A sweet reader Alexis (who also happens to be a college roomie of mine!) asked TAGG to help her (admittedly, she asked a little while ago and I’m slacking!) with this: following the birth of her adorable little boy she’s feeling challenged by her post-baby bod. I can sympathize. I feel like that more than two years later! It can be hard enough to find time to hit the gym pre-baby, so adding that little bundle can definitely make it a challenge to get back in shape.
Take advantage of a six tips to dress a post-baby bod, relevant to anyone a little uncomfortable where their bod is at this moment, which can make you feel great even if your body is not exactly where you want it.
Steer attention and interest away from your mid-section with pretty details and embellishments around your neckline. This can be a blouse with detail or consider a major statement necklace (you all know how I feel about my bubble necklace!). Interesting details really draw the eye up (and baby mamas: having those bigger boobs doesn’t hurt with this either!)! Not big on embellishments? Do something fun with this distracting — yet adorable! — polka dot pattern (size up) for just $15!
This is a style essential. Opt for darker pants, jeans, linen pants (many have comfy fold-over waistbands) or breezy skirts and then keep the colors lighter on your top half. It’s another trick to draw the eye up and perform some style + camouflage magic. If you’re up for it, add a bit of a heel or wedge; the extra height will provide the illusion of a longer, leaner frame. Try these linen fold-over pants in navy, for example, that you can wear forever.
Man, this thing was my bff during pregnancy and for a long time afterward. It’s comfortable, flattering, easy to wear with a baby (dresses above the knee always make it hard for me to maneuver with my girl!) and you can style them up or down. And, by maxi, I mean the dress or skirt version! Layer with a fitted denim jacket, add some bangles, metallic sandals and you’re off. A working mom? Look for maxis with a pattern, or toss on a cardigan or light-weight blazer to make it more office appropriate. Try this cute slouchy maxi dress, this plus-sized maxi skirt or this hunter green maxi skirt great for transitioning for fall. And, do not miss this obsesh-worthy mint maxi that’s a Parker look-a-like for way, way less, and this printed asos dress (mah-jor sale!)
Are you working on getting back to your pre-baby body but feel like nothing fits? Of course you don’t want to be in your maternity wear every day, so buy a few key pieces at places like Old Navy, Target, Loehmann’s, TJ Maxx, etc., where you can get great, on-trend items without breaking the bank. Need bottoms that button? Go for a skinnier pant and wear a blousier top so you can conceal what you need without going too baggy all over. I’m a huge fan of Old Navy skinny jeans and for work pants (or just non jeans), I’m hardcore in love with these Mossimo pants at Target. I own three pairs! No joke.
Woohoo, you squeezed into pre-baby jeans. Stop, look in the mirror and be honest. We’ve all done this. Worn a pair or pants or some piece of clothing simply because we are just thrilled it fits. But does it really? If you have the dreaded “muffin top” or can’t sit down without feeling uncomfortable, hold off. It’s too hot for exentsive shapewear for daily wear and who wants to feel this miserable during all day? Wear a few of the above mentioned items, keep eating healthy, getting some exercise and those clothes will be perfect soon enough.
My goodness, you just had a baby! I can relate: you want so bad to have the body you had before you carried a human being in your belly. Umm, do you realize the magnitude of this?! Chill, find something that fits — IGNORE WHAT THE SIZE IS ON THE LABEL — and feel proud of what you accomplished and the gift your body afforded you. Many women would give anything to have this opportunity. Embrace those gorgeous curves!
