Post-maternity capsule wardrobe

[Grok]

Hi all

Just had my first baby 5 weeks ago. Am looking at the next year spent at home with her so need some casual and comfy basics but I'd still like to feel stylish even for my own sanity's sake!

Am thinking I need skinnies, comfy jumper/cardi, flat boots, jogging pants and a warm winter coat. Am planning a trip to shops like H&M and Zara in a few weeks and want to plan my A/W wardrobe. Am now also considering black dungarees from ASOS!
I'm a size 12-14, 5'3, hourglass shape. Had a section so nothing too low rise that sits on my scar.

You might be me! Same size and height! I have a 5 month old. All I would say is don't be too hasty with purchases as you might find (as I have) that you lose weight more over,the next few months, I'm now lighter than I was pre babies but a different shape, it's been gradual but I've lost more since 5 weeks ish pp.
I've heard good things about the next slim Shape jeans, although have yet to get around to trying a pair. They're meantime be high waisted. I've found lots of the long vest top from h and m or primark are great for layering (and breastfeeding!)

As for flat boots, I'm still wearing a pair with heels I've had for years, Clarke ankle boots, in tan, they go with everything, I don't know what I'll do when they finally give up. Ecco I've found great for nice classic leather longer boots.

I lived in shirt dresses, blouses and skinnies I was BF and needed access. Are you BF cause that will definitely limit options.

Yes BF constantly, the little one has a good appetite :)
Am also thinking of a big oversized lightweight knit scarf, maybe like those in Zara for BF and keeping chills at bay.

Missmakestuff - my friend gave me similar advice not to go overboard with clothes right now. She pointed out that I'm going to get baby puke and other fun messes on my clothes so nothing too expensive. im aware my size may change but I've no jeans that fit, as I lost weight and my old jeans are too big and fall off me! So i think a few relatively cheap basics for now should do!

I just got basics from H&M and Asos and a few slightly nicer blouses/cardis that still fit. But wee vest tops under everything you can pull down were great then you can pop the overlayer up and vest down and it is actually really discrete, and gives you more wardrobe choice.

Oh definitely, I also found I had to buy some. Things as I had nothing to wear! But I'm now giving most of those things to charity, which is a lovely feeling too!
There's a brilliant Facebook group, 'can I breastfeed in it uk' which suggests clothing, really helpful. Oh, and congratulations on the baby!

Congratulations! I think cheap, cheerful and machine washable is the way to go. And layers. And things you can pull up and down easily.

I'd vote for a couple of pairs of comfy skinnies with loads of stretch. I got some great ones from H&M this summer although the sizing was bonkers so you'd probably need to try a few on. If you get bored of jeans then tube skirts - again, H&M do cheap ones. Then big jumpers and/or Ts on top. I'd say nothing light coloured. Patterns or at least stripes are useful (stains).

Personally I'd say no to dungareers and anything with buttons if you're breastfeeding: too faffy.

And have you got a warm, water proof coat? Boring perhaps but essential.

That's all I can remember Enjoy your baby.

Sorry I must sound like your mum, telling you not to go out without a coat
It's just I didn't bother getting one at first and boy did I regret it.

I've got an 8 week old and have been planning my autumn winter wardrobe! I've just bought some Ash Virgin shoes which I'm rather excited about. Planning on living in grey/denim skinny jeans and oversized jumpers with longline h&m vests under for bfing. Also got a hush ruched skirt which I plan to wear. I've got a big waxed parka coat - something waterproof with a big hood is essential with a buggy! I'm not planning on buying new jeans yet, as it took a few months last time to settle back to a size.

Floisme, laughing out loud at your apology!!! Hahahahahahahaha you're dead right though, winter waterproof coat is top of the list actually. Last winter I couldn't buy one as I was 2 months pregnant and year before that bought cheap at H&M. Def want one that'll withstand Irish weather. Hopefully I can find a nice streamlined parka that's warm and somehow still looks cool!

Ducks, that uniform sounds perfect. Am going for that too. I've never worn grey skinnies before, always blue or black. Grey have just always looked less forgiving on me ;)

This is a nice thread! Congrats on the wee one. I'm similar size to you and have a 2-year-old boy. I didn't have much casual stuff in my wardrobe when my son was born but I do now.
My wardrobe sends to be: skinny jeans, long vests with jumper/top on top, boots like Ash. I got a parka first winter he was born. Had never had one before, but essential! I've got a few nice luxe loungey style tops and trousers from Sweaty Betty, and some nice scarves. You also need a nice bag that is big enough to carry baby stuff in it but still attractive as a handbag. I hate carrying two bags! Nice rucksack bags are useful as you still have both hands free.

If you find that nice waterproof parka let me know ??
I'm 10 weeks PP and Bf too so thinking about the same things.
Things I've recently ordered include M&S 5 pocket jeggings, and a few tips from H&M here.

Sunbeam, this is my problem - I have work clothes I love and know how to shop for; dresses and heels etc. I'm new to casual wear :) And I mean super practical minimal effort casual, not the kind that you can still spend time getting makeup and accessories look just right and be super cute ;)

I did my first attempt at shopping for this stuff yesterday. It wasy first time shopping with the baby and it did not go so great, she had a meltdown on the way home! So I felt rushed and stressed.

Ended up getting a black hoodie, black long best and black tube skirt at H&M.. Not exactly earth shattering stuff.

Tried jeans in H&M, Zara, Next with no luck.. Denim skinnies feel so restrictive all of a sudden. Will try Topshop and primark today.
Had a look at Regatta parkas but no joy.
The search continues!

I am full of awe that you've made it to the shops with a five week old baby. I don't think I'd left the settee at that stage.

What you've bought so far sounds good and, if they work, you could do worse than get 3 versions of the same thing: wear one set while one in is the wash and the other one drying.

If you're looking to get comfy yet cheap jeans as your size is still changing then Primark skinnies are great. I've got a 6 month old and have now slimmed down a lot through bfing but haven't attempted to get into my old favourite Gap jeans yet and don't want to splash out on more at this stage! Primark ones are so comfy and only cost about a tenner, great to keep you going for a few months. H&m tend to do great button down tops/blouses, good for bfing.

I do a lot of shopping online now - Hush, Baujken and Sweaty Betty are new favourites.