Looking Chic After the Baby

Posted Thursday, November 05, 2009 2:43 PM

 by Julie of the popular online blog, I Heart Heels

Let's get real. Looking good, let alone "chic," postpartum is not something any of us preggers gals ever really imagine - just daydream. If you're like me, you picture yourself with no make-up, a ponytail and the comfiest T-shirt and sweats you could dig up from your closet floor. (Hey, they're polka-dot, so that's a start, right?) And most of the time, this is the case. But, what about when you want to step out of the house feeling really good about the way you look? You want to - gasp - look chic??

It will take a few weeks (months!) before you're ready to get your stylista "groove" back. After nine long months of wearing those stretch waistbands and leggings, you might even feel as if you don't have a clue how to dress anymore. And really, dressing to look chic won't come easy in the beginning. You'll have to disguise that slight pooch that still won't disappear (and those super-sized breasts you've inherited don't help at all, either, sigh.). The reality is, most of us will probably be wearing a few maternity items here and there after labor comes and goes. And that's ok.

If you plan your postpartum wardrobe around a few essential items (and nursing-friendly, if you plan to breastfeed), you won't be totally lost, trying to create an outfit from scratch off of no sleep. Invest in just a few key pieces and it will make things easier (and chicer) for you in the long run.

1. Nursing Camisole

This goes at the top of the list - and you should keep at least a few on hand in different colors. Black, white and brown are all neutral colors you can wear with anything, but why not try violet for something bolder? Wear your cami under a cute cardigan, and accessorize with a belt or an extra-special necklace. My favorite is the Double-Neck Nursing Cami from Japanese Weekend ($48). This cami is so soft and comfy, you could literally live in this thing (during pregnancy and postpartum). I already have. Monday, Wednesday and Friday of last week.

2. Wrap Dress

A great wrap dress goes a long way towards chic (and nursing - it's easy!). Diane von Furstenberg invented this style, and it's up to you to carry on the legend of this true statement piece. You can literally wear this on its own, but to dress it up a bit, pair with colored tights and your favorite knee-high boots (or ballet flats). Go all out and style it with pearls or some major bling. I'm loving the Japanese Weekend Luxe Jersey Wrap Dress ($116) because it's comfortable and flattering; the sleeves are just the right length. Black is always slimming, but if you're tired of the classics, venture out and try it in kelly green. You'll feel like an instant hot mama.

3. Maxi Dress

I'm a huge fan of the maxi dress, so when I saw Japanese Weekend's tie dye version for spring ($94), I squealed without abandon. Spring is still a vision out of sight at the moment, but right now you can pair any maxi dress with boots and your favorite blazer. Come warmer weather, bring out the wedges and layer a tank underneath. The empire waist on the maxi is super-forgiving and the fabric is extra-soft. Oh, and did I mention this is also a great nursing outfit? Proof you really don't have to sacrifice your own style. You've already made it to chic - congrats!

Ready to see more? Here's a link to Japanese Weekend.