Really minimalist maternity wear - business casual edition

I work in an office in the United Nations. It is competitive and you are expected to look good. 

So what's a girl to do when pregnant, a working professional, but really minimalist? How on earth do you cover that growing bump while drawing minimal attention to it, but also accentuating the curves you've got?

Here's what I would do in terms of a pregnancy wardrobe, if I were making a new one from scratch, ranked from most to least important. 

1. One functional tailored blazer. 

This is going to be your go-to. Get it tailored if you can. Dark grey is best but light can also work. You are going to throw this baby over EVERYTHING and it will make it all look professional. Chances are you already have this in your wardrobe - so you can check it off your list. (Forget the accompanying pants - you can kiss those goodbye after 15-20 weeks). 

2. 3-5 simple jersey dresses, e.g. from H&M (below). 

These are what you are going to throw your blazer over. These simple dresses are only $15-20 each and can easily accommodate - and hide - a growing bump. Again you probably already have a few of these in your closet. 

3. So. Many. Tights. 

I would get at least 2 weeks's worth in case you can't do laundry one weekend. You are going to wear these every day so just get used to it. 

4. 1 pair stylish flats, and (optional) 1 pair high heels. I have written elsewhere about the benefits of wearing heels during pregnancy. Again you probably already have these. 

Seriously ladies, that's it. Everything else is external to this basic uniform, which works in every standard business situation. Jazz it up with a nice necklace and some earrings. People will be complimenting you for the whole pregnancy. 

What I have bought as maternity wear

Pregnancy for me doesn't really involve spending more money. It's really just about the expanding waistline and how you deal with it.

Here is everything I have spent so far on pregnancy.
I would like to note that everything I have bought so far can also be worn after the pregnancy. They are just stretchy/flowy items that also work for a bump. 

$165- Michael Kors ribbed midi skirt. Functionality-wise this is perfect - stretchy enough to cover my bump, long enough that it doesn't ride up past my knees when I am sitting. It looks great with heels too. But it doesn't hold its shape - after a few wears it already has a few places where it doesn't go back to its original shape. And GOD does it get itchy! The quality of the material (viscose, nylon) also really leaves a lot to be desired. Not sure I would buy this again, it's not worth it.

$60 - & Other Stories beige A-line dress. 
I wear this at least once a week to work and get lots of compliments. As I am not 6 ft 2 like the model it goes down to my knees. It even has pockets!!

TOTAL: $225 

What I still plan to get maternity wear wise: 

- A pair of kickass heels: when I was in medical school I found that the best thing to prevent leg swelling, besides compression stockings, was high heels. They keep your legs contracted and so prevent fluid pooling in your legs. They also make you look great because you also have these awesome  pregnancy curves. I wear 3.5 inch stilettos at work a lot and they are great, but I need a new pair. 

- Maybe a nursing bra, although I am undecided 

What I decided against 

- Bella Band: a friend recommended me the Bella Band to keep your pants up during the first trimester. I don't know, to be honest a sturdy hair band through the belt loop can do the same trick and you don't have to spend $30. When I went to the Michael Kors store the sales rep was also 4 months pregnant and showed me that trick, and I was so impressed :)

- Maternity jeans/pants: Although I have an office dress code, I am fine just wearing dresses/skirts to the office. Maternity pants are just not necessary for me.

What I got from friends (that I use)

- Noppies maternity dress: A friend lent me a lovely maternity dress - it's by a Dutch brand called Noppies. It is very flattering and work-appropriate. Mine has a black and white polka dot top. I also wear this once a week or so to work.

The rest of the time, I just wear some dresses with a simple tailored dark grey blazer. It's not that hard. The one piece we did get which I am thankful for is a big maternity pillow, which has done wonders for my sleep and prevents me from snoring.

Check-in: Net worth $143,000, NO DEBT

Here we go again! Not much to say except we have had a long way going, with a Real Job Now that can help me save a lot more money.

Current net worth: $143,000 

So there's been a lot happening since last time... income from work has been fantastic, I got a great lump sum relocation fee that is allowing me to save a lot (although again this is only a one time thing). We had a wedding which cost quite a bit, and I paid for two trips back home to visit family. But overall I'm managing to put away something around $6000 a month which is great for now. I still need to find ways to increase my income as ideally I'm putting away at least $9000-$10000 a month.

Eh, but there is something to be said for being patient! I don't think I would quit my job right now to go back and do something else, because ... I'm now pregnant and we get a GREAT maternity benefit package of full pay for 6 months. If I will quit I will consider it after the mat leave. :P 

Upcoming expenses: 

Monthly living expenses $3350 x 4 months = $10,050 
Looking back I can't believe my living expenses were $1500/month living in Toronto. Switzerland really is expensive in comparison. And BF thinks I'm being frugal!! hahaha.

Pre-baby road trip: $2500
Trip to Latvia: $500
We are trying to do a little travelling pre-baby. 

Total: $13,050

Upcoming income (till July): 

Main job: $46000 

Tax refund: $3000 Oh the beauty of tax returns. 

Side work: $1300 There will be a little bit of extra income. If I can go back to Canada I can push this up a lot more (where work would be around $100/hr). Here though, while I am not on leave, this is the best I can do.

Total: $50,300 

Expected net worth July 2017: $180,250 

This is fantastic.
Seriously one of the major gains this year has been the index fund markets, driven largely by US growth. I must say I disagree with a lot of Trump's policies, and there are a lot of long-term issues with what he's saying, but at least in the short term I am happy with how things are going. I've gained about $5000 in stock in a year and a half (around a 5% return). 

Checking in again, hopefully sooner rather than later!