When we moved to Canada, I didn’t think I would need a formal outfit coz I wasn’t gonna work but a conference/gathering has come up and I need to wear something formal.
Background : Being in the Gulf it was common for us hijabis (and non hijabis) to wear dresses with formal pants, and a blazer. I also used to wear maxi skirts with a coat and it looked professional plus that was the norm.
Most women I see here wear button down shirts with suits, or they wear midi skirts.
I like my hips covered, I don’t wear tights so wearing a midi with tights and boots is out of the question. And I am almost 6 months pregnant and on the heavier side. Also heels are not an option.
I would like your help in putting together a formal dress that would be appropriate yet I can incorporate my dos and don’ts. I don’t want to spend a lot of money but these conferences / seminars are something I will be attending from time to time pre delivery. I don’t want to invest a lot in pre-delivery formal clothes.
I was 7 months pregnant when I had an interview. Let me add that I do not do hijab.
However I was only fitting in those maternity pants. I had a couple for work. I wore one of those pants with a loose fitting shirt and then a cardigan.
The shirt was slightly long but the cardigan was black and long and it covered my hips.
I think I looked professional.
Edit:
Also I still wear that shirt and cardigan. I never bought any maternity shirts. I bought loose styled shirts from Gap and Express for maternity period. That kind of saves money as the only thing I cannot wear now from maternity clothes are my maternity pants.
I don’t know much about NA but in the UK, if you wear hijab, a formal maxi skirt with blazer is fine for the work setting.
I guess you may have to wear trousers if that is no appropriate. You should be able to find a long-line blouse/shirt, wrap-over or empire line that will cover your hips.
this dress would look like with either a black or white blazer and a matching scarf. I’m assuming dresses are more comfortable than pants at this stage. Obviously you would wear something underneath to cover the chest as well.
Sarad, I am short and a bit on the heavier side and the loose shirts just look outrageously yuck on me.
Stoppit, this is the first time I am gonna go to a business formal setting so I don't really know if maxi skirts are ok. I have not really seen anyone wear them in the downtown area. So to be on the safe side I am thinking stick to pants at the moment.
MH I would love a maxi dress but haven't seen many around. I love your idea.
Afshi, fun for you and hopefully I can come out of this topic with a lot of ideas. Yes it is business formal
oh btw I am also heavy busted (and during my pregnancy phase it just gets so much more) A lot of the maxi dresses make me look even more bustier. Any way around this.
Defo use a loose scarf to cover your bust, it helps quite a bit sometimes. When my sister was pregnant she used to wear an abayah so it was less tricky, but she found long jumpers or smock tops to be quite helpful as well if they were quite loose.
To be honest, I really think you don't need to worry too much, women can get away with smart clothes looking casual if they're pregnant, you just need to look presentable. And cos you wear hijab, it should be even less of a worry. You just need to keep it simple and comfortable with your clothes, that should be your main priority :)