Business Casual Maternity Clothes

Who’s Looking for Business Casual Maternity Clothes?

You’re a career-driven woman navigating pregnancy while keeping your professional edge. Maybe you’re a creative director who thrives in Brooklyn coworking spaces, effortlessly switching between brainstorming sessions and coffee chats, or a finance pro who values comfort without sacrificing style during marathon spreadsheet sessions. Either way, you need maternity wear that transitions seamlessly from Zoom calls to client meetings—without screaming “I borrowed this from my weekend wardrobe.” Whether you’re presenting to stakeholders at 32 weeks or leading a team meeting with baby kicks as your secret motivation, your clothes should empower, not restrict.

The Evolution of Maternity Workwear

Remember when "business casual maternity" meant oversized blazers and shapeless dresses that drowned your silhouette? Thankfully, those days are gone. Modern maternity workwear borrows from the tailored silhouettes of the 1940s (think Katharine Hepburn’s iconic wide-leg trousers and crisp shirts) but with innovations like stretch-friendly ponte knits and breathable tech fabrics that move with you. At OGL, we’ve taken cues from this heritage, designing pieces like our Ponte Midi Skirt with hidden adjustable waistbands—proving function and flair can coexist. The skirt’s discreet side panels expand up to two sizes, while the A-line cut maintains a polished silhouette even in your third trimester. It’s the kind of piece that pairs equally well with a sleek blazer for presentations or a tucked-in silk blouse for casual Fridays.

What Would Meghan Markle Do?

When decoding polished maternity style, look no further than the Duchess of Sussex. Her pregnancy workwear formula was a masterclass in effortless sophistication:

• Structured blazers left unbuttoned over stretchy knit dresses (note how she opted for midi lengths to balance proportions)
• Monochromatic neutrals like camel, charcoal, and ivory that elongate the silhouette (avoiding choppy color blocks that can shorten the torso)
• Low-block heels (swap for our Chelsea boots if you’re subway-commuting—no one will blame you)

We translated these principles into our Twill Maternity Blazer—cut to skim (not squeeze) with strategic seam placement for third-trimester comfort. The secret? A longer hemline in the back to accommodate your bump, and reinforced shoulders to maintain structure without stiffness.

Why ‘Work Appropriate’ Doesn’t Mean Boring

OGL’s design philosophy: Your maternity clothes should make you feel like the competent professional you are. That’s why we:

• Use breathable organic cotton blends that resist wrinkles during back-to-back meetings (no one has time for ironing at 7 a.m.)
• Add discreet side panels that expand without distorting the garment’s lines (say goodbye to awkward bunching at the hips)
• Avoid loud prints (those don’t belong in boardrooms, pregnant or not) but embrace subtle textures like herringbone or micro-pinstripes for visual interest

Take our Wide-Leg Maternity Trousers: the hidden elastic waistband adjusts up to 7 inches, while the crease-resistant fabric survives even the longest commutes. Pair them with a tucked-in merino wool turtleneck for cold conference rooms, or a draped silk shell for client lunches.

The Data Behind Your Comfort

Recent surveys show 68% of pregnant professionals prioritize:

1. Fabric breathability (especially during hormonal temperature swings—one minute you’re freezing, the next you’re shedding layers)
2. Silhouettes that don’t accentuate bloating (look for ruching or strategic draping along the sides)
3. Machine-washable materials (because dry-cleaning with a newborn? No thanks)

Our bestselling Wide-Leg Maternity Trousers address all three—with a hidden elastic waistband that adjusts up to 7 inches, and a premium stretch fabric that looks like wool but washes like a dream.

Global Inspirations, NYC Sensibility

From Tokyo’s modest workwear (think high-neck sheaths with elbow sleeves) to Parisian tailored jumpsuits (with waistlines designed to sit above the bump), we’ve reimagined international styles for the American professional. Take our Belted Shirt Dress—inspired by Scandinavian minimalism but cut for the pace of NYC life (read: nursing-friendly hidden snaps and a wrinkle-resistant fabric that survives subway rides). The dress’s self-tie belt lets you define your waist early in pregnancy, then loosen it as your bump grows.

How Do You Build a Capsule Wardrobe?

Start with these 5 versatile pieces:

• A stretch-crepe blazer (dress up jeans or pair with matching trousers—our Heather Gray version has been spotted on everyone from lawyers to startup founders)
• Two ribbed turtlenecks (ideal for layering under suits; opt for a heathered gray and deep navy for maximum mix-and-match potential)
• One wrap dress (the ultimate ‘look polished in 5 minutes’ hero; choose a dark hue for spills camouflage)
• Straight-leg trousers (with that magical expandable waistband—pro tip: size up if between sizes for all-day comfort)

FAQ: Solving Your Real Workwear Worries

Q: Will these clothes last beyond pregnancy?
A: Absolutely. Our designs incorporate adjustable elements (like removable belly panels) so you can wear them postpartum. Many customers report still wearing our blazers years later—just without the expansion panels.

Q: Can I look authoritative while visibly pregnant?
A: Try structured fabrics in deep navys or black—studies show darker hues are perceived as 23% more authoritative in professional settings. Pair with pointed-toe flats or low heels to elongate your stance.

Q: What if my size changes unexpectedly?
A: We prioritize designs with stretch percentages that accommodate fluctuations (look for 30%+ elastane blends). Our Ponte skirts and trousers are tested to fit through a 20-pound weight range without losing shape.

Q: How do I handle formal events?