Finding pieces that flatter your post-baby body that are stylish, comfortable and conceal/hold in any leftover bump-tummy squishyness doesn’t have to be hard if you know what to look for! I am 6 months postpartum now, and feel pretty good about where my body is at thanks to a good diet, EBF, and working out. But it took me a while to figure out how to dress during those postpartum changes to best fit my body type. Comfortable, modest, and elegant dresses have become my go-to during this transitional period. Styles that offer a bit of stretch, flow nicely, and have a defined waist can work wonders. One of my favorites is Poet dresses, which strike the perfect balance between chic and practical. Their understated elegance and loose yet flattering fit help me feel both stylish and comfortable, all while providing the confidence to embrace my changing body. So I put together two fun + stylish “cool mom” looks here that can be easily transitioned into your post-baby regular wardrobe! These outfits work with any shape and size, and are not restricted to where your body is currently at postpartum…I also included different price points based on what you prefer to spend <3 Continued below!
outfit 1: CASUAL WEEKEND OUT // vibe: edgy & cool
DENIM
I love these stretchy black skinny jeans from Old Navy; I wear them ALL the time. The distressing and fringe detail at the ankle gives them a lived-in feel. They also have an elastic waistband for easy pull-on (perfect for that shrinking bump!).
T-SHIRT
This top is really comfortable, breathable and soft. It has a slightly boxy fit and isn’t too form fitting. A loose fitting tee like this one is perfect to easily pull up to nurse, and can even be worn over a white nursing tank for more breastfeeding coverage.
ESPADRILLES
I picked up these glitter espadrilles (comfy AND stylish!) on super sale at Free People that I can easily transition from day to night. They tie around the ankle which I love, because it gives me a fun detail to show off if I wear them with cropped denim!
NECKLACE (READ: BABY ACCESSORY)
Lastly, I layered a neutral geometric teething necklace for izzy to chew on when I held her. This is a great outfit to wear if you’re going to be walking a lot outdoors, or if you’re heading out with the family in the afternoon then to a casual dinner out afterwards. Throw a denim jacket over it for warmth and to elevate this casual style for an evening date with the hubs at the local brewery. <3
Espadrilles from Free People (sold out on their website, found exact ones here)
Similar Espadrille styles here: $$$ / $$
Distressed Old Navy Skinnies here
Color block tee here // Similar styles here: $$ / $
Teething Necklace here // Blue version here
outfit 2: SUNDAY BRUNCH + PARK DATE // vibe: feminine + artsy
I love combining texture, color, and pattern into my outfits – my mules are canvas, my top is a lace material, and my cardigan is velvet! An outfit like this shows off your vibrant personality, is playful yet sophisticated, and allows for movement (from your fabric, and you!).
BLOUSE
This yellow flowy blouse is one of my favorite tops to wear, because I can wear it in so many different ways! In this outfit, I wore it knotted at the front over my favorite lacy bralette that I can easily nurse izzy in. I have also worn this top knotted over a print dress for an elevated look, and worn it over a white or neutral nursing tank paired with printed or denim shorts for a more casual look. It’s a very versatile piece that can be used while you’re pregnant, nursing, and anytime during postpartum! In fact, any flowy + billowy blouse that can be knotted in the front will recreate this easy, versatile look.
And speaking of…versatility and functionality is what you want to look for when building your capsule maternity/postpartum wardrobe. Look for pieces you can transition into postpartum and layer with maternity pieces. Layering is also a great way to give your wardrobe an elevated look, pregnant or not!
DENIM
These jeans are old navy, and I love them because they’re great quality for the price. They’re stretchy but don’t stretch out too much after a day of wearing them, and I can either wear the hem cuffed or down depending on my mood. Working your way back into jeans takes a while, and you might be tempted to size up. I did, and I had to go back and exchange my jeans for a size down after a few weeks. However, if you decide sizing up one size is better for your body, then grab a fun leather belt to keep yo pants up with. Mine is from Lucky Brand Jeans and I wear it all the time, whether I need it or not!
CARDIGAN
This long cardigan is also perfect for using as a shield when nursing in public, and great for adding texture and pattern to any basic outfit. It’s long enough to wrap around myself if I get cold, and also provides an elevated layer to an otherwise basic outfit.
MULES
As for shoes, mules or slides will be your best friend the later you get into pregnancy and after baby is out. They’re so easy to wear, and you can find various heel heights and patterns/textures to elevate your look from simple to cool-mom stylin’.
A CARRY-ALL BAG
Lastly, this BAG THOUGH! I love using it as a diaper bag when we’re out for just a couple hours or so. I love my diaper bag, but sometimes I just want to wear a regular purse again. It’s large enough for me to throw in my wallet, a water bottle, a snack for myself, 2 diapers, my changing pad and wipes, and anything else extra I might need for izzy like a sweater, 1-2 toys, and a light blanket. As long as you keep a change of clothes/extra diapers/wipes for baby in the car at all times, then you can get away with not bringing everything in your huge diaper bag when you’re out for the day.
Bralette from Free People here (I also have it in black!)
Cardigan from Anthro // Similar styles here: $$$ / $$ / $
Mules from Jeffery Campbell // Similar styles here: $$$ / $$ / $
Flowy Top from Anthro // Similar styles here: $$$ / $$ / $
Jeans from Old Navy // Similar styles here: $$$ / $
Boho Tote Bag from Anthro here // Similar styles here: $$$ / $
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