Everyone's relationship with their own body is tumultuous at best, but there is nothing quite like having a baby that'll completely throw it off balance. Even if you gain not one pound, your figure takes on an entirely different shape, one you have to get used to. Investing in a few staple fashion items can make that transition a lot easier. Here, we compiled several styling tips that will help ease you into postpartum style.
Maxi dresses are your best friend.
For women destined to give birth during the warmer months, I cannot stress to you enough how vital it is to invest in a few good maxi dresses. Not only are they adorable, they are flowy, comfortable, and given the right cut, they don't draw attention to your changing body as much.
Euovmy Women's Short Sleeve Loose Plain Maxi Dresses ($22.99, Amazon)
It's a wrap!
For all the breastfeeding moms out there who don't want to spend an arm and a leg on nursing clothes, wrapped tops are a must. Not only do they make your breasts look incredible, they make them easily accessible.
SheIn Women's Lantern 3/4 Sleeve V Neck Ruffle Blouse ($21.99, Amazon)
Invest in a good bra.
Whether your are breastfeeding or not, your boobs will never be the same again. Those bad boys have and will continue to endure a lot during the process of motherhood, and they deserve to be supported and sculpted. Investing in a sexy but supportive one is functional and confidence boosting.
Pima Cotton Wireless Bra ($68, ThirdLove)
Three words: Control. Top. Leggings.
Listen, you may have given birth, but your body will likely continue to look like you are still about 6 months pregnant. Your belly won't deflate overnight. If you want to feel a little more put together, try investing in some control-top leggings — a good pair will hold all your new jiggly bits just where you like them.
Homma Premium Thick High Waist Tummy Compression Slimming Leggings ($19.25, Amazon)
Embrace maternity clothes.
If you had expectations of burning your maternity jeans in the fire after you've given birth, think again. Maternity clothes are super comfortable, and while you're recovering, they are going to feel like a familiar, warm blanket. There's no rush to get back into your "before" clothes.
Leopard Print Crew Neck Maternity Sweater ($50, Motherhood Maternity)
Front-tied shirts are a godsend.
Shirts that have a strategic tie right by the belly are often very flattering. I know it sounds counterintuitive to draw attention to that area, but ties create a visual textured difference, drawing the stomach more in than out, especially if they are on the loose-fitting side.
MIHOLL Womens Loose Blouse Short Sleeve V Neck Button Down T Shirts Tie Front Knot Casual Tops ($18.99, Amazon)
Oversize shirts are cool now … just saying.
Listen, you should not feel an ounce of shame when it comes to clothes hugging your new belly. You did the damn thing and pushed a BABY out of your body. However, no matter what relationship you currently have with your body, you can expect to potentially feel differently after birth. So if you aren't quite ready to show off your curves, oversize shirts will do the trick.
Pink Queen Women's Loose Oversize Turtleneck Wool Long Pullover Sweater Dress ($33.99, Amazon)
Try a new jean cut.
Perhaps you were used to hipster jeans or skinny jeans pre-baby, and now they aren't fitting just right. Don't be afraid to try your size in a different cut. Jeans can truly vary from retailer to retailer, so don't get caught up in the number. Instead look for a fit overall that suits your new body's needs.
Mid-Rise Distressed Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans for Women ($20, Old Navy)
Accessorize.
In your postpartum maternity phase, there will be few times where you feel truly "put together." When you do venture out, take the time to really own your look. Accessories like a fun hat, a cozy scarf, or big earrings can take a plain outfit up a notch.
Clay Earrings ($25, Etsy)
Upkeep a beauty routine.
Your beauty routine is not going to stay the same right after you have had a kid. (Can you fathom spending that much time on eye shadow now?!) However, because you are still a human with needs, it is extremely important to practice self-care. Establish and keep up a small routine, like a skin-care regimen, BB cream, liner, and blush.
Haute Hydrators Kit ($25, Sephora)
Get great kicks.
Shoes can really make or break an outfit, but when you're a mom, they need to be functional too. After all, chasing a tot in stiletto heels isn't exactly a fabulous idea. That doesn't mean you have to compromise on style. Platform sneakers are super in right now, and are being paired with everything from athleisure to casual dresses.
Superga 2790 Acotw Platform Sneaker ($60, Zappos)
Stick to a comfort zone.
Listen, if you feel your best in body-con dresses, wear them. If you feel better in sweats, wear them. Postpartum style is all about making yourself feel good in your own skin, and you should continue to rock whatever makes you feel most like yourself, no matter what your body looks like.
VNVNE Womens Fall Rib-Knit Pullover Sweater Top & Long Pants Set ($28.99, Amazon)
Play with layers.
Dressing in layers has two functions for postpartum style. For one, throwing a cute sweater over a maternity tank top can pass for a supercute outfit, and for two, it's at least some insurance that if the baby gets sick on you, you have a backup item to throw on.
ROMWE Women's Classic Collar Long Sleeve Curved Hem Pullover Sweatshirt ($21.99, Amazon)
You can never go wrong wearing black.
If you're feeling super self-conscious, all black everything is a fail-safe. It's classic, it's flattering, and just about every article of clothing, from tops to socks, comes in the color.
Nemidor Women's V-Neckline Stretchy Casual Midi ($29.99, Amazon)
Function over fashion, always.
The time in your life to suffer through uncomfortable boots or itchy sweaters is not now, my friend. If it comes down to your being comfortable or your feeling cute, pick comfortable. Always. The last thing you need is an annoyance like clothes discomfort tugging at you mentally.
GADEWAKE Womens Casual Color Block Long Sleeve Round Neck Pocket T Shirts Blouses Sweatshirts Tops ($19.99, Amazon)
