Let’s face it: The “mom pooch” is definitely a thing.
Even nearly 10 weeks postpartum, my little friend is still here. (Heeey girl, hey!) I recently learned that I actually have Diastasis Recti, which is essentially ab separation, after having three kids. Working to heal that is a post for another day, but today I want to talk about my little friend who we shall call “Le Pooch” and who, while I appreciate her for a job well done, I’m politely asking to go away. In the meantime, I rely on some tried and true style tips for dressing postpartum so as not to emphasize Le Pooch when I dress.
Today, I’m excited to share those tips with you! I’ve now been through postpartum dressing (and healing!) three times, and these 6 style tips are my go-to methods for getting dressed while being in the postpartum phase. These tips ensure comfort and that you’ll look your best. Remember — your body is beautiful no matter how much extra weight you do or do not have! I hope these tips help for you to feel your best. xx
6 Style Tips For Dressing Postpartum
Tip #1: Go Up A Size To Ensure A Proper Fit
Especially with jeans, trying on clothes that were your size pre-pregnancy is zero fun after having a baby. I personally gained more than 50 pounds while pregnant with Beau, and while that is quickly being lost thanks to breastfeeding, I’m definitely not the same size as I was prior – I wasn’t with any of my pregnancies! (You’ll note in the photo above on the left that I literally can not even button some of my pre-pregnancy jeans.)
This is why I have a few pairs of postpartum jeans and pants that I bought after being pregnant with Grace, and I’ve rotated into my closet after having Josephine and Beau. They’re a few sizes higher than my normal jean size, and you know what? They look and feel so much better. Going up to the size you need will ensure you are more comfortable, and that’s the most important thing!
Outfit Details: Madewell White Cotton Courier Shirt + Levi’s Wedgie Icon Jeans (Pre-Pregnancy Jeans) + Gap Skinny Jeans + Dolce Vita Mules + Gorjana Parker Necklace + Crescent Pendant Necklace
Tip #2: High-Rise Is Your Friend
Why? Because low-rise anything typically sits at the widest part of your hips, whereas high-rise usually sits at a more flattering – smaller – part of your waist. Above, I show my joggers, which could easily sit lower on my hips but I’ve chosen to hike them up a bit. This elongates my legs and waist, and helps to hide my pooch a bit! (Another tip: Pairing them with a black top also helps!)
Net, net: Mom jeans are your friend. So are cozy joggers where you can play around with the placement of how you wear them. See what looks best and is most flattering on your body!
Outfit Details: Abercrombie joggers (past season) – similar here + J.Crew Denim Jacket + VEJA Sneakers + Michael Stars Boatneck Tank
Tips #3: Embrace Flowy Dresses
Tight anything is probably the biggest “No, no” for postpartum dressing! Personally, I love to live in flowy dresses postpartum because they’re so comfortable, easy to style, and are usually hassle free. I really love dresses like this strapless maxi because they’re chic without being complicated. I also love that you can dress them up or down!
Outfit Details: Leopard print strapless maxi dress (Super easy to breastfeed in!) + Cork heel sandals + Gorjana Parker Necklace + Crescent Pendant Necklace
Tip #4: Loose Tops & Blouses Are Key
In line with the tip above, loose and flowy tops are great options for any postpartum outfit. Above, I show a sweatshirt dressed up, and a flowy blouse with jeans, to show the variety of how to you can easily style these types of tops. Loose tops are my favorite to wear with jeans, because jeans are typically more form-fitting and the flowy top makes the outfit more approachable for a new mom! (NOTE: Be careful with a loose top and loose bottoms, as this combination can have the opposite effect! In that case, see the note below on defining your waistline.)
Outfit Details: Brown midi skirt – boutique find and not available online. Shop great midi skirt options here. + Crew neck sweatshirt – past season – similar find here. (Love the cashmere!) + Everlane modern loafers // White Free People Blouse + Gap Skinny Jeans + Gorjana Parker Necklace + Crescent Pendant Necklace + Jack Rogers Blush Moccasins
Tip #5: Emphasize The Smallest Part Of Your Waist
The smallest part of your waist is found right below your ribs. Particularly when putting together two items that are flowy, or even a dress with not much shape, be sure to define your waist. This helps to pull the eye to the most flattering part of your waistline, while also providing an intentional balance to an outfit.
Outfit Details: Brown midi skirt – boutique find and not available online. Shop great midi skirt options here. + Everlane modern loafers + White blouse – past season – similar here + Gorjana Parker Necklace + Crescent Pendant Necklace
Tip #6: Be Purposeful With How You Style Outfits
By this I mean, think about your outfit and little ways you can style it to be more intentional. For example, instead of wearing your button down hanging with jeans, try front-tucking it in. If your outfit is looking kind of blah, try adding a layer such as a denim jacket. Small tweaks can really help to make or break an outfit. Especially while dressing postpartum, when it’s so easy (and understandable!) to just throw-on-and-go, I find little thoughtful tweaks to help me feel more confident with whatever I’m wearing.
Outfit Details: White Good American Jeans (Love the slight stretch these have!) + Everlane Button down + Everlane modern loafers + J.Crew Denim Jacket + Gorjana Parker Necklace + Crescent Pendant Necklace
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