Dressing baby bumps for work can be daunting, and I couldn’t wait!
I pictured myself pregnant for almost two years. I would visualize my belly with a baby bump, and imagine dressing it.
When I wore an outfit that had room in the mid-section I would push my tummy out to see how the clothes would fit with a baby bump.
I simulated a baby bump by putting a cushion under my clothes. I couldn’t wait to have a bump to dress.
I waited for almost two years to become pregnant and was ready to dress my baby bump.
Finally, Have a Baby Bump – Suprised at the Cost to Dress It!
When I finally got pregnant and went shopping for maternity clothes, I was blown away by the prices. I couldn’t justify spending so much on clothing that I would only use for a few months.
I have always enjoyed dressing up. It’s a family thing. Whether I am running errands or going to work. I wanted to maintain my style with my maternity attire, especially dressing for work.
My job entails coaching others on presenting themselves in a professional manner. Hence, I must walk-the-walk, and practice what I preach.
My mother took me shopping for professional work attire before I started my first job after completing my undergrad degree. She gave me some valuable advice about purchasing a wardrobe for work without breaking the bank.
I used those same core principles she taught me as a guide – to
Dress my Baby Bump for Work – Without Breaking the Bank.
You can dress professionally while pregnant without spending a lot buying an entirely new maternity wardrobe.
- First, Shop in Your Closet.
Go through your clothes and see what you have that can be worn with a baby bump/as maternity clothing. Keep in mind that your body will be growing and changing over the next few months. - Turn Your hands and Make Fashion.
In Jamaica, we say “Tun Yuh Han Mek Fashion”. Be creative with the resources (clothes and accessories) you already have. Try on your outfits and simulate a baby bump to help you see what clothes may work with your bump.
Example: I turned long skirts into dresses and dresses into skirts.
I pulled the long skirts up above my breast like a sleeveless dress and paired it with a jacket or cardigan.
Depending on the fit, I may also use a belt to hold the waist in.
I could wear a lot of my same clothes by adjusting how I wore them.
I used belts and scarfs to hold and adjust them as needed.
Have fun, and Tun Yuh Han and Mek Fashion!
- The Maternity Belly Band was one of the Best Investments I made.
I could wear most of my work pants, skirts and jeans for most of my pregnancy. I was mostly belly!
I left the top button open and use the Belly Band to cover it up.Belly Bands also helped make my belly feel secure when it felt like my belly bottom was stretching out as the baby grew.
You can find Belly Bands in the maternity sections of most retailers ranging from around $10 to $50.
- Tank Tops and Cami’s were another favorite and staple in my maternity wardrobe.
I purchased several colors, styles, and sizes. These helped to hold my growing belly; cover my growing breasts and hide and hold my open pants and skirts. You can layer several tank tops as well.Tuck one into your pants or skirt to hold your growing bump and use the other to cover up your open button.
Choose materials that are comfortable and can stretch.
You can find decent and inexpensive tank tops/cami at stores such as Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and Old Navy.They typically have multiple colors and sizes. I bought several whites, black and greys in different sizes to accommodate my growing baby bump. - Buy Maternity Clothes Smart. My mom advised me to buy solid and neutral colors that can mix and match when she took me shopping after graduating college. I used the same principle to shop for my growing bump. Hence, why I bought multiple black, white and grey tank tops.
Specialized Maternity Store
The first store I visited to buy maternity clothes was, of course, a maternity specialized store in the mall. I was sticker price shocked when I saw the price of their clothes, and the majority did not look like my style either. I think I bought a maternity nursing bra and belly band and left.
Department Store
I then visited one of the big department stores maternity section. I had a store card and thought at least I could get a discount if I used my store credit card. The price of their maternity clothes shocked me as well.
I was somewhat comforted that I would get a discount and started to pick out a few pieces to try-on. I received another shocker – the maternity department was separate from the store and did not accept my card, hence, no discount!
It was not a very productive shopping trip.
- Stores that I found great maternity clothes for reasonable prices.
Target, Ross, Burlington, Old Navy, and Walmart.
I found my favorite pieces at Target. - Accessorize your bump with Belts, Scarfs, Broaches, Necklaces, Purses, and Shoes.
You can use belts and scarfs to help shape your dresses and tops. I did not want to feel any bigger than I was. Some maternity clothes are not flattering at all. When you Know You Look Good, You Will Feel Good. I talk about dressing for success in my post about working while pregnant. - Rent or Borrow Maternity Clothes.
One of my dear friends had two babies a year apart and had saved all her maternity clothes. Fortunate for me she is wonderful, kind and similar in size to me. When she found out I was pregnant she offered me all her maternity clothes. I would borrow or keep them, depending on if she had another baby. I did not think or even know there were other options of acquiring a maternity wardrobe, other than using the clothes I had or buying.
Gifted Maternity Clothes
Getting my friends maternity clothes from her two pregnancies save me a lot of money. She had multiple pieces that she never wore or wore once. She advised me to not buy a lot as she did.
You may not like how some of the maternity clothes fit, feel or look.
They are several options available today to rent and buy affordable maternity clothes that will not break your bank. Check out this article on the best places to buy affordable maternity clothes online.
- Shoes – Go for Comfort and Professional – check with the doctor on stilettoes/pumps.
I have been wearing high heel shoes since I was a young girl. I remember trying on my mom’s shoes and practicing walking in them as a child.
I am barely five feet and three inches. I love the height I gain from wearing high heel shoes and how they make my outfit look. I enjoy wearing heels to work, however, I always have some form of flat shoe handy.
I made sure to ask my doctor’s advice about wearing heels when I became pregnant. She advised me that it was like exercising during pregnancy. If you and your body are accustomed to exercise then continue. Of course, always exercise caution and listen to your body.
I gave up my high heels and chose heels that I felt supported me and my growing baby bump.
- Always Consult your Organizations “Professional Attire” Guidelines.
Try as best as you can to keep and follow the professional attire etiquette of your company, while maintaining your personal style. There are many “rules” for professional work attire. Some are subjective to industries and organizations.
Dressing your baby bump professionally can be overwhelming and pricey. I hope these tips will help you Dress for Success, and Save You Money.
Remember to:
- Start by shopping in your Closet First.
- Have fun “Tunning Yuh Han Mek Fashion”.
- Invest in Belly Bands, Tank Tops, and Cami. These will help you stretch your regular work wardrobe.
- Buy Maternity Clothes smart. Buy neutral colors and different sizes.
- Consider alternative methods of acquiring your Maternity Wardrobe.
Rent and/or borrow. - Professionally attired shoes are closed-toed. Choose shoes that support you and your growing belly.
- Always reference your company’s dress code guidelines to help you dress your bump in a professional manner.
- Shop around for the best deals in your area for maternity clothes. Compare the maternity stores, large department stores, and retail stores.
There are more options today for maternity clothing with the increase in online shopping. Most companies will allow you to return items for free and some clothing rental services will let you choose what you want and return the rest.
Reach out to your friends and family members that have been pregnant and check if they will share their maternity clothes with you.
You can dress professionally while pregnant without spending a lot buying an entirely new maternity wardrobe. You will only need maternity clothes for a short time – anyway!
Please share how you have dressed your baby bump without breaking your bank.
Enjoy your baby bump!
Yamiek, aka, Tallawah Human
