https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 09 Jun 2026 03:52:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-97220 Sun, 27 Sep 2009 02:48:18 +0000 Taffy 97220@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These looser tunic tops bring up a question for me.... how do you layer with them? or are they stand alone pieces? I remember seeing pictures of structured jackets over the top of floaty tops, but is that something that wouldn't flex as well into my smaller shape down the road? I tried my J Crew velvet blazer from last year, but it seemed to emphasize my tummy because it was tight... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-97162 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:54:01 +0000 Dani 97162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hey Taffy! Congrats on the new baby! I bet you really have your hands full So much fun. I think structured items provide a good disguise for the tummy as has been mentioned already. Also, I was drawn to wrap style tops that kind of draped across the mid-section as well. Dresses might be fun now as well. </p> <p>Be sure to take good care of yourself! Glad to hear from you again </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-97155 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:25:07 +0000 Cyndi 97155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on the new baby, what a blessing! My tummy is my rough spot, especially since I'm in perimenopause, so I can relate to your problem. I've found that using a nylon/spandex long cami tends to hold everything in place and keep the lumps and bumps to a minimum. They can also be used in contrasting and/or complimenting colors/prints to bring a little umph of color, also allowing for a button down shirt to be left open with a belt for a whole new look.</p> <p>While I prefer natural fabrics, they don't give the same hold as the nylon/spandex. Keep your eyes out for the full vertical pleated blouses...they form to your shape without clinging. Remember, the more poly/nylon/spandex in a top, the easier it is to wash out what the baby may not keep in (formula wise). I like Larry Levine Signature Collection for the pleated blouses, and they're very reasonably priced. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-97111 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:49:57 +0000 chewyspaghetti 97111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That is the same dress- from Target. Mine still has some on clearance. I love that dress, and it works well for me when my knits failed me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-97105 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:03:04 +0000 anne 97105@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are the 2 outfits I mentioned above</p> <p><a href="http://www.academichic.com/2009/07/23/23-july-2009/" rel="nofollow">http://www.academichic.com/200.....july-2009/</a></p> <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eRwhYQ02aY4/Sq_vA3pZElI/AAAAAAAADJQ/oigNhwfYK4s/s1600-h/9-15-09+outfit.JPG" rel="nofollow">http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_eRwh.....outfit.JPG</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-97078 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:32:59 +0000 Ellen 97078@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations, Taffy! I am about to be in the same style-spot with baby #2, which is due in November. </p> <p>I definitely second the vote on several of those tops that chewyspaghetti posted. Through a little too much trial and error after my first, I finally found that tops such as the lace-trimmed keyhole-neckline blouse worked very well for me. They looked polished, fasionable, and didn't have too many ruffles or gather, which reads 'pregnant', especially with a bit of a belly. When I wore tops in that shape, I always got complimented and asked if I'd lost weight (which is a good thing postpartum!). </p> <p>This time around, I will be focusing on acquiring more of that style of top, since another benefit is that they continue to fit even as the bump smooths out. They have really suited my style (comfortable, loose and flexible, but polished). A cardi and scarf add further personality, layering functionality, and texture to hide baby bumps. For that matter, a well-draped scarf can go a long way for baby belly in many situations! </p> <p>Keep in mind that I'm a rectangle, not a pear, so different proportions might work for you. I did find that a streamlined bottom was key with this look, but I don't have skinnies, I wore slim-fitting bootcuts and that worked well.</p> <p>Also, long boyfriend cardis can be another good streamlining look, as well as woven button-front tops... though those are more pricey I found because the fit needs to be more exact, meaning you can only wear them for a limited time. A knit vest over top can extend the wear time and streamline the midsection, if the shirt fabric is not too bulky. Funk it up with unique jewelry and scarves and you are good to go!</p> <p>Hope that helps! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-97077 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:31:11 +0000 Taffy 97077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone for the encouragement and ideas... I think I just need to be more accepting of the current conditions and bravely go try things I've never tried before!<br /> Thanks for the ideas Chewy, and Anne..that link was perfect. It's so reassuring to know that this happens to everyone! (you'd think I'd know that by #4, but it is suprisingly easy to forget when dealing with your new shape!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-97063 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 13:04:08 +0000 Alecia 97063@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't have much to add on your style question but wanted to welcome you back and congratulate you on the new baby! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-97061 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 12:56:52 +0000 anne 97061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Also Taffy,<br /> Recently a lot of us having been reading a blog called Academic Chic, which includes a women who has just had a baby. (I should warn you that it is her first, and she is in pretty good shape, but worth looking at, neverthless)<br /> Here are "E" thoughts on post baby dressing<br /> <a href="http://www.academichic.com/2009/08/28/4th-trimester-style-minding-the-gap/" rel="nofollow">http://www.academichic.com/200.....g-the-gap/</a></p> <p>There is one outfit she wore that I can't find the link to but looked stunning and which I would never have thought of wearing - a bright shirtdress. Khris (Chewyspaghetti) who gave you all those top suggestions has a similar shirtdress and looks lovely. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-97042 Sat, 26 Sep 2009 09:59:59 +0000 anne 97042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Welcome back Taffy. Congratulations on baby #4!!!</p> <p>I can relate to that feeling of having to change the way you dress because you relied on a slimmer tummy for balance! (That is always how I felt early in pregnancy) How soon post baby are you? Cause the tummy bulge may not last that long.</p> <p>Anyway you are really tall with long legs - I think you could definitely pull off a slimmer jeans cut. And this is a wonderful time to buy voluminous tops and tunics. However I always felt like more formfitting tops just after a baby, for some reason, and if you are the same, go for some with draping, ruching or ruffles, as RoseandJoan said.</p> <p>Also, a skirt or a top with a wide firm waistband or stockings that will hold the tummy in will help too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-96854 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:58:57 +0000 RoseandJoan 96854@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I found draping or ruffles on a top helped to trick the eye that all the movement was fabric and not my postnatal body. If the weather allows I also found sleeveless tops helped to streamline the silhouette. Congratulations on baby number 4! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-96785 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:58:36 +0000 Anonymous 96785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations Taffy. We missed you and it is just so sweet that when you came back you have another baby!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-96780 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:51:58 +0000 chewyspaghetti 96780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Have you tried any of the banded bottom tops? I'm dealing with tummy bulge right now, and I'm finding that at the moment I *must* wear woven tops. Old Navy has quite a few tops that work for me right now:<br /> This style belted got a high mark form Angie:<br /> <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5438&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=675580&#038;scid=675580012" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=675580012</a><br /> They also have it in plaid<br /> <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5438&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=675594&#038;scid=675594012" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=675594012</a><br /> This looks a little better on that laying flat<br /> <a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5438&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=675579&#038;scid=675579012" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=675579012</a><br /> Here are a couple more styles that might work:</p> <p><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5438&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=675578&#038;scid=675578022" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=675578022</a></p> <p><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5438&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=675588&#038;scid=675588012" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=675588012</a></p> <p><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5438&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=675592&#038;scid=675592042" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=675592042</a></p> <p><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5438&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=675564&#038;scid=675564022" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=675564022</a></p> <p><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5438&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=696729&#038;scid=696729002" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=696729002</a></p> <p><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5438&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=696715&#038;scid=696715022" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=696715022</a></p> <p><a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5438&#038;vid=1&#038;pid=698774&#038;scid=698774032" rel="nofollow">http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/.....=698774032</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-96757 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:26:55 +0000 shana 96757@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Taffy, welcome back and congratulations on baby #4! I was wondering what happened to you. I am still fighting the baby bulge (and my "baby" is almost 2) so I can relate. Tops that skim over your midsection would work the best but of course you want to avoid the maternity look which is my challenge. A skinny bootcut or straightleg will work fine if you don't feel comfortable in skinny jeans although you are so tall and have such a great figure, I don't see why you cannot do skinnies - give it a go! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-96703 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 16:09:02 +0000 rute 96703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a pretty pear.. so I can't speak of my personal experience but I just want to welcome you the the YLF and suggest Angie's post on Pretty Pears:</p> <p><a href="http://youlookfab.com/2006/04/21/the-pretty-pear/comment-page-1/" rel="nofollow">http://youlookfab.com/2006/04/.....nt-page-1/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/need-post-baby-help#post-96685 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:28:07 +0000 Taffy 96685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm back from my long lurker sabbatical now that my husband is again gainfully employed and I am no longer pregnant with baby #4. (Who turned out pretty cute, even if I do say so myself!)<br /> So I need some ideas for smart casual outfits....I'm having a hard time working with my chubby tummy. I was a pear before, so now I'm just a larger pear. All of my tops worked with a flatter midsection though, so now they are either too tight, or don't really disguise the excess that is now there. :)<br /> If you are wearing looser fits of tops you need to be wearing skinnier bottoms, correct? Would a boot cut suffice? I must admit I'm not that comfortable with skinnies even in my normal state.... but I could give it a go if necessary. :)<br /> THanks for the help! </p>