When you’ve been living in sweatpants and adjusting to your ever-changing new-mom body, it can be hard to re-find your fashion groove. Here are 10 outfit staples (from bras and tanks to pants and even a bag to complete your look) for new moms to help you feel like yourself again—and like one hot mama.
Kut from the Kloth Jeans with FAB AB Technique
Kut from the Kloth
You may already know Kut from the Kloth for its figure-flattering jeans in stylish washes. The company has now introduced a new innovation, the FAB AB technique, that can give you a slimmer shape. Available in two styles—the Diana relaxed fit skinny and the Mia slim fit skinny—this new style boasts flatter front pockets and soft, stretchy denim to show off your curves and flatten that postpartum belly.
CozyChic Lite® Circle Cardigan from Barefoot Dreams
You may have seen the Barefoot Dreams circle cardigan all over Instagram fashion accounts, and for good reason. It's the softest, coziest cardigan out there, and it drapes well on any shape. Perfect for lounging around the house and a chic topper for running errands, the circle shape can be worn as open or closed you like. Available in neutrals and rich shades.
Zip. Cinch. Lift. That's how easy it is to get a perfect fit from the Shefit Ultimate Sports bra. This ingenious sports bra zips up the front so it's easy to get on and off (no more getting stuck while pulling a sweaty bra over your head!). You then cinch it in the back and lift the shoulder straps to where you want them. Great for new moms whose weight is changing, and super great for nursing moms, who can feed their littles and get back to their workout in a flash. Available in maximum, high and low impact versions and a rainbow of colors.
Available at shefit.com, $38-$69, depending on style.
Spanx Faux Leather Leggings
Faux leather leggings from Spanx made a big fashion splash last year, and they now come in flashy new colors such as bronze metal and crimson. The best way to get out of a fashion rut, they hit at your natural waist (no muffin top!) and feature a high, tummy-shaping waistband. Plus, they make your exits look as great as your entrances. Available in XS (size 0) to 3X (size 26-28) and petite sizes.
Nursing tanks offer benefits over nursing bras: They shape your belly and let you skip a layer when getting dressed. This cotton/spandex one from Bravado is nice enough to wear under an open cardigan or button-down shirt. It features a full-support bra with easy-open nursing clips and removable foam inserts for shaping or discretion. If you're not nursing, it's soft and comfortable enough to sleep in.
If leggings seem too revealing or uncomfortable, opt for looser-fitting joggers. Drawstring waistbands are forgiving, and this pair has an easy fit through the hips and thighs. They're made from soft brushed fleece and have on-seam pockets, which are super handy for holding pacifiers, bottles or your phone when you're carrying baby. In addition to black and gray, these come in blue, cream and a bright red, a welcome change from all of your black maternity pants.
A longer-line, loose-fitting, structured blouse like a tunic or this dandelion print top from Boden helps you look put-together with minimal effort. Look for a machine-washable fabric so you don't have to worry about dry-cleaning. Made from drapey, washable viscose, this top features gathers at the waist and buttons halfway down, which is handy if you're nursing. Pair it with jeans or leggings and cute flats.
When it comes to bras after baby, we need all the support we can get. Literally. Behr Bras are made from nylon/spandex fabric with four-way stretch that supports your changing shape. They're also moisture-wicking, odor- and fade-resistant and sport one-handed nursing clips for easy on and off. Best of all, they break out of the usual nude, white and black color choices with bold, fun colors and prints, so you can dress your chest in something as cute as you'd choose for your baby. Available in nursing and non-nursing styles.
Calling all C-section moms! Protect your incision area with these high-waisted briefs made from a moisture-wicking, breathable fabric with silver-infused fibers to help eliminate bacteria and odors. The compression fit and fabric can help reduce swelling and ease discomfort, and prevent clothes from rubbing against your scar. Available in nude and black, size small (4-6) through XL (16-18).
Carrying a baby, and all the gear they require, can do a number on your back. So the body-hugging teardrop shape of the Healthy Back Bag is a big winner for new moms. It contours to the curve of your spine to distribute weight evenly and minimize strain in the back, neck and shoulders. And it has interior and exterior pockets for your stuff and baby's. Wear it cross-body or throw it over your shoulder. Available in a variety of colors, sizes and fabrics.
