Four months post partum, lost my way

[Inneedofanewwardrobe]

I haven’t bought new clothes that aren’t loungewear or pyjamas for so long I feel like I’ve totally lost my way. My baby was born in November last year and I feel like all I wear is jogging bottoms or leggings. I’ve realised I don’t really know how to look casual and stylish at the same time - I used to dress fairly smart for work but obviously maternity leave calls for a different look. I’m 5’3 and a size 12. Help.

Work up slowly to it. Maybe try revamping skincare then styling your hair or putting on make up. It can make even ‘slob at home’ outfits look more put together. If you still think you need more, then try replacing leggings with jeggings and a nice coatigan / knit blazer when going out. H&M and Zara both do good casual blazers.

I do have good skincare and make up, treated myself in the Black Friday sales but it’s more the clothes. What’s stylish these days for someone in their early 30s?!

I guess whatever you like. I’m older than you but I’m in love with the neutrals trend so am starting to stockpile white skirts / culottes / shorts. I love puff sleeve tops too (especially if off the shoulder) and so bought a few in the colours I like. I’m also trying to get rid of the maternity wear piece by piece but it’s so hard as they’re all so comfy!

My comfortable but smarter at home outfits are:

Denim shirt over black leggings and a long black vest

Balloon sleeve calf length cardigan over thick strap cami and skinnies or faux leather joggers

Loose knee length dress with opaque tights

Magic trousers with brightly coloured sweatshirts

Bumping for more ideas!

I remember this feeling. I would:

• upgrade the leggings. They can be really flattering if you spend a bit more.
• get a nice neutral jacket to elevate all your outfits (like a shacket, trench coat, long denim jacket etc - as long as it goes with leggings!)
• make sure your bag is nice
• make sure your shoes are nice
• wear jewellery and maybe a hat, baseball cap?

Then just get some long cotton cheapish tops (vests and t shirts and sweatshirts) to cover your bum and voila, a nice mum uniform.

(as your baby gets older and you get a bit more time to think about clothes you can expand a bit, but 4 months can be a tough time and you don't want to feel overwhelmed with needing new outfits. Dresses would be good going into summer, with some nice sandals and a basket bag)

@BlairWaldorfLovesShopping thank you, any bloggers you recommend?

Oh, I feel your pain! DS is 18 months now (plus I'm back to work) but I feel like I'm only just starting to find a look again. For me, it's mom jeans/slouchy type jeans with a bit of a French tuck going on.

So for work I used to wear a lot of shirt dresses or blazers and fitted trousers. I’m not planning to go back to work full time and I have been told there is a move towards more home working going on in the future so I feel like I need to really overhaul my wardrobe. I have too much smart snd not enough casual. And my lifestyle has changed!

@Inneedofanewwardrobe I don't follow any bloggers/influencers any more because I realised they made me feel like shit even though I know what's on instagram is all fake. Sorry! I like reading WhoWhatWear though.

@BlairWaldorfLovesShopping haha I can see why that may be the case! I have just checked out WhoWhatWear because I think for me it is easier to look at pictures for inspiration. I’ve also gone back to Pinterest; I’ve not used it since I planned my wedding but there are great ideas oj there. I have bought some sweaty Betty leggings that are shiny, going to look for some longer tops to wear over.

Highly recommend Anuschka Rees “the curated closet”, I’ve read every style book going and it’s the best. Really helps you get a handle on what you do and don’t like (I’m also 30 if it helps). I also follow Trinny on Instagram. She’s a way more out there dresser than me and obviously in her 50s but I love what she does with colour. The closet confessions vids are the best.

You could just sack it all off like I have. I don't even have a bag anymore. It's liberating.

I m 4 months pp, I wear a lot of high waisted jeans to hold my stomach in

@SummerHouse lol. I’ve always taken pride in my appearance and don’t want to let myself go, for want of a better word, just because I’ve had a baby. Not saying you have but I feel like for me, if I feel I look good I feel better. @1990shopefulftm I’ve not worn jeans yet because my life consists of sitting at home or walking around pushing the pram but I did used to wear high waisted before I was pregnant. @Newmum29 I will check that out.

@Inneedofanewwardrobe honestly the jeans stopped me getting upset when I look at my stomach, not so bad now I m a stone down but I feel better going out in them.

I wish I could find someone who was petite and curvy. I’ve been looking at the pictures I’ve pinned but they are all tall and skinny so would look good in a bin liner! I am busty and hippy and short!

@Inneedofanewwardrobe 10 months PP a here (3rd baby)

I ordered a load of jeans from H&M. Really good quality and actually comfortable!! High waisted (ultra high)
I got the high waisted Mom Jeans and also some wide legged ones! Reminds me of my 1990’s days. But really pleased with them. Have had to shorten as I’m 5’2.
But they go well with a tight t-shirt or a loose shirt/blouse.

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0871889017.html

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0572998007.html

So nice to find jeans that are comfy and not constantly pulling them up... and also the cut is more ‘trendy ‘ 😆 and make me look a bit more current than skinny Jeans

I think I’m going to browse and make a list and try and have a little capsule wardrobe. Something I was guilty of pre-baby was buying random items I liked without thibking how it would work with existing wardrobe items.

I am shocked but also delighted that I was getting ready earlier for a walk and decided to remind myself of my existing jeans, I could fit into a pair of high waist straight leg jeans and I realised my figure is still pretty decent. I actually felt a lot better and slimmer than when I do in my tracksuit bottoms.

Check out Andrea Ali. She's petite and curvy and has a very classic uniform style but still on trend. She's a MUA but still posts OOTD and does the odd style video on YT.

@Inneedofanewwardrobe👏🏼👏🏼 That’s great it’s all about how you feel.
I think we’ve all lived in trackers for too long 😆

@CaramelCup yes! I haven’t worn jeans for a year pretty much and I felt good! I have stumbled across the style fairy, an Irish mum blogger, and really like her outfits. Quite a lot of high street with some high end items. @JMAngel1 I’ll have a look, sounds up my street.

So I ordered some sweaty Betty high waisted leggings, omg they are worth every penny. So flattering!