that I stayed in my hospital gown for the whole three days I was there; a lot of my friends later admitted they’d done the same.

Specialty Items to Consider

A pretty/fun/sexy dress for your shower. I bought a Rachel Pally on sale and wore it for two baby showers, a wedding, an anniversary dinner, and more, so I definitely got my money’s worth. A maxi dress. It’s hard to wear a maxi dress to most conservative workplaces, but if the second half of your pregnancy falls in warm weather at all you’re going to want to wear one. In my humble opinion, most pregnant ladies look awesome in a maxi dress. Maternity bathing suit. Personally, I have yet to see an amazing maternity suit (and certainly not one that’s good for serious swimming), but if you plan to have a babymoon somewhere warm, you may want to consider this. A better option: get a rashguard (such as those at J.Crew, Lands’ End, or even Old Navy) and wear it with your regular swimsuit. (In a few emails you’ll get a longer explanation of why sun protection is so important during pregnancy, but briefly: PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN! Physical barriers — like rashguards and hats — are the best.) Maternity coat. I never bought one of these, to be honest, but if weeks 30-40 of your pregnancy will fall in the depths of winter (and you do a lot of walking in wind/cold), I’d reconsider. Depending on your plans after your child is born, you may want to consider a big investment such as a babywearing coat — these have an insert that covers your bump when you’re pregnant, and then the insert — CorporetteMoms: A Guide to Dressing Professionally During Your Pregnancy © Katfry LLC 2014. All rights reserved. 17

reverses to cover your baby when you’re wearing him (some of them even have a space for you to wear him on your back!). One friend (who became a SAHM even though she hadn’t planned to) got a lot of wear out of her M Coat. Around the house shoes. If you expect to spend a lot of time barefoot while pregnant, please reconsider that. I didn’t see a podiatrist until after my first pregnancy, when I’d already done some damage — the ligaments in your feet can stretch just like those in your body, and alignment issues and more may plague you. Consider wearing supportive shoes at all times. My podiatrist actually recommended (gulp) Crocs as house slippers.

Finally: Regular non-maternity brands to consider buying for some of your pregnancy:

Why buy non-maternity things when you’re pregnant? The big answer here is “selection” — there are so many more choices, and you won’t necessarily want to throw them across the room once you’re postpartum. (Prices can often be better too.)

- Rachel Pally — Pregnant Fashionista has even noted that the same dress is often marked higher in maternity shops than in regular shops - Joie — the brand’s loose, billowy blouses can be great for hiding a bump - T-Bags dresses — they’re not terribly professional but their prints are usually colorful and fun. Washable trousers with stretch. A bit of Lycra goes a long way, particularly in the early weeks — Gap’s washable wool trousers are often a great selection. - Ponte/stretchy dresses. Corporette readers have always been big fans of Target and Lands’ End on the lower end of the price spectrum.