I thought what better to write about than how to dress post pregnancy since this is my current wardrobe as well. I know after you have a child its almost worse than when you were pregnant because you bust out all your old clothes thinking you will fit right back into it and or you are nursing and some tops are just not conducive for that (I know I did lol). Unfortunately, for most it will take some time due to your uterus has to contract back down and well if your breast feeding you can forget most of your tight tops because they wont fit.
Of course, you try to put on the pregnancy clothes but now they are baggy and unflattering and really who wants to wear those after, I know I was excited to box those up until next time. So talk about frustrating… maternity clothes are too big and your pre-pregnancy wardrobe is too small, so now your scratching your head questioning what to wear for the in-between time? Well ladies I have the answers below so get ready to become the fashionable new and improved you!
First of all, the best thing you can do is embrace your new and what I like to call improved body. There is something sexy about a woman’s body that has transitioned into motherhood. I know many men will agree with me on this. :) The next thing is to get the correct undergarments so that the clothes fit properly. I can never stress enough how important the undergarments are when it comes to dressing everyday especially now. It can really make or a break an outfit. With that said a few key items you need are as follows:
Belly Bandit: This will be your best friend for the first few months it will not only help your body slim back down permanently, it will give you a slimmer trim immediately and just make you feel more confident. You may need to start with a larger size and then work your way down it will just depend on what fits.
Hip Slimmer: For some of you ladies I know you are concerned about your hips that have widened! Well, worry no more they now make hip slimming compression corsets, who ever would have thought!
New bras: I am sure you are a pro by now visiting your favorite lingerie store, given that you probably shopped every few months for your ever growing breasts. There is nothing worse than wearing a bra that is too tight. So get get measured and be proud of your new size. Oh and look for bras with no wire, t-shirt bras are great!
Ok now that you have the undergarments its time to shop in your closet and see what will work and what you will need to shop for…. I also would advise to take anything out of your closet that does not currently fit and put it in a different closet or to the back of yours if you do not have an extra one. This way you wont get frustrated with the clothes that do not fit and it will take less time to dress each morning, you will only be flipping through clothes that look great on you!
Stretchy Fabric: Nothing is better than stretchy fabric when your in between different sizes. Search your closet for stretchy skirts, leggings, dresses and tops. These will be your base to create your new wardrobe around. Stretchy leggings are especially great for those mamas who have had c-sections.
Loose blouses: These are another great top to look for in your closet. Most likely they will still fit with your new chest size and will conceal any extra in your tummy.
Now that you have shopped your own closet its time to get a few things to complete your new look. One of my favorites for this summer is the ever classic maxi dresses. Not only are they figure flattering they are light weight for those hot summer days. Another few great stables are open sweaters and blazers. They can be thrown over your stretchy tops and loose blouses.
Last but not least accessories. Who said you can’t accessorize with a newborn. Yes I agree put away your nice necklaces, earrings and handbags away. Save those for a special occasion.
Teething Jewelry: If you haven’t heard the new craze is teething jewelry and the best part about them is they don’t even look like teething jewelry. They have so many options in styles and colors I am sure you will find something you like.
Diaper Bags: Forget carrying a purse and just invest in a nice durable diaper bag, something you can wear for a few years that is versatile. A few of my favorite brands are Juicy, Kate Spade, Ju-Ju-Be, Gucci, Burberry and Marc Jacobs. This would be one of the items you could splurge on since its going to be something you wear daily. Make sure you wear the bag and the bag does not wear you.
FOR MY NURSING MAMAS
Clean out your closet of all tops and dresses that are not conducive for breast feeding that way you don’t get frustrated wanting to wear tops that you currently can not. Either put them in a different closet or in the back of your current closet.
Nursing Bra: These are an essential if you are nursing. And I will tell you that wired nursing bras are the devil. Who needs a wire bra anyways your breasts are most likely bigger than you are use to or maybe finally the size you always wanted and no reason to enhance them anymore. I found that comfortability is the key to motherhood. So look for cotton bras and I am right there with you if you want to feel cute and sexy, those are definitely available in cotton. They even have workout nursing sports bra for those mamas trying to get back in shape! Target, H&M and Macy’s have great selections at very reasonable prices.
Nursing tops: Because comfortability is the key nursing tops are my absolute favorite. You can feel supported without having a million layers on and really easy to nurse when you are running about the town. These can be found at Macys, Target and H&M to name a few.
Button/zip downs: Best tops and really the only tops you can wear while nursing. So dig through your closet for those you currently have and if needed go out and buy a few more. Great places to shop for these are Express, Banana Republic and Macys.
Nursing scarf: So if you are like me you dreaded nursing covers because truly they are way out to date and look like your are getting ready to cook something in the kitchen. Well don’t stress ladies because I found a great alternative they are called nursing scarfs. What I love about them is you can wear them so many different ways and they are very stylish and can be worn all day with your outfit if you want. These can be found at Buy Buy Baby, Babies R Us and Etsy.
So who said you couldn’t be fashionable while nursing or getting your pre-pregnancy body back, NOT I! Ok my fashionista mamas…until next time stay styled right. xoxo FSR