Postnatal style -help

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Hello.
I recently had my second baby and my body has definitely not changed back to pre pregnancy. That's ok but my tummy is still looking pregnant and I'm not back in my pre pregnancy clothes. Currently in oversized shirts and jeans or wide trousers.

Please recommend styles that will cover, flatter and feel stylish still. I'm off on holiday soon and currently dreading it as feel so frumpy. Main worries are my arms and tummy.
Thank you in advance

I had my second a few months ago it has taken a bit longer for the post natal puffiness to settle (emcs) compared with DC1.

Where are you going on holiday? Do you need stuff to BF in as well? What's your normal style?

Would the floaty dress/maxi look be a useful stop gap until you know what your shape will look like further down the line?

I know there's loads of threads out there about the floral dress look being dead but if you just need to feel stylish as opposed to trendy I think you can still wear them.

Also think about getting a pedicure if off on a beach holiday or something to make you feel more pulled together. I like a gradual tan to perk up my pasty winter skin but that's just a thought.

Someone more stylish than me might be along with better ideas xx

I think it's just difficult really but mainly just be kind to yourself! It's ok to look like you have had a baby when you have had a baby. I think oversized shirts look cool, gets some short shorts to go with them for holiday. Loose dresses are fashionable. Just enjoy your holiday, no one gives a flying fuck about your tummy or arms.

@Bringmecaffeine thank you for answering, midi/maxi dresses will definitely be a staple I think. Pedicure and some gradual tan are good tips. Note to self to book pedicure in. Can you recommend and gradual tanning as no idea where to start.

@atthebottomofthehill you are so right and I know this but the critical head voice is definitely making me feel very insecure at the moment. Working on it! Thank you for answering and yes, need to stick to what's comfortable.

I like my Garnier gradual tan, i literally just chucked it in my Tesco shop one day after getting fed up of looking tired after this looooong, freezing winter we've had and it's perked me up. It's a body one I put on with a tan mitt and I pop it on my face too - they do sell separate face ones but with a toddler and a baby you know I've no time for any more faff haha.

I also got a teeth whitening toothpaste - might be psychological more than anything but I feel a bit more like myself. I'm brushing my teeth anyway so I figured it's a quick win?!?

I find sticking to a monochrome palette for a capsule wardrobe (like on holiday) with a few splashes of a single colour/neutral you like makes it easier for me to get dressed (pulling anything out and knowing that it probably goes together really helps).

I'd throw in a sparkly top for an evening if it was me because you might just feel a bit more special and pretty while on a well deserved break.

I'm still in a couple of my nice maternity tops that have a bit of a swooshy area that skims a tum because I feel like saying to any trends or naysayers "fuckitall within a couple of years I've just made two new humans and I'm knackered keeping them fed/clean/alive every day!" I got them from Vinted in pregnancy and still love them.

I bought a couple of these wrap dresses after my second baby. I could adjust the waist without worrying about guessing what dress size I would be.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/GRECERELLE-Womens-Summer-Floral-Bohemian/dp/B07SR9C8N2/ref=mp_s_a_1_19?crid=VCJVM13HQ78S&keywords=Wrap+Dresses+red+spot&qid=1681279763&sprefix=wrap+dresses+red+spot%2Caps%2C312&sr=8-19

Congratulations.
I'd go with wrap or a-line dresses. Also elasticated waist wide leg trousers cotton or linen, so you won't be too hot. Midi skirts with t-shirts tucked in would look good too.

I have this dress from H&M - I just bought it in a slightly larger size to accomodate the baby weight. It's really lightweight and comfortable. The drawstring means you can have the waist as loose or as tight as you want: