When Liz Lange started designing maternity clothes nine years ago, smart, modern pieces were hard to find. "There were muumuus, clothes with big bows and Peter Pan collars, almost like the woman herself is turning into a baby rather than delivering a baby," says the designer.

Ms. Lange helped pioneer a different approach -- body-hugging styles in step with non-maternity fashions.

Now, she's at the helm of a maternity-wear empire. Her high-end clothing sells at her boutiques as well as others', and a lower-price Liz Lange maternity-clothes line is sold nationwide in Target stores.

To find comfortable but fashionable coordinates that are fitting for the office, we went shopping with Ms. Lange at Belly Dance Maternity, a New York store.

These items are available at boutiques around the U.S. as well as online.

It's a Wrap

Verdict: Versatile for the office
Ms. Lange picked an $82 white stretch poplin shirt by Japanese Weekend. "Anything that wraps and ties in the back is inherently adjustable," she says. She suggests pairing this shirt with a tan "pencil" skirt by Noppies ($88).

Silk Print

Verdict: Feels good and looks modern
"Your body is changing, so you want everything you buy to really give you a lot of mileage," says Ms. Lange, picking a $310 Diane von Furstenberg paisley silk and Lycra dress. "Silk is so cool," especially on sensitive pregnant skin, she says. She also dismisses the conventional wisdom that print dresses can make pregnant women look frumpy.

Cardigan

Verdict: Slimmer profile
Pregnant women look their slimmest when wearing pieces that show off their body, Ms. Lange says. For fall, cardigans like this $109 ElinOtto silk and cashmere design are must-haves because they can substitute for a suit jacket. This style is "especially good as it has just the one button so you will not outgrow it," she says.