Maternity clothes are too loose, and you can’t possibly squeeze back into your pre-pregnancy denim. How can you dress and feel confident in your look when your post-baby body changes daily?
The secret lies in forgiving fabric, flowing silhouettes, and the knowledge that your body did a beautiful thing! Here are five tips to finding your fashion sense with your new form.
1. Pack Maternity Clothes Away
Yes, it might feel comfortable to swim in your maternity yoga pants, but it will not do any good for your confidence to sit in saggy clothing. That ruching around the belly of your favorite maternity dress will only add bulk as your midsection shrinks. Denim designed for a pregnant belly ends up baggy around the abdomen. Maternity clothing has evolved to tight-fitting items, which can be a nightmare once the basketball-shaped bump has disappeared.
The exception? Maternity tank tops and camisoles. They are typically longer than traditional camis so work well in a post-baby wardrobe.
2. Buy Basic
With all of the baby gear and apparel purchases you have made, there might not be a big budget left for your wardrobe. You can buy a few basic pieces in solid colors that can be styled multiple ways.
Joggers are a transition piece that can be dressed up (heels when the time comes) or down (comfy sneakers). Most have an elastic waist band that can accommodate a changing shape. Wrap sweaters or tops can be tightened or loosened based on your size and work well when nursing. A long cami worn under sweaters and shirts helps streamline your shape and prevents a sneak peek of underwear when bending over (which you will do A LOT post-baby).
3. Pick One Piece
Yes, basic works for your everyday errands, but you deserve to wear at least one piece that makes you feel special. These days, many designers create an alternate line that is more affordable and accessible to the general public. You don’t have to snatch a skirt off the runway anymore, you can find designer duds online and in stores.
Tracy Reese, a product of the Detroit public school system and the Detroit Institute of Art, created her new line of clothing “Hope for Flowers” sold online and carried at the store, Détroit Is the New Black. The beauty of Reese’s pieces is that they are flexible sizes. She incorporated elastic into skirt waistbands, wrap style ties into shirts and adjustable ties in the back of jumpsuits.
4. Accessorize
Ahhh, accessories. No matter your weight or shape, they always work. Whether you are in the market for an investment piece or just want something colorful to lift your spirits, pick a piece that makes you feel joyful. Detroit-based KaraLyn Street offers “everyday effortless fashion” at a price point that will allow you to indulge. The lariat necklaces are an affordable way to add drama to a basic dress, and the ear cuffs can lend an edge to your look.
Want a way to celebrate your baby AND your style? Clarkston-based Pebble and Stone creates modern, raw birthstone jewelry that will add color and texture. These handmade wearable works of art can be a daily celebration of your new mom life.
5. Makeup in Minutes
Melissa Butler, Detroit native and founder of The Lip Bar, wants to change the way people think about beauty. She started mixing lipstick in her kitchen because she wanted more diversity and inclusivity and less chemicals in the makeup industry.
A little lipstick goes a long way to helping you feel pulled together in a second. In addition to lip products, The Lip Bar offers Fast Face Kits – ideal for a new mom who has zero extra time to deal with makeup application. Even if you are new to makeup, these kits are easy to put together with the Fast Face Finder on the website. They claim that it takes only seven minutes for a full face, which as a new mom you know, every minute counts!
