Postpartum fashion help

MargoRed

I gave birth to my son nearly 6 weeks ago and I'm at a loss of what to wear. I know it takes time for a body to pull itself back together after making and carrying an 8 pound baby (especially when that body was previously a petite 5'2" and 105 pounds). But now I'm stuck with a dilemma: *What can I wear that's comfortable, won't make me feel like a complete slob, and will accommodate my slowly slimming body?*

I am so sick of my yoga pants! I have been cycling through the same half dozen short sleeve empire waist shirts over and over again. I miss jeans and refuse to wear my maternity jeans (I hate those stretchy waists that extend up past my belly button!). But I fear spending a ton of money on clothes (especially pants and jeans) that will probably prove too big a few months down the line. I just want to feel pretty and fashionable! I hate the thought of schlubbing around town in sweats and flip flops. Help!

15 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Dani

Joy

Veteran

Margo, I sympathize and hope someone has some good ideas.

Just getting something new that fits in a flattering color might make it worth going to Target or the mall sales to get a couple of pieces. You won't need to invest a lot, but you should get some jeans that fit now. It will be harder to lose those inches if you continue to wear loose clothing, so think of it as an investment in getting your figure back.

What about a mom-on-the-go jersey day dress in a wrap style or voluminous enough for now but that can be belted later for fit?
Good luck and enjoy that precious little boy

15 years ago

cas74

Active Member

Congratulations! I had the same problem after the birth of my daughter. I'm 5'2" and was a size 4 before (gained 77 pounds during the pregnancy). I moped around in sweats for months because my entire wardrobe was useless after having her; even all my shoes were too small!

I didn't want to spend money on clothing either, but I finally broke down and bought just a few outfits that made me feel great. Once I started feeling good about my body again, I was able to stick to a healthy diet and exercise program. Now I've finally reached my goal size.

One of my favorite outfits was a wrap dress; it gave me back my hourglass shape. The other was a pair of jeans, structured jacket, and tailored white button-down shirt; the jacket really hid my post c-section tummy.

15 years ago

anne

Veteran

I hope you get plenty of suggestions as there are lots of mothers on this forum. My first posting a few months ago was also about postpartum fashion (my third baby is 7 months now) and my feeling of having nothing to wear. So you are not alone! While I wasn’t quite as slim as you pre-baby (5”4 and about 120 pounds) I can understand where you are coming from.

I found that after 6 weeks, with my first baby, I wasn’t in too bad a state – it just wasn’t my original body. More hourglassy and a size or 2 up from normal. And it is nice to get an outfit for that period.

My other big tip you may not like because it might be too close to the stretchy waist jeans, but anyway I loved some pants and a skirt in a fabric called bengaline.(it is stiff but has some stretch) It had a high waist that you could fold down if you wanted. It wasn’t maternity – I bought it at a normal shop. I found it worked well at holding my tummy in. One of my favourite outfits from that time was the bengaline skirt with a knitted vest top that has interesting ruching type details. I got lots of compliments about how back in shape I looked (which felt like I was cheating, as it was just the clothing). The other thing about those pants and skirts in that they worked really well in the middle trimester of subsequent pregnancies – in fact if you are think you many have another child at some point it is worth keeping that in mind ie – anything you buy for now can be useful for the middle trimester and postpartum period again.

15 years ago

Ellen

Active Member

My first baby is 7 months and I'm just now getting close to original size (5 lbs to go!). I had the same clothing issue postpartum.

In Canada we have a store called Stitches... it's mainly cheap teen-clothing, but I found low-rise stretchy jeans there in stylish cuts for $25. They got me through a lot of my pregnancy and then I got a dark-wash post-partum pair. They work great for me. I wore a lot of button-ups in a loose cut (Gap ones were great, I found a sale!) because they are meant to skim the body anyway, not cling. I got a lot of compliments in those. And a trim sweater vest with a good top cover a multitude of sins too.

I agree with what Anne said - if you're thinking of having more babies, a couple of good postpartum pieces are a great investment. I have put those pieces in my box with maternity clothes and plan to wear them in early pregnancy as well as postpartum next time!

15 years ago

anne

Veteran

Hi Ellen,
I am about 6 pounds off original weight. I have been a bit slack with excercise the last 2 months owing to 3 weeks holiday and then 2 weeks of a sick baby.

I have just posted a picture of a dress in another thread that I find handy for this period.
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....?replies=5
I wore a similar but sleeveless one in the summer

15 years ago

Dani

Veteran

Margo, I'm out of the postpartum period, my youngest is just over 2 now. I was terribly dressed during the time period you're asking about now so I can't offer any advice as to how to come through it with some fashionable dignity. I think the suggestion of a dress is wonderful. I would probably frequent discount stores (TJ Maxx, Kohl's, etc) and just be very picky about what you buy but you should be able to come up with a decent and somewhat fashionable wardrobe that you won't feel too badly about letting go when your body changes again.

Good luck to you! Enjoy this time as it goes by SO quickly!

15 years ago

Ellen

Active Member

Hi Anne,

Dresses are so good for this time, aren't they? That one has some great detail to help accentuate the waist. I've bene finding that waist details make a big difference.

15 years ago

naf

Active Member

I found dresses and wrap tops work well, I also liked tunics. I spent on bras every few months as my size changed. When I went back to work, I got a few tops, couple of dresses, a couple of jeans etc. in simple styles and very neutral colors (black, white, dark blue) and I used accessories to add variety to my outfits.

http://www.isabellaoliver.com looks good. They have some really nice stuff that you can wear post-partum as well. Good luck and enjoy your baby

15 years ago

katieck

Active Member

Margo, I totally know where you're coming from. My youngest child is 16 months but I remember the postpartum period quite well. He was born at the very end of March, so by early May I was tired of my "loungewear." I went to Old Navy and Ann Taylor Loft and got some inexpensive items: walk shorts and tops to see me through the next few weeks.

I know it seems ridiculous to buy new clothes that you'll only wear for a short time, but believe me, it's so worth it. I felt like a human being again, and semi-attractive.

15 years ago

MargoRed

Member

Thanks for the encouragement and advice, you guys. Part of my angst has come from the fact that a month or two before I got pregnant I read "The Pocket Stylist" and cleared out my wardrobe of anything that wasn't form-fitting. Now I kind of wish I'd hung on to some of my roomier items.

I'll definitely hit Old Navy or some such store this weekend and get a few basics to tide me over while my body pulls itself back into shape. And thanks for suggesting I hold onto those clothes beyond my postpartum period, since I would like to have another child.

Does anyone have a suggestion as to where to find a tasteful, affordable wrap around dress (preferably not jersey or knit, since those tend to stick to or creep up tights, which are quite necessary here in the fall and winter)? As Angie's noted, skirt lengths have been about an inch too short this year. I'd like to avoid walking around thinking, "This dress would be perfect, if only it was a little longer." Also, it'd be nice to be able to try on the dress before purchase, since I've learned the hard way how easy it is to blow money mail-ordering something ill-fitting. Any national chains to recommend?

15 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

I don't know if anyone already suggested this....but I'd go to a store that sells fashionable denim at cheap prices...like Old Navy. And buy one or two pair of jeans that are snug. This will tide you over with a very minimal investment.

You could also check out consignment shops for the same kind of thing. Even a cheap pair of jeans will make you feel good if they fit you well and are stylish.

15 years ago

Dani

Veteran

Try Ann Taylor Loft:
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/c.....ses#ATLtop

They usually have a decent selection of dresses at reasonable prices. You could also try TJ Maxx or Marshalls or other places like those. Old Navy might be a good choice as well.

15 years ago

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