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by Stephanie Trotta, founder of The Girl Guide
Hi there! My name is Stephanie Trotta and I am a stylist and the founder of fashion and lifestyle blog The Girl Guide. I have spent the last ten years working with women in their closets and helping them achieve their dream look. When it comes to styling I believe two things: 1. That true beauty comes from within, and 2. That feeling comfortable in your own clothes and loving the way you look can help build your confidence and boost your mood.
One of the toughest times in a woman’s life to get dressed is after having her first child. The truth is, for the majority of us, our bodies will never look or feel the same as they did pre-baby and that is OK! You just did this incredible superhero thing and brought a new life into this world – you are a rock star! After I had Luke the biggest change I noticed was in my hips. Nursing helped me shed my pounds and after four months I was able to fit into my pre-baby jeans again. But it was a squeeze and I was uncomfortable. I realized very quickly that my new body and my new lifestyle were going to require an adjustment to my wardrobe. Today I’m taking you through my most frequently asked postpartum style questions and share how you can achieve my go-to “mom style” uniform.
Postpartum Outfit
My advice to new moms is to invest in a postpartum outfit that you can wear once you come home from the hospital. Make sure it’s something that you’re excited about it! This will help you get up, shower, and motivate for the day! The first few weeks are mostly spent at home with the baby, hanging with visitors, or on a coffee run or two. You want to have something to wear that will make you feel good!
Popular Questions About Dressing For Postpartum
When will I be able to wear my favorite pair of jeans again?
I get this question all the time and the answer truly is, every woman is different! There is no formula. For some women, nursing helps and for other, it has the opposite result. The majority of women I speak to end up wearing their maternity jeans for 6-12 months after delivery. Once you are ready to try jeans again, these are my favorite postpartum. I love the brand because their styles are high-waisted and have a nice amount of stretch making them extremely comfortable.
I’m pregnant and my breasts have already gone up two cup sizes. What can I wear/do post-baby?
Almost all women experience a change in their breasts during pregnancy. If you are able to breast feed postpartum your breast size will likely continue to fluctuate. Mine went up three sizes when I was pregnant with Luke and two with Harrison! For this period I suggest v-neck tops like t-shirts, or button-downs.
In the summer I love dress styles that are both flattering and allow for “easy access”.
Pro tip: Stay away from black! You’re less likely to notice things like spit-up and leakage on a lighter colored or patterned blouse.
If you’re returning to work and need something conservative I always recommend a classic silk style.
“Easy Access” Blouses…
The Clean Silk Relaxed Shirt
Everlane
If you’re returning to work and need something conservative I always recommend a classic silk style like this one…
The Jane Blouse
Doen
One of my favorite brands during the first year post-maternity for tops and dresses!
GO-TO Mom Style
Mom’s are BUSY! If you’ve taken the time to shower and eat in the morning that means you now have close to zero time to pick out your outfit before running off to work, school drop-off, or errands. I LIVE in this easy combo: sneakers, jeans, a great tee, and a statement coat. During the winter I add a chunky knit and voila! I wear a ton of dresses in the Spring/Summer, and substitute boots in the winter, but those four pieces are my uniform.
Pro tip: Accessories always fit! Aside from swelling feet during pregnancy, shoes and handbags are a sure thing! This is where I spend the most money and I also see the most reward. A great pair of investment flats or a splurge handbag can make an outfit and will last for years!
My Favorite Sneakers…
My Favorite Coats + Jackets…
My Favorite T-Shirts…
I LIVE in t-shirts. I wear one at least 4 days a week. Under sweaters and blazers in the Fall and Winter and solo in the Spring and Summer. I love t-shirts (long and short-sleeved) for postpartum for a few reasons: They’re easy to wash comfortable, and can be worn back to any bottom. There is nothing like putting on a new white t-shirt in my opinion!
