Is it safe to say that Justin Timberlake made bringing "SexyBack" sound easier than it actually is? Postpartum, returning to the version of one's self that feels the most confident and beautiful can be a struggle to say the least. Even though it's technically the same body, often times we feel like strangers in a brand-new home.
For the longest time, starting in pregnancy and continuing after my daughter's birth, I didn't want to be touched or looked at by my husband, and I didn't know why. The whole idea just turned me completely off. Not to mention I was trying to heal and get used to the fact that I could barely move my limbs as I slowly recovered from a C- section. The presence of a new human in my home also added another dimension to the overall overwhelmed and lost feeling I felt.
Before I got pregnant, I used to love wearing lingerie, just for the fun of it. It was light and airy and didn't feel like heavy clothing while still letting me look and feel good around the house. Even if I was just doing my chores in it, I just loved the feeling. Granted, putting on lingerie is probably the last thing a new mother is thinking about. But buying new lingerie can be fun and get us excited about wearing it. Even though our bodies are different postpartum, we can still enjoy them; we can still dress them up. It just takes time.
Sometimes we might feel like we want to wait until we "snap back" or lose 50 pounds before we buy any new clothes. But the body is healing, and sometimes, losing that weight takes longer than expected. I've put together this list of fun lingerie of all different styles that both curvy girls and small girls can get inspiration from. Our bodies, no matter how different they feel or look after baby, are strong, miraculous works of art. What our bodies just finished experiencing over the course of pregnancy and childbirth. Take that strong, beautiful mom body to the mirror and admire her. Let's drape ourselves in some of these luxurious, plush, and opulent unmentionables — not for a significant others but for us.
EYELASH LACE PLUNGE NECKLINE BODYSUIT
The list starts with a bang with this super hot red number. Teddies are so cute and look so good on, but I've never gravitated toward them because they seem like they would be hard to take off when using the bathroom. However, only a small percentage of our time is spent in the bathroom, and bodysuits like this one are just so flattering! The cinched ribbon at the center will give us all a waist, even if it's nonexistent underneath.
Eyelash Lace Plunge Neckline ($65, Eloquii)
EMBROIDERED LACE SET
This set is so girly and delicate. The red and white embroidering sort of reminds me of peppermints. But even though it looks too sweet to be true, the back gives just enough spice that says "Don't be fooled" with a wink.
Embroidered Lace Bra ($54, Savage x Fenty)
High Leg Lace Thong ($29, Savage x Fenty)
WIRELESS LACE BRALETTE AND LACE BLACK HIPSTER
I've never tried a longline bra or bralette before, but this one is really calling my name. Just yesterday, Rihanna dropped this new collection of lingerie in deep fall colors, this navy being one of them. The lace back panty is an unexpectedly girly touch to such a simple set.
Wireless Lace Bralette in Navy Blue ($34, Savage x Fenty)
Lace Back Hipster in Navy Blue ($19, Savage x Fenty)
FIGLEAVES CURVE ANNEX HIGH APEX BRA AND SHORT
This set is more full coverage than some of the bathing suits I see on the beach, and it resembles an outfit I'm sure I've seen people wear outdoors in summer. That said, a mom can feel super comfortable with this little number, even around the kids. I'm especially obsessed with the jagged pieces of lace around the neckline and hems of the garments. Looks much more expensive than it actually is.
Figleaves Curve Annex High Apex Bra ($40, ASOS)
Figleaves Curve Annex French Underwear ($26, ASOS)
FLOCK DOT BABYDOLL
This is such a cute little number. The furry hem and neckline make me think of foam on top of a milkshake. Why not be a life-sized mint milkshake in this sassy little number?
Flock Dot Babydoll ($69, Savage x Fenty)
CAMI AND SHORTY SET
I'm especially partial to this little set because a) it looks very pleasant to wear, but more importantly, b) it's in one of my favorite colors, flourescent yellow. The color is actually called "Highlighter" on the website. The little lace area in the front offers a cute, peek-a-boo moment.
Cami and Shorty Set ($70, Savage x Fenty)
SUZETTE EMPIRE BABYDOLL
My favorite feature of this sumptuous little piece is the empire waist. Empire waists are so forgiving and look flattering on everyone. No need to feel pressure to hit the crunches before slipping into this.
Plus Size Suzette Empire Babydoll ($48, Oh La La Cheri)
VALENTINE LACE BABYDOLL
This is the negligee of my dreams. The perfect shade of lilac, woven into the perfect style of lace. It's topped off with a silk bow, like a present for myself every time I walk pass the mirror in it.
Plus Size Valentine Lace Babydoll ($49, Oh La La Cheri)
SYLVIE BABYDOLL CHEMISE
Bring spring indoors no matter the season in this black but bright floral chemise. With the matching flowered panty, someone might have to grab some allergy meds!
City Chic Sylvie Babydoll Chemise ($40, City Chic Online)
Sylvie Bra ($69, Nordstrom)
Sylvie Hipster ($20, Nordstrom)
CROCHET LACE SLIP
Black is a color that just makes me feel comfortable, happy and safe. Which would make it so much more easier to flounce around in this slip.
Plus Size Crochet Lace Slip ($11, Romwe)
BEATRIX IVORY PLACEMENT STRIPE SET
Channel that inner referee or harlequin (could go both ways) in this rockin' three-piece set. The waspie is a really cute addition, cinching the waist at the right points.
Beatrix Ivory Placement Stripe Bra ($59, Playful Promises)
Beatrix Ivory Placement Stripe Waspie ($65, Playful Promises)
Beatrix Ivory Placement Stripe Thong ($26, Playful Promises)
GABI FRESH MADISON FISHNET SET
Gabi Fresh is such a pioneer for plus-size fashion and apparel. Starting with her bathing suit line, her Premme fashion line, and this collaboration with Playful Promises, she's giving us the confidence and the reminder to wear whatever we feel inclined to. And look good doing it!
Gabi Fresh Madison Fishnet Set ($65, Playful Promises)
GABI FRESH TULLE ROBE, STRAPPY BELT SET
This whole look is so editorial and so skillfully styled. I really thought the lingerie part was all one piece, but we are actually looking at four separate items. As rock 'n' roll as these pieces are, being black and strappy, they still manage to be feminine and soft, paired with this delicate, sheer robe.
Gabi Fresh Betty Sheer Tulle Robe ($65, Playful Promises)
Gabi Fresh On The Rocks Strappy Bra ($46, Playful Promises)
Gabi Fresh On The Rocks Strappy Brief ($20, Playful Promises)
Gabi Fresh On the Rocks Strappy Suspender Belt ($33, Playful Promises)
FRANCOIS BLACK DECKO DEVORE ROBE
This art deco-inspired robe paired with a matching fringed chemise is a great way to ease into the lingerie world. It provides lots of coverage but is anything but obscure.
Francois Black Deco Devore Robe ($65, Playful Promises)
Francois Black Deco Devore Chemise ($46, Playful Promises)
BLACK MESH POLKA DOT KIMONO AND MIDAXI
This is another creative way to be subtle while being sensuous. I'm not sure if this was made with the intention of being lingerie, but it's definitely checking all the right boxes. Leaves a lot to the imagination but gives a lot too.
Black Mesh Polka Dot Kimono ($38, Pretty Little Things)
Black Mesh Polka Dot Midaxi Dress ($30, Pretty Little Things)
MALIBU LUX ROBE
This gorgeous hot pink robe looks super fun to wear and so comfortable. I'd imagine I was a grand lady walking down a marble staircase in this, even in the humble four walls of my apartment.
Malibu Luxe Robe ($84 , Proud Mary Fashion)
SATIN CHEMISE WITH LACE TRIM AND ROBE SET
Who doesn't love a good sale? No mom should be raising her hand. This silky and sultry chemise and robe set is on sale for less than $20! The sets come in an abundance of colors, and I'm especially partial to the purple, pink, and magenta. They just scream royalty, resplendence, and lavishness. Let's all look this luxury on a budget!
Satin Chemise with Lace Trim & Robe Set ($20, Hips and Curves)
PENELOPE LONGLIGHT SET LINGERIE
Attention, c'est chaud! This might be hot pink, but it's smoking hot! The color softens the deep v-cut lined panty and the scalloped pushup bra. The black lace lining is the perfect touch.
Oh La La Cheri Plus Size Penelope Longline Set Lingerie ($38, Bare Necessities)
FLORAL CHEMISE
As summer comes to its close, and the flowers are on their way into hibernation (or death for the annuals), it'll be nice to have a taste of spring and the warmth of summer to wear during the cold winter months. Of course, we will only be wearing this curled up in front of a fireplace or heater, or under a pile of comforters.
Floral Chemise ($26, Lane Bryant)
BEAUTIFUL BABYDOLL
Ashley Graham, a beacon of hope and inspiration for most plus-sized girls, collaborated on this piece with Addition Elle. She actually has a whole collection of babydolls and lingerie sets for the well-endowed. I love this dusty pink number as it looks almost like a dress but the material and the cut look to be cuddly and caressible.
Ashley Graham Babydoll ($30, Addition Elle)
WANT TO BE NEXT TO YOU SET
Why does this outfit make me think of J.Lo? Remember when all she used to wear were hoop earrings with those velour sweatsuit outfits that looked amazing on her and no one else? This reminds me of that, but a shinier version with an elastic band inspired by '80s aerobics shorts.
Want to Be Next to You Set ($30, Fashion Nova)
GEORGETTE BABYDOLL
There's something very alluring about this piece. It's so simple with its shapeless cut and ruffled hem and neckline, while falling over the body in such a comely way. The back also has this amazing u-shaped scoop — click the link, click the link!
Sinfully Sweet Goergette Babydoll ($40, Coedition)
CROPPED SWING TANK
We are now entering the extremely comfortable "lingerie" section. There are two ways to be comfortable. One of those ways definitely does not qualify to be involved in bringing sexy back and wearing lingerie. The other is pictured. This cropped swing top will instantly make even an everyday panty look hot but in an effortless, "Oops, did I do that?" type of way.
High Cut Brief ($3, Hips & Curve)
Cropped SwingTank ($18, Hips & Curve)
EDWARDIAN COTTON & LACE SET
This beautiful piece is giving me some serious medieval, damsel-in-distress vibes. Although most of these looks are luxurious and wealthy-looking, this one will let us channel our inner peasant girl, waiting for the prince to recognize her. I've obviously seen Cinderella and Ever After one too many times.
Edwardian Cotton & Lace Chemise ($50, Hips & Curve)
LACE TRIM SATIN TEDDY
Even though I said earlier I wasn't partial to teddies, I love this one. It looks like a comfy pajama set but in one piece. The color is very inviting, and, of course, there's lots of lace!
Lace Trim Satin Teddy ($33, Hips & Curves)
SOFT COTTON CHEMISE WITH LACE TRIM
Twirl like there are no tomorrows in this miniature fusion of a swing dress and a peasant dress. Ever so dainty and light, this simple LWD will have us walking on air, tonight, like Katy Perry.
Soft Cotton Chemise with Lace Trim ($60, Spring)
