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Post Pregnancy Fashion Tips

August 23, 2012


SIZE & FIT
9 months of a growing belly doesn’t pop back instantly after poping out the babe (if only, right? that’d be the best push present EVER). Doesn’t mean you need to frump it until that glorious day your stomach decides to shrink. For one, buy maternity nursing tops. Heck, pack it in your hospital bag to wear on the way home. I wore mine under everything for the first 2 months. Still do if something is extra snug in the mid section.

Focus on tops that are roomy but still flattering: tunics, baby-doll tops (tight with empire waist and flowy on the bottom), and slouchy boyfriend tshirts (not literally a guys top…you know what I mean). The point being, tops can be “big” but still fit. Does that make sense? This top (pictured) has definitely gotten its fair share of use. I love how it fits my shoulders but is roomy everywhere else. Pair it with fun accessories, a wedge or flats, and tighter leggings, jeggings, or even your recently retired maternity skinny jeans (lets be honest, you’re the only one that will know they’re maternity. there’s no shame in it.)

Fall/Winter Variation: Tunics are a year round item, thank heavens. Look for sweater ponchos and oversized cardigans. Remember to pair them with tighter pants!


PLAY WITH PATTERNS
Patterns are a simple way to play hide & seek with a post prego belly… they have this amazing ability to camoflauge the bulge if done correctly. When I saw this dress, which is just as eye-pleasing as that plus size dress for prom, my first reaction was, “That’s seriously loud. OOo, loud enough to distract? It’s perfect!” And it’s been my favorite dress this summer. Stripes in bold colors, color blocking, even polka dots and plaids will all help keep your tum-tum from being center stage.

Fall/Winter Variation: Try a sweater dress with knee high boots, scrunchy knee socks, and a cowl or infinity scarf. For prints & patterns, again, look for sweaters that distract (and no, blinking rudolph sweaters don’t count).


DEPTH AND TEXTURE
This next tip is cousins with size and fit. They’re similar but different enough to pay notice to each. Look for tops and/or dresses that have multiple layers or that combines mixed materials. Given the thin material, this top (pictured) could potentially rave havoc on the mid section. But the large ruffle down the middle makes it completely wearable and flattering for any body type. The already layered look, lends itself to more layers (hence the blazer. The slouchy pockets repeat the depth of the ruffle… Yes?) See… I knew you could do it! Pair it with a tighter flared jean and you’re set!

Fall/Winter Variation: Blazers will be your friend. Swap out the light weight blouses for lace. It’s going to be spot on this season and will provide the depth and texture you’re looking for.

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OUTFIT DETAILS

Polish: Orly in Passion Fruit

Faux Tummy Tuck: SPANX ‘Thinstincts’ Camisole

Look 1: top – HM (spring/summer 2012), Jeggings – AF, Wedge – Coach, Watch – Michael Kors ‘Large Gold Runway’ Watch, Bracelets – JCrew, Necklace – gifted

Look 2: dress – HM (spring/summer 2012, studded pumps – Simply Vera Wang (Kohls), cardi – BP. Classic Crewneck Cardigan (Juniors), Bracelet – F21 (old), Necklace – Lucky Brand

Look 3: blouse – windsor store, slouchy blazer – F21 (old), jeans – hudson, necklace – F21

 

  • Danielle F. August 23, 2012 at 10:21 am

    Love all of these outfits! I cannot get enough of the gold necklace in your first outift. I have been looking for something like that FOREVER! I wish I knew where that was bought from. It would go awesome with anything Nautical for summer.

  • Michelle August 23, 2012 at 10:55 am

    You are one talented lady my love πŸ™‚

  • Hailey August 23, 2012 at 11:53 am

    Thank you so much for these! I love, love, love the looks. I am attempting to get comfortable in front of the camera. As another nursing mom getting used to my new body shape that way too is difficult. I love your style.
    I think I remember you saying you are in the {cool} family as am I, I just love the Urban Decay Naked ll palette if you don’t already have it. Good neutral colors for a cool girl.

  • Brooke August 23, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    Love the idea of all these looks except what about us mommies that grew in the leg area? I was super tiny before getting pregnant but now although I’ve shrunken in the mid-section… the weight I’ve gained is in the leg/thigh area… so pairing with skinny jeans or tighter pants is a definite no go for me! What do we do then?

  • jaclyn August 23, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    Thank you for the styling tips!! I love the jeggins!! I think I might just have to order a pair πŸ™‚

  • Ali August 23, 2012 at 3:02 pm

    I love this post! At 7 months pregnant and still trying to fit into my non-maternity clothes I’ve been wondering what the next few months (pre & post baby) will look like on me! It’s amazing how much better I can feel when I’m confident in what I’m wearing. Thank you so much for sharing! Love your blog and outfits. πŸ™‚

  • dana a. August 23, 2012 at 3:27 pm

    Never commented before but I love your blog! What I really need is your fashion sense, lol, I am horrible and just wear jeans and a shirt. Thanks for the ideas!

  • Marlene August 23, 2012 at 3:37 pm

    even though my post pregnancy days are long behind me (my youngest is six now!), I found this post wonderful and inspirational for someone who may have enjoyed the summer merriment a bit too much…..ahem. Going to use these tips until I can get back into fighting shape! Wonderful post as always. So excited to see a fashion post again!

  • Linsey August 23, 2012 at 5:06 pm

    I love all of your fashion advise! I am not a post prego mom,, just a little self conscious about my mid section.. so thank you so much for all of the amazing advice πŸ™‚

  • Bri August 23, 2012 at 9:26 pm

    this tips come very handy for me now! just had my baby 6 weeks ago…thanks!

  • Stefanie August 24, 2012 at 2:35 pm

    I’m new to your blog and I am loving it! Quick question, what type of Spanx tank top do you recommend? I know they have several types (Slimplicity Cami, Slimcognito tank, etc. ) Thanks!

  • KriSta August 24, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    I so appreciate the effort and honesty you put into this post. I just had my second child too. She’s one month, and I get so frustrated with what to wear. Not many bloggers are this honest and helpful. Thanks for being real. Oh, and you look gorgeous!

  • Marie-Eve @aprettynest August 24, 2012 at 10:41 pm

    Great tips ! I’ll remember them for the next time I’m not pregnant anymore again !
    My Blog – A Pretty Nest

  • Allyson August 25, 2012 at 2:42 pm

    Missy, you are the cutest thing ever! Love the outfits! The sea green blouse is my fav!

  • Mary August 30, 2012 at 9:09 am

    hey Missy love this post:) what size did you get in the h&m tunic? thanks for the great tips!!

  • Kira H. September 2, 2012 at 1:25 am

    Love these tips and your style! I am at 14 weeks post baby #2 and my belly is wayyyy bigger this time around and doesn’t seem to be budging, so I am glad to hear about your tips. Maybe it will help me get of the sweat pants I wear every day πŸ™‚

  • Amanda October 4, 2012 at 8:42 pm

    Thank you so much for posting these tips! My son is 9 weeks old (omg time flies) and I’m a petite lady! 4′ 9″ and it’s difficult for me to dress my body anyway so these tips are really helpful with the little bit of weight I still have on my tummy!

  • Melany October 5, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    Hi there suga!

    I just wanted to say thank you for this post! I’m really struggling lately with my body (had a teary about it this morning), I am over weight, and I did just give birth to twin boys 10 weeks ago, making that a total of 5 kids at age 30 (crazy house I tell ya), but I am determind to at least LOOK decent!

    I’m telling myself ok, you’re over weight & if I jumped out of a plane my twin tummy skin would flare out and save me and I would glide to earth safely… but you dont have to dress like a boof head! (sorry Australian term for frumpy boring bogan person lol)

    Today I bought coral shoes with bows, a matching handbag and some $3 gold earrings to pair with my skinny leg MATERNITY jeans, and honey, it looks GREAT! I watched your make up video and did my face up and dang it I got my hear curler out and did me a fancy do !!

    But thank you, from one LDS Mumma to another … your site has been a breath of fresh air when I needed it.

    Much love, Mels

  • mydie June 24, 2014 at 9:15 am

    love the look you have achieved. hope i can do the same for me… especially now i have gained more… thanks for the pictures and advice.. πŸ™‚ hope you can post more pics post pregnancy look πŸ™‚