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.