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Postpartum question - how to style a new and changing body

Thistle

Veteran

I am 9 months post partum, and while the scale says I am at the same weight I was before DD was born, my body has definately changed. Fitting into my old clothes is difficult. I was not thin before DD was born, but this is the first time in my life I have had to shop in the women's department versus misses.

Breastfeeding has helped with the weight loss, and I started weight lifting 3 weeks ago. I am hoping to achieve more, but with the coming onset of fall and winter (I live in Wisconsin, it has already dropped into the low 70s) I believe it will be harder. Harder yet when I stop breastfeeding.

I work full time at a desk job, so I have to try to squeeze in fitness. But if it comes to 20 mins on the elliptical or 20 mins with DD, DD always wins. I still miss her so much, but as the primary income, going part time is not an option.

With that in mind, I am trying to decide if I should purchase a quality wardrobe for my new body ( and if so, where do you recommend going), or if I should buy a few inexpensive pieces and plan to only have them a short time. If so, where should I look for these?

I read Angie's post on dressing the body you are in, but I definitely have more fluctuation ahead. Not sure what will happen when I wean DD. Not sure if we will have a second or not. At the same time, I want to look professional. I am much more willing to sacrifice my weekend clothes than my work clothes.

I suppose hardest of all is most things need to be able to withstand a baby. Dry-cleaning is not much of an option right now. And while I try to change clothes when first get home and not getbdressed until right before I leave, I still have drop-off duty at daycare.

Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from Thistle

Scarlet

Veteran

Hi Thistle, I am just wondering in what specific ways your old clothes don't fit anymore? Are they just all around too small or are there certain parts that don't fit (like the shoulders, bust, or hips?). Given that your body is still in flux and you are figuring out your new lifestyle, I would hold off on making big wardrobe investments. I would try to develop some capsules from cheaper lines and try to hold tight for a few more months. You can really elevate cheaper clothes with nice accessories, so maybe focus on shoes or bags for a better quality purchase. Also a beautiful scarf if you are a scarf person.

Anonymous

I have two kids, aged 14 months and 3 years. In my personal experience with both kids, I kept a good 10-15lbs until I weaned, then it started to come off. I am still trying to fit in workouts myself!

I am about 5lbs over where I feel my best, but I know it will come off eventually. The main problem I am finding with my postpartum body is that my ribcage has expanded by at least 2 inches, so jackets and things that used to button don't any more! But eventually that should shrink down.

In my advice, buy a few things to fit your body now, and after you wean and see how your shape changes, you can get a more extensive wardrobe then.

Try wrap tops with rouching, simple trousers,etc. wear a scarf over your shoulders while you drop DD off, that will catch drool and spit ups on your shoulders and you can just take the scarf off and save your shirt!

My key with exercising is to do something while I watch TV (I usually watch 30 mins in the evening). I am trying to get back into running, but like you, winter is coming....I used to ride my bike to work all winter (I have studded tires I put on) but I don't know if that is realistic now

Congrats on your daughter, and working full-time. It's difficult but you will get through it.

Thistle

Veteran

None of my tops fit as my bust has changed so much to feed DD. That may or may not change when she is weaned. To put it in perspective, I went from a 36 DD to a 40F. Tops fit through the arms but are tight across the chestvor just too short (they didn't used to be).

I have no dresses or skirts. I work in a manufacturing company. VERY male dominated, as a matter of fact, I am one of two female managers in a company of 1,300 employees. I have nit worn a dresstonwork in eight years to "fit" in. No heels either. I have fussy feet, and i want to fit in.

Pants don't fit right through the hips. I still have the very soft jelly tummy. Given my age (mid thirties) my body may never "snap" back.

I don't have a tailor, and I did ask around. No friends or family know of one, but then I am not certain that will help. Letting items out seems much harder than taking them in as there may not be enough fabric.

Thistle

Veteran

Any recommendations where to shop? I used to be a devotee of Talbots. A bit more expensive, but their clothes were well made and classic. Cost per wear was reasonable, especially as trousers and jackets have lasted me for years.

Thanks for the insight, Ceit. It just seems more manageable knowing others have gone through the same thing and made it work!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Hi Thistle! Glad you made it over here from the mommy board! As I said in your other thread there, I went through the same exact thing with my body changing after pregnancy and nursing. Feel free to look through my blog (http://goldenpig.lookfab.com/) for ideas...I completely revamped my work wardrobe to fit my new apple body over the course of the past year. Have a look at Angie's posts on capsule dressing (http://youlookfab.com/2012/03/.....y-outfits/ and http://youlookfab.com/2012/03/.....t-capsule/ for example)--I think it would be a good idea to start with buying just a few pieces that can are remixable, and if your weight fluctuates you can always have them taken in and/or buy more clothes in your smaller size.

As for where to shop, I like to buy things on sale at Nordstrom and Anthropologie because they have really generous unlimited return policies--it's good to know I can always return things if I decide later that they don't fit me or my style. I found a lot of nice work pieces at White House Black Market and they're always having sales too. Ann Taylor and Banana Republic are great for workwear and have frequent sales. Gap, H&M, TJ Maxx and sometimes Target are where I go to find less expensive basic clothes.

Also, are you sure you can't wear skirts or dresses with low heels or flats? For the longest time I also wore mostly trousers with clogs to work. I finally realized that you can dress like a woman and still look and feel powerful. You don't have to dress like a guy to fit in. If you dress nicely and feel and act confident and friendly, people will accept you whether you're wearing pants or skirts. I dealt with these dilemma too as I'm the only woman in my practice--all the other doctors are men. But I decided to find my own style (which turned out to be rather ladylike) and my patients and coworkers still think I'm competent even in my skirt and heels. Just a thought, anyways. You should feel free to wear what makes you feel happy and confident!

Good luck and welcome to YLF! You'll have fun here!

Anonymous

It's really tough dealing with a pregnant and then post partum body. I remember feeling like an alien. But you can do this, and we want to help!

It's been a very long time since I had babies, and I don't work, so I can't be helpful with specific places to shop, but I would just get a few pairs of washable mid-priced trousers to hold you over and 5 different tops. Instead of a blazer (which is more expensive and has to be dry cleaned) can you wear a cardi until your body decides what size and shape it's going to be? Angie has an excellent post on a minimal work wardrobe:

http://youlookfab.com/2011/03/.....-for-less/

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I have found that the editor trousers from Express worked well for me; no baby-having experience, but I recently gained some weight and wanted to find some inexpensive, comfortable trousers for work. I believe they are machine washable as well, although I haven't seen all the fabrications.

Traci

Veteran

I'm in WI as well! Just west of Milwaukee. I tend to have my alterations done at the dry cleaners. They have a lady who pins and then they send it out to be sewn. So far I've been mostly pleased.

I'm becoming a huge fan of nordstrom's online shopping due to their simple returns.

If definitely consider adding dresses. They can be way more forgiving to weight fluctuations and way comfier than slacks with a waist band.

Anonymous

I've been there 5 times, and with each child my body changed that much more! My ribcage is wider after 5 children, my hips are wider, I have a belly that I never had before children. My bust has grown unbelievably! Realize that in some ways your body will never be the same, even if you lose more weight. I had my first 3 children in 3 years so you can imagine that sleep, not fashion, was foremost on my mind, but I suggest you invest a bit (not a lot) in some clothing that makes you feel beautiful and glamorous right where you are at now. Then as you see results that you are happy with reward yourself with better things! If you are anything like me and have child after child you just get used to the up and down of it all. My youngest is nearly 4 now and my body is still not where I'd like it to be, but I figure if I have to get dressed every day anyway, I might as well look great!

christieanne

Veteran

Hi and welcome!
I remember those body changes and feeling frustrated with myself but really, in the big scheme of things, it's not the size that matters so much so please be gentle on yourself.

As far as transitional clothing I would recommend some ponte slacks. I like Lands End and they carry misses up to 18 and also plus sizes. Easy to order online and you can return to Sears store or even shop Lands end in some Sears. Great quality.

I wear a G cup and it is hard to find tops that fit for sure. I know those wrap styles are recommended for nursing but when you are full busted, they aren't always the best for modesty. What about a nursing cami under a button up tunic or blouse? Or something loose fitting on the bottom that you can lift easily?

I wouldn't worry about too much variety - maybe go for solids that mix and match and add some accessories - that way you won't get bored but also won't be investing in things you may not wear too long.

Congratulations on your new adventure And welcome to YLF.

Thistle

Veteran

Thank you all for your kind words and help!

I am really trying to wrap my head around this capsule idea, and it is hard. Imdon't know why, but it is not clicking easily. Hopefully with time and practice.

I did try some shopping yesterday, but so hard even with DH watching DD. I got about an hour of shopping done before he was looking for when I'd be home.

I thank you for the recommendation. I will try Land's End. I can always have the items shipped and return what doesn't work.

Hmmm, dresses easier for weight change. I will have to think some on incorporating those.

Anonymous

Thistle -- online shopping was my friend with a small baby (and even now) --- finding the time to get to the store was impossible sometimes. So I would order lots of potential items and then try them on at home -- much less stress, plus the bonus of seeing how things work with your existing wardrobe right away!

Many stores offer free shipping and free returns, so you aren't eating a lot of costs for the convenience.

cciele

Veteran

Hi Thistle -- I'm totally nodding my head, reading about the postpartum body! I have two kids, 9 and 7, so I am out from that stage. My weight is approximately normal but my body shape has forever changed, due to child birth and also the onset of middle age. My rib cage is wider, my lower belly larger, my waist much larger, boobs about the same (but less perky, whee!). Yet through a great exercise program, I'm more muscular/fit than I have been in a long time.

So I've basically had to rethink the way I dress, to fit my new body shape. During the transition, I wore a lot of tunics/voluminous tops over leggings. Ponte pants also work well -- they are knit and forgiving. Short cropped jackets over longer tops/sweater. I also liked empire waist tops but don't know if those would work for your body.

I'm also a big fan of stores with free shipping both ways. Excellent for a busy mom!

Thistle

Veteran

I am definatle a pretty pear. I have been reading through the body type outlines, and it sounds like my aversion to dresses has not done me any favors.

With DD, it is hard to get out to try anything on.

I also have to admit I hate shopping. I used to shop twice a year one in June for summer items and once in December/ January for winter.

Unless I learn to belt, I know voluminous tops make me look messy. They come off the chest and hang straight down.

Empire waists can look nice, depending.

I need to learn more about this ponte knit! I did some googling, and it sounds like a miracle fabric.