Fashion Choices for New Mothers

Fashion is usually the last thing on a new mother’s mind. But as Kate Middleton, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, and now Meghan Markle has shown, moms can look great during pregnancy and after giving birth.

However, it’s not easy to adapt to your new body type, especially because it will keep changing. Glamour asked some of the world’s most stylish women for advice, and Vogue Mexico and Vogue Latin America EIC Karla Martinez de Salas said: “My Alaïa leggings I bought at a vintage shop were my essential during pregnancy”. It is important for expecting moms to find the right clothes that will aid them through this time. Dressing yourself after giving birth can also be tricky, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Here are a couple of fashion choices you can consider:

Stretchy pants and boyfriend jeans

Black leggings and loose shorts with good, quality garters are a great investment. You can get the Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Women’s Maternity Slim Boyfriend Jeans for $46 on Amazon, or the Good American Good Mama The Home Stretch Maternity Skinny Jeans for $159 on Nordstrom. If you love wearing shorts, the Citizens of Humanity Skyler Maternity Jean Shorts for $208 on Shopbop are perfect. These will allow you to move around with ease as you get back to your regular body size.

Breastfeeding dresses and tees

Comfort should be your top priority especially after giving birth. But how do you combine comfort, support, and style? The Insider Picks team from Business Insider found one of the best clothing lines that has redefined maternity wear. Hatch is a brand that offers chic and stylish clothes that you can wear before, during, and after pregnancy. They have slouchy shirts and long-sleeve tees for less than $100—perfect for breastfeeding. They also have comfy polo shirts, V-necks, sweaters, and dresses that will hide the parts of your body that you are not yet ready to show the world, and highlight the parts you’d like to flaunt. The brand clearly understands how a woman’s body changes, and how conscious we are of these changes.

Scarf-style nursing covers

If you’re a plus-size mommy, a scarf-style cover can be your best accessory. Not only are they fashionable, but they’re also very practical, too. Covered Goods Multi-Use Nursing Cover is a good choice for $34 on Amazon. It can be used for multiple purposes as it can serve as a seat cover when you’re not nursing or as a cute infinity scarf for when you’re out with your baby. The Nuroo Nursing Scarf is another good option for $30 on Amazon. It transforms into a shoulder wrap, a shrug, a vest, or even a tunic.

Sweatshirts, vests, and cardigans

It’s a common misconception that chunkier clothes will only make you look bigger. Sweatshirts and cardigans can flatter your ever-changing figure and are perfect for everyday wear. Plus-size outlet Woman Within promote finding clothes that fit, and recommend cozy pullovers and cardigans for comfort. As we have already said, staying comfortable is the number one priority for a new mum, as with everything else going on, the last thing you want to be worrying about is ill-fitting clothes. Verily Mag recommends an open-front sweater from Old Navy or the Matty M Ladies Long Sleeve Tee with Side Zippers, which you can get for $30 from Amazon.

What you wear isn’t the only thing that can help you look good and feel good post pregnancy. On Diary of a First-time Mom we encourage you to get spa treatments, massages, and even a simple manicure and pedicure. These little steps make a lot of difference about how you feel about yourself.