Ask the Image Expert Sherry Maysonave is the founder and president of Empowerment Enterprises, one of America's leading communication-image firms. Sherry conducts corporate seminars and coaches executives, professionals, and politicians in achieving excellence in communication and image. She is also the author of Casual Power: How to Power Up your Nonverbal Communication and Dress Down for Success Buying Maternity Clothes Question: Sherry, I recently found out that I am pregnant. I work in a very corporate environment so what I wear is important, but I don't want to have to spend a lot of money on new maternity suits. Is there any easy and affordable solution for acceptable yet professional maternity dress? Linda J. Answer: Dear Linda, Congratulations on your pregnancy! Since you just found out that you are pregnant, you (more than likely) do not need to start wearing maternity clothing just yet. Even though you will feel your waist and stomach thickening right away, it generally takes a few months before actual maternity clothes are necessary. Stay in your regular clothing as long as you are comfortable. Of course, you will need to be careful of anything that is too binding around the waist. While your blouses may still fit okay the first couple of months, your skirts and pants will be the problem. If you have skirts or pants with an elastic waist or soft knits with elastic waistbands, you can wear those with dressy long-sleeve blouses or long tops (worn out) and still look professional. That is, if the rest of your image is businesslike (all-leather closed-toe shoes, hosiery, accessories, makeup, and stylish well-groomed hair). For a while, you may be able to wear some of your suit jackets worn open over the blouse and skirt/pant for an even more businesslike look. Keep in mind that your bust size may change dramatically or it may not. Be sure to check blouses that button for any gaping around the bust line. Sneak-a-peak gaps around blouse buttons are sabotaging! When you are ready for real maternity wear, you will need to purchase at least a few items. The trick is to buy only a few items at a time. Women who buy all their maternity clothes at once are ready to burn them at the end of 9 months. If you have friends or family members that have recently had babies, you may be surprised at how happy they would be to loan you their maternity wear. There are many "New Mother" clubs and support groups around the U.S. They often share maternity and baby clothing and baby paraphernalia. They are most prolific in young-family-oriented neighborhoods. Resale shops that handle designer or high-end clothing are another great source for maternity wear that is suitable for a corporate office. You can often find maternity wear that is hardly worn. Terrific bargains are available if you can take the time to look. When shopping in resale stores, always seek out upscale neighborhoods. Check your phone directory for locations and call ahead to see if they carry maternity wear. Just be sure that any borrowed or purchased maternity clothing that you wear to work is of the professional variety. Tailored clothing, even in maternity wear, always makes a more professional statement. If you keep working, it is still important to project a professional image throughout your pregnancy, and even when you are near your due date. Good luck with your pregnancy, delivery, and new baby! Best Wishes, Sherry Maysonave Also see: Should I buy new post-pregnancy clothes? Ask your image questions Personal Power: A case study from 'Casual Power'