Smart office wear for someone who looks pregnant but isn't

[veryblearyeyed]

Been wfh (for myself) for years and possibly have an opportunity for some in-house work (with interview first). It's not a super smart place but I wouldn't be overdressed if I wore a suit jacket half the week.

So what outfit ideas can you suggest for someone who is currently 14 stone, but really is a size 12/14 with a massively pregnant belly--except I'm not pregnant, so really want to de-emphasise that part. Boden jersey dresses are about the smartest I get these days.

I highly recommend these Vero Moda dresses for work 👍 I am 9 months post birth and they are a really good shape.

Technically a shift dress but with a tie waist. They are t shirt material, super comfortable and with a blazer over the top they look smart but not too formal.

They have a white and a blue (I have both) and often where them with a blazer to be smart of just with trainers for more casual. Plus they are only £14.40 right now!

www.asos.com/prd/23869465?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

I would also get some shape wear if you are comfortable with it. When I'm smoothed out I feel much more comfortable and have more options of clothing. I would recommend the Lindex all in one, it's better than any Spanx I've bought before and only £30. I wear mine all the time. They have black and nude 😊

www.asos.com/prd/12687602?acquisitionsource=pasteboard

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the tips! (Life intervened so I have only just seen your post.) I’ll definitely be investigating Lindex! The dress is cute but blue seems to be sold out.

What about a blazer with trousers and shirt. Easy to dress up or down, for example these pictures www.hush-uk.com/saskia-checked-blazer-brown-black-ecru/003695-0456-14.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw2P-KBhByEiwADBYWCkWb4fUlTljNTo8mDV2fPD9Qjcqw1Chd91GHt2heGGGXBTN2eH08PhoCThsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#fo_c=1586&fo_k=a7d6b4306ed601a40b514c3fbe47643f&fo_s=gplauk -

I definitely suffer from this problem - I have no waist so the current trend of tucking things in doesn't work for me at all. I am relieved that we are now going into winter so I can get away with a smart pair of knee high boots, leggings (that look like thick tights) and a tunic top - very old-fashioned but comfortable and I have a selection of smart tops/short dresses that I can get away with. I am following this thread for more up-to-date ideas though.

Smock dresses would look great. Like this one: www.boohoo.com/floral-print-pleated-detail-smock-dress/FZZ15868-105-22.html?istCompanyId=4bd63293-f970-4d25-8695-422e3c08a364&istFeedId=4213e776-38e9-4fed-89b9-aadfd4011112&istItemId=ptqxalxqw&istBid=t

I could have wrote this post OP. I find some well fitted trousers (Next do middle sizing with elasticated wait) a plain black vest top tucked in and an oversized blazer over the top works well. Smock dresses too but I struggle to find the right length as they tend to come up too short for work. On the hunt for the perfect midi dress but all they do is make me look frumpy.

I really like this dress would look good with chunky boots: https://stylecheat.com/products/hallie-star-print-midi-smock-long-sleeve-dress?variant=33438370889814&currency=GBP&gclid=CjwKCAjw2P-KBhByEiwADBYWCrsxlHTZvSjN0knU8zUGw6TEe7aeiGhfujaQp2t06Dtv7dtW8JCehoCSukQAvDD_BwE

Thanks for all the suggestions! I think you might have hit on something with the long blazer, @DeviousLatte. It will draw some attention away from the non-waist .

I love smocked dresses but worry it might look maternity like... I’m going to have to do some in person trying on, I think.

I wore fitted skinny trousers (ASOS) a smock or oversized non figure hugging blouse (Primark or ASOS) and a blazer. This was my uniform before I got pregnant as I'm an apple shape and worked even whilst I was pregnant

I am this shape. I go for a skimming /floaty blouse and skinny trousers.

I’m a different shape but generally I always like Uniqlo for work stuff. They did do a smart, slim 7/8 work trouser with a strip of elastic at the back so quite forgiving, might be worth a look?

There’s definitely a consensus emerging here! Looks like I’ll have a new uniform