Advice needed on professional sort-of-maternity attire

[frecklesnbrains]

I have a bit of a problem I'm trying to figure out: Next week I have a series of talks and meetings for work that are very important for me professionally (like make-or-break my career type of important). The meetings are with a group of surgeons so we're talking about a very conservative/business formal dress code. I really should wear a suit or something equivalent to a suit. The problem is that I am at that extremely awkward phase of pregnancy where I sort of look fat but my bump isn't big enough to fill out maternity clothes yet. I have two suits that I tried on but neither of them will zip up.

I have these dress pants from Gap that fit relatively well right now: www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1014426&vid=1&pid=696175002 Can I dress them up with an unmatched suit jacket?

Or should I just buy a new regular suit in a larger size that doesn't fit ideally? Or a maternity suit that doesn't quite fit ideally? Keep in mind that I normally only need to wear a suit once or twice a year, and I'd rather not break the bank for something I won't wear much.

Recommendations on stores I should look at? Photo inspiration? I'm not very good at this so I'll take anything!

[origamimommy]

Yes I would buy separates. You could even try Motherhood for a maternity jacket and match the pants that fit you.

[Flair Underwood]

Don't wear suit separates that aren't meant to go together. It'll look silly. What if you do a black skirt and go pick up an accent colored blazer at tj maxx or something? red or bright blue? Do a flowy white blouse and accent jewelry. Leave the blazer unbuttoned.

[manybellsdown]

I like Flair Underwood's idea (mobile so poor tag ability). You could also wear a blazer over a business dress, if you have any of those. Sometimes they are more forgiving.

[frecklesnbrains]

Thanks everyone! I think I can do the black pants (don't need a dress or skirt - I don't have one that is formal enough that fits right now anyway!). I agree that the jacket will need to be unmatched - getting the right shade/fabric will be too difficult. I'm don't really full out maternity clothes yet and I'm also not looking to advertise my pregnancy in this setting, so I think a loose blouse with a colored blazer like Flair Underwood says might do the trick. I'm just dreading shopping - I hate it to begin with but even more so when my body is doing things I'm not accustomed to.

I think the blouse will have to be untucked though... is that okay? And should it be shorter than the blazer? I'm totally out of my comfort zone here!

[soultrane]

I would personally go for a conservative style dress with a blazer in a complimentary color. It will be more forgiving and depending on the cut, shouldn't give you away if you aren't looking to advertise the pregnancy yet.

It also takes away the hassle of trying to fit something over your midsection that isn't quite flattering.

[Flair Underwood]

I am not 100% sure on whether the blouse should be shorter or longer. My guess is that it depends and a lot of fashion magazines and articles now say all fashion rules are just suggestions anyway. If you do something flowy/blousey/texturey (none of those are words), I would do shorter than the blazer. But you could do a cropped/swing jacket kind of thing with more of a tunic top. There are all kinds of articles out there on whether the shirt should be tucked or untucked - but i'm sure it depends on the style of the top. if you're doing button-up, you'd probably want to tuck, but if it was ruffly - definitely untucked.

Try it on and whatever FEELS more professional and looks it to you - will come across. Be confident, rock good accessories, smile. You'll look great!

[nymama917]

I agree you are fine with seperates. Also you probably can get away with a non-maternity blazer and just leave it open. I would normally say tuck the shirt but the reality is that's probably not possible so I think you're fine. Whether it's longer or shorter than the blazer won't matter. As you said they are a group of conservative surgeons and probably not on the up and up of fashion anyway. Just speaking from experience in a very corporate professional manner (and having 2 BIL that are doctors). The dress with a blazer is also a good idea and something I did when I was pregnant and had fancy work dinners to go to.

[peanutbutterandkitty]

PSA Loft is doing 60% off sale items and I just got 6 items for $125. All for work. I love their maternity stretch denim. Lived in them last pregnancy. Good luck finding what you need!

[frecklesnbrains]

This is all great advice! Thanks everyone! I think I just need to do some serious shopping. I'll probably throw on my black dress pants and start with non-maternity stores and take it from there. Did I mention I hate shopping? Hahaha. But thanks to you guys I have a bit more of a "vision" of something that will work here, so this is a great start.

[titania]

There is a lot that can go with black dress pants, so I think you should be able to find something that works. Just make sure the shirt looks tidy whether tucked or untucked. Also I totally agree with Flair Underwood - good accessories can make an outfit! I hate shopping too, but a new outfit can make you feel so good, so good luck!

[ArgyleEnigma]

Dresses work really well in the is-it-a- bump stage, and it's easy to get ones that look appropriately formal. Good luck!