Dream It / Do It: Maternity Wear

Citizens of Humanity Maternity Ava Straight Leg Jeans, $185.

It's hard to find a lean leg in the maternity jean department, but this 5-pocketed denim pair differs from its non-maternity counterpart only in its stretchy belly panel and faux fly. A slim silhouette, at least from the waist down, could be worth the investment.

Full Panel Long and Lean Jeans, Gap, $68, now marked down to $47.60.

A nice dark wash, narrow leg and nary a pocket detail mean these jeans live up to their name. A full stretch panel smoothes out the belly. You can also try picking up a Bella Band, $26, to keep wearing your pre-pregnancy jeans unbuttoned, at least through some of your second trimester.

Short Sleeved Ruffled Maternity Blouse, $165.

This ruffled silk charmeuse top is great with jeans or a more formal pant. It's cute, without being cutesy — a talented little ruffle. There's also the more casual Maternal America Maternity Crochet Trim Top, $78, which injects a bit of good-hippie with the crochet detail but is still mature enough to keep it off the bratty high school girls you see sipping lattes during your afternoon decaf tea break.

Liz Lange for Target Ruffle Alexandra Top, $19.99.

This hand-washable poly tank features a subdued ruffle that doesn't feel like a reincarnated Ice Capades costume, as so many jaunty ruffles do. The slim fit is flattering, unlike those all-too-generously cut maternity tops that feel more appropriate for a Boy Scout to camp inside than for you to wear to dinner with your non-pregnant, effortlessly stylish friend.

Maternity Slim Ankle Length Pant ($158), Bethany Stretch Twill Jacket ($238) and Maternity Stretch Poplin Shirt ($78.90, marked down from $118 at Nordstrom), all Liz Lange.

Yes to a sleek black and white palette and a princess-seamed trench reminiscent of Marni, or a Franz Kline piece of Abstract Expressionism. This is the kind of outfit that won't make you worry that just because you're thinking about crib bedding and your next ultrasound throughout an important meeting, you look any different from your usual pulled-together work-self. British e-tailer Isabella Oliver also offers maternity suiting in higher quality fabrics, in prices ranging from $170 to $290 per separate.

duo Maternity Cropped Career Jacket ($34.99), duo Maternity Cuffed Career Pant ($24.99) and duo Twist Neck Tie Top ($17.99), all from JC Penney.

At this price point, you won't find tropical wools and well-crafted buttons. We're talking poly-blends and minimal detailing. But — your grand total for jacket, pant and top is under $100 and each piece is washable. It's a black suit you're likely to wear for no longer than four to five months of your life. The dream vs. reality choice here comes down to what kind of work you do and how accustomed to seeing you in Armani your clients and subordinates are.