Maternity Wear That Works for Work

I've worked through two pregnancies (literally up to the last few days with my first daughter), and found there were several versatile pieces of maternity clothing that I wore every week.

I recommend checking with your friends first. I was the lucky recipient of a friend's maternity wear collection, as well as a co-worker's, and then I, in turn, let her borrow my maternity clothes during her two pregnancies.

I live in the South where winters are mild and my daughters were born in March and June, so I could get away with a lot of transitional maternity wear that could easily transition from late winter to early spring with the addition of a cardigan sweater or jacket. One thing I learned was that maternity wear wasn't always the easiest to find in a wide range of sizes (I am also petite at barely 5 ft. 2), so if you fall in love with an item, such as a blouse or dress, buy it in at least one additional color. I also found that maternity wear favorites were items that I would have actually worn if they came in non-maternity sizing.

Here are some suggestions for maternity work pieces that are great wardrobe staples to build on:

Black pants. I bought a pair of Liz Lange black jersey knit bootcut pants at Target for my first pregnancy and I swear I wore them nearly every week during both pregnancies! These Liz Lange pants from Target would be perfect dressed up or down.

Black skirt. This Liz Lange skirt could be dressed up or down and could be worn with sandals in the spring or summer and a colorful short-sleeved top, such as this swirl print camisole from Ann Taylor LOFT, or boots or pumps and a turtleneck in the fall and winter. I found that bright colors around my face, and darker colors for pants and skirts worked best when I was pregnant.

Little Black Dress. Knit fabric is great because it breathes (you never know when you're going to start sweating profusely during those crazy hormonal pregnant months). This knit dress from Motherhood would be a great staple and you could add color with fun jewelry.

Cardigan sweater. I love this 3/4 length sleeve cardigan sweater from JC Penney. Another 3/4 length sweater that could be worn almost year round is this pretty coral tie front sweater from Motherhood Maternity.

Denim pants. These dark rinse denim pants from JC Penney are both stylish and versatile for the casual office. They're a more sleek and sophisticated alternative to ordinary blue jeans. Pair them with something bright, like this polka dot cardigan from Ann Taylor LOFT.

Faux Wrap Blouse. This faux wrap blouse from Motherhood Maternity has 3/4 length sleeves, which are perfect for the office nearly year round.

Make sure you also buy or borrow a few trendier items to pair up with the basics and make you feel fashionable. I love this pantset from Motherhood Maternity (the pants could be paired with other tops) and this zebra tunic from A Pea in the Pod would be perfect for a business reception or a dinner date.

If money is no option, fashion icon Dian Von Furstenberg and Southern favorite Lilly Pultizer have lines at A Pea in the Pod.

I love this red print silk dress in Von Furtstenburg's signature wrap style and this fun Asian style print dress from the designer has been marked down from $295 to $79. My only concern would be silk as a fabric choice for the hormonal months of pregnancy. Another fun and funky dress from A Pea in the Pod is this Lilly Pulitzer wrap dress in a pink zebra fabric.

Maternity wear has come a long way baby.

Reminder: Be sure to stop by Mrs. Fussypants Baby Shower blog and leave some baby love for her! (not sure what I am talking about? read post directly above this one)