Many women turn all their attention to the new baby after giving birth, which is normal and fine. However, don’t neglect your own fashion sensibilities. You may not want to go back to some of the teen styles or club wear – then again you may – but you can be a hot mama who shows confidence and poise in your clothes.
Flattering
One of the easiest ways to expand your easy-to-wear wardrobe yet stay on trend is to have pieces you can mix and match. Incorporate some of the season’s prints for a look that’s current. Some women are able to slip right into their pre-pregnancy clothes, but most can’t. Don’t beat yourself up over not having a taut body right after carrying a baby for nine months. Instead, select separates that flatter the body you currently have.
Mix and match separates may include:
- Two or three pairs of neutral pants that will go with any top, sweater or jacket
- Two or three wrap dresses that can be tightened or loosened
- Two or three skirts with a hem at the smallest part of your leg – generally right above or below the knee.
- Assortment of loose, flowing, colorful solid and print tank tops and shells
- Cotton button-front blouses that can be worn alone or over tanks
- Cardigan in a neutral or primary color
- Blazer to wear with skirts, slacks or dresses for business meetings
Cheerful Fashion
As a woman’s body recovers from pregnancy and giving birth, hormones can wreak havoc on her mind and emotions. After discussing medical issues with your doctor, turn to cheerful clothing to help elevate your mood. Select colors that flatter your skin tones. If you aren’t sure which colors look best on you, hold fabric swatches beneath your face and look at yourself in natural light.
What to wear with your skin tone:
- If your skin is dark with pinkish undertones, select bold primary colors. Avoid pastels and earth tones.
- Women with pale skin may want to wear pastels and less saturated colors. Stay away from black or any other harsh color.
- If you have dark golden-tone skin, hair with a reddish cast and light brown eyes, you’ll look your best in earth-tone colors such as burnt orange, coral, rust, deep green and brown, while navy may wash you out.
- Women with lighter golden-tone skin often look their best in lighter earth-tone colors. Stick with lighter warm colors such as golden browns, peach and caramel.
Accessorize
The right fashion accessories can give your wardrobe a boost of fashion without having to spend a fortune. Choose pieces that highlight your best feature.
Update with this season’s accessories:
- A chunky necklace pulls the eye up and adds an element of confidence.
- Hoop earrings are youthful and stylish.
- A colorful scarf can be worn in a variety of ways at the neckline, waist and on your handbag.
- Choose a fun belt to cinch the waist of an old dress or shirt to give it some pizzazz.
- Stack bracelets up your arm to pull the attention from your not-yet-taut midsection.
What to Avoid
No matter how tempted you may be, there are certain pieces you need to avoid. Some women feel as though they can hide beneath tent-sized T-shirts and dresses that actually make them appear much larger.
Pieces that aren’t flattering on most people:
- Mom jeans
- Tent dresses that hit mid-calf
- Tops, pants and dresses that are too tight
- Monster-size shoulder pads
- Stretchy pants that lose their shape
After giving birth, be prepared to stop and chat with people who love to admire babies. You’ll feel much better about showing off your precious cargo if you maintain your own sense of style.
Debby Mayne - Debby Mayne is a published author of more than 30 novels and novellas and former fashion writer for the Home Shopping Network.
