They often call the couple of months after you have a baby the “fourth trimester” because your body, while no longer pregnant, is still a far cry from what it was before sperm met egg. While it’s not always the most fun to get dressed during this time, to me it’s not the most challenging. For me at least, in those first couple of months if it doesn’t have an elastic waistband, it ain’t happening. Despite my lack of athleticism I embraced the athleisure trend fully and unapologetically during my most recent “fourth trimester.”
What I find trickier is the time after that; when you want or need to wear pants of the non-yoga variety, perhaps even a pair that buttons and zips. Maybe you’re going back to work and need to look professional, or you’re just tired of looking like you just got back from a workout.
I struggle with this in-between time, because while most of my regular clothes technically fit, they don’t fit quite like they did before I was pregnant. Here are a few tips that help me dress my postpartum body comfortably and confidently.
{embrace new silhouettes} I’ve never been much of a tunic and leggings wearer. That’s just not usually my style. However, lately I’ve found myself gravitating towards tunic tops because the longer length takes the focus away from my mid-section (not my fave right now) and because they’re easy to wear to pump or nurse in. In the past, I may have looked right past a black tunic like this cute one from Tobi (which is technically a dress, but it’s a little short for me). I’m glad I didn’t though–it’s such a versatile, comfortable piece.
Black tunic: c/o Tobi | jeggings: Loft | earrings: Nickel and Suede | necklace: Mama and Little | boots: Target
{make favorite styles work} Trying new things is always a good idea, but sometimes you have to go with the things you know you love. I love dresses, although not all my pre-pregnancy dresses work for me right now. I need options that are nursing/pumping-friendly, and I don’t want anything too fitted at the waist. Luckily there are many options that still fit the bill, from loose swing dresses to shirt dresses, like this fun plaid one from Tobi.
Cardigan: c/o Tobi | plaid dress: c/o Tobi | earrings: Nickel and Suede | boots: DSW
{accessorize creatively} When I’m not sure what to wear, I have a few go-to combos that always work. One such look is the loose tee + cardigan + ponte pants or skinny jeans combo, which I wear a heck of a lot. Luckily, by changing up my accessories (I hope) I don’t look like I’m always wearing the same thing. Right now I can’t get enough fun printed scarves or bold leather earrings.
{have fun with layers} I’m a big fan of layering, especially right now. A top outer layer, like a blazer or cardigan, helps me feel more put-together. And just like changing up your accessories, adding different cardigans and jackets is a way to make my favorite gray tee + pants combo feel fresh.
Cardigan: Gap Outlet | gray tee: c/o Tobi | ponte pants: Express | earrings: Nickel and Suede | scarf: J. Crew via ThredUp | flats: Target
{wear what you love and don’t dwell on your flaws} I feel like this is the most important thing to remember. I know we all know this, but our flaws are so much more noticeable to ourselves than they are to others. Your body carried around a little human for 9 months, cut it some slack! Just wear the things you love and don’t worry too much about anything else. Life is too short!
What are your tips for getting dressed when you don’t love your body’s current state?
I collaborated with Tobi on this post. All opinions expressed are my own.
