How To Get Dressed After Having A Baby

Comfortable & stylish clothes = a happy & functioning mom

Bonus issue!

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Today’s post is brought to you by my own frustration of not knowing what to wear after having a baby — aka the 4th trimester. Weirdly, I had no trouble dressing myself this last pregnancy. Now that I’m no longer with child (hallelujah!), I’m finding myself caught in that dreaded “WHAT DO I WEAR?” fit of annoyance.

Why does this happen? And more importantly, what can we do about it?

Well, for starters…your boobs are out more than they are in, you’re wondering when your stomach will shrink back to its pre-preggo state, and overall, you aren’t too worried if your shirt matches your pants because all of your energy is focused on your newborn.

However…and this is a big however…Even though you’re at home ALL THE DAMN TIME, staying in sweatpants and milk-stained t-shirts will eventually start to break your confidence.

SO!

I believe you can prevent your mental health from being compromised simply by getting dressed.

By putting on a little makeup. By making an effort to not look like the slob zombie you have become from not sleeping.

Because when you look like yourself, you feel like yourself. And when you feel like yourself (your best self, that is), you are unstoppable. So get dressed, damn it! Your mental health depends on it.

Here are my 4 go-to tips for outfitting yourself after having a baby.

1. Wear what feels good on your body.

Comfortable fabrics are everything, as are flattering silhouettes. Not ready to get back into your trusty Lululemon leggings? Don’t force it.

Wear what feels good to you, whether that’s baggy jeans and a boxy tee, an oversize smock dress, or a loose-fitting jumpsuit.

2. When in doubt, choose black.

Black is slimming. Enough said.

3. Oversize is your new best friend — at least for awhile.

It’s going to take a minute for your bod to snap back into shape. Oversize dresses, tops, jumpsuits, rompers, you name it — get it/wear it oversized.

Add a belt or platform sneakers to avoid looking like you’re wearing a potato sack (although I do love that look).

4. Casual hats & headbands are also your new best friends.

You won’t be washing your hair as often — you will barely be showering — so hats, headbands, and other hair accessories are essential.

From baseball caps to wide brim hats to turbans, experiment with what looks good with what, and enjoy not having to blow dry and/or flat iron your hair every day.

Conclusion

Your appearance matters. Comfortable & stylish clothes = a happy & functioning mom.

Don’t fall victim to frump town. Utilize what you have by turning to Instagram & Pinterest for style inspiration, and remember that putting in that little extra effort is always worth it — for your sanity, your self-esteem, and most importantly, your wellbeing.

VERY IMPORTANT BONUS TIP!

Celebrity stylist Allison Bornstein BRILLIANTLY! told this to Marie Claire on postpartum outfitting:

"I would make formulas: jeans, a tee, and a blazer; one of my tighter skirts and a bigger sweater; leggings and a men's shirt because that'd be good for breastfeeding. You don't have to reinvent the wheel. A few carefully chosen pieces in sizes that fit you right now can come together beautifully for your new mom ‘uniform.’

This also offers a bridge. Your normal wardrobe may not fit, but you don't have to go throwing out clothes just yet. Think of it as a sartorial opportunity: Maximize what you're wearing and find outfits that look as good as they feel.”

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Sip Sip is a weekly newsletter dedicated to making moms feel SEEN in the realm of mental health. As the editor, I’m committed to easing your mom woes — one newsletter at a time — through advice, lessons, and humor on how to live your life right.

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Be you.

Xo, Ash