Have a great new idea but you’re afraid the boss won’t take you seriously in your gunnysack? Fear no more. Being pregnant and dressing stylishly are no longer mutually exclusive.

In fact, with apparel retailers jumping into the chic maternity-wear game, it’s now possible to draw as much attention for your high-stepping fashion as your far-reaching belly.

As you plan your maternity wardrobe, keep this in mind: Just as with your nonpregnant counterparts – and despite any product-labeling to the contrary – one size does not fit all. A protruding belly does not cancel out the body characteristics you’ve dealt with up until now: Small bones will not suddenly enlarge, nor will big thighs suddenly shrink.

So, keeping your own body type in mind, try these tips to maintain your high style for success while pregnant.

First Trimester: Status Quo. Your regular wardrobe should carry you through most of the first 12 weeks with ease. Around weeks 10-12, when your pants start to feel just a little bit tight, your best bet is to put away your belts, undo the top button and wear blouses or sweaters that cover your waistline.

Second Trimester: Limbo. When it comes to finding clothes that fit, this is the worst stage. You’ve outgrown your regular clothes, but you don’t yet look pregnant and you’d be swimming in maternity clothes. To keep a professional look, try going up one size in “regular” clothes and buy stretch! All apparel brands are putting stretch properties into just about everything, including fabrics and waistbands. Select one or two knit skirts or pants to get you through this stage.

Third Trimester: Styling and Protruding. For professional swank that rivals any flat-tummy fashion, check out any of the national chains, such as Motherhood, Mimi Maternity, Pea in a Pod, or maternity boutiques (pick up a copy of “City Baby: The Ultimate Guide for New York City Parents from Pregnancy to Preschool” for a list of New York City maternity boutiques). Even major specialty retailers have gotten in on the game, such as GapMaternity (online at www.gap.com) and Target (online at www.target.com), while department stores, from Bloomingdale’s to Barney’s, have developed maternity lines as well.

Finally, don’t forget to set a reasonable budget for your maternity wear. Then stick to it.

Your nine-month stint will be over before you know it, and you’ll want that money for diapers and day care. It’s time now to get to a few of this week’s letters.

Dear Jordan:

When I wear bow ties to work I get sideways looks and strange comments from my colleagues. Are bow ties out?

– Eugene, Manhattan

Dear Eugene:

Bow ties are one of those accessories that connote a lot more than they should, and unless you’re a 60-something-year-old archaeology professor or a quirky regional weatherman, they’re tough to pull off. But there’s nothing wrong with bow ties and if you like them, that’s all that matters. Just don’t be surprised when you receive a tweed jacket with elbow patches as your next birthday present.

Dear Jordan:

Unfortunately, my favorite pair of jeans just recently tore. Can I still wear them to work?

– Doreen, Bronx, N.Y.

Dear Doreen:

I assume from your question that wearing jeans, period, to work must be acceptable, but there’s a big difference between respectable denim and a ratty pair of old jeans. I’d say it’s probably time to move those jeans over to “weekend wear” and do some shopping.

Ms. Speer is the senior editor of an apparel business magazine and has been writing about the industry for more than nine years. Please send workplace or corporate fashion questions to styleforsuccess@aol.com.