what to wear: new mom wardrobe
26. Jan, 2009 by Teresa Morisco 
13 Comments
A Reader Asks:
Please help the new mommies out there. I am an executive that recently had a baby. Never thought I would be a walking “What Not to Wear.” I have a work wardrobe but do not have clothes that are attractive and “baby friendly.” Are there staple pieces that every new mommy should have that can be spit on but still look casual but attractive?
Looking forward to not wearing t-shirts, jeans, yoga pants and sweats.
Wardrobe 911’s Style Prescription:
Dear New Mom,
First off, congrats! There are some great pieces out there that every new mom should have that are stylish…and washable! Start with getting some great bottoms like a stretch jersey skirt (wash on the delicate cycle) and some soft stretch bootcut twill pants. And although you don’t really want to wear jeans, I think having at least two pairs of dark-wash jeans that flatter your figure are key in looking great and feeling comfortable.
Here’s an outfit to get you started on developing a great, casual mommy wardrobe. The dark wash trouser jeans are a bit more dressy than your basic 5-pocket version and the sizes come in 0-20 with a price that is perfect for budget-conscious moms.
Start adding to your top collection a range of supima cotton jersey tops such as this one by Ella Moss. The style is flattering and looks great on rectangles and moms that still want to hide their tummy. Add some cute and colorful flats
for all the running around that you’ll be doing. Since wearing long or hoop earrings can be a dangerous proposition around curious hands, try a wide bead bracelet
that is colorful and sits close on the wrist.
If you’re running out for a play date, be casual chic in this fab trench that looks great with jeans and trousers. Fill a fun floral print tote with all the neccessities and you’re off to a great start.
Moms — what are your favorite pieces to wear?
Teresa,
I love that outfit. I am always looking for a great trench. I am a rectangle, but the trenchs I tried always look to boxy or square to me (I even tried this one. What would be an alternative, or what do I have to look for in the fit?
My wardrobe building pieces are the bottoms, just as you mentioned great fitting dark wash jeans and stretch cotton twill bottoms. I also do white jeans because they are easily cleaned.
Right now I wear sweaters over a shell, or a structured knit top.
I think a great place to show one’s unstoppable style is the handbag/purse. I find that they don’t get babied, as the clothes do, and if I’m having a not good looking day, the purse still looks great and makes me feel great too.
Hello!
Check out this blog:
http://www.mywardrobetoday.com/
She just had a baby, but she chronicled what she wore through her pregnancy, and I’m sure she’ll keep pointing out what is working and what isn’t as baby gets bigger
Having a baby doesn’t have to ruin your style! I have 3 little ones of my own ranging from 6 mos to 6 years and if your clothes get dirty, you wash them! I love my dark denim jeans. I have several pairs and live in them. I think dark denim makes you feel much more put together. I also love my Michael Stars tees. I just think a nice quality fitted tee is very flattering.
I have little ones and I know how hard it is to find something that you can wear that does not make you look frumpy. I found a great pair of rayon dress pants that look great, cost less the $15 and no matter how yucky they get from the little ones, a damp wash cloth usually cleans them right up while I am wearing them. Before kids most my clothes were dry clean only. Now if it is not machine washable I do not own it.
I love how you always mix great colored shoes with various colors in the clothes. It always looks great together and is not something I would always think to do. Thanks for all the ideas!
Teresa,
I love the trench, but I never seem to be able to find ones that flatter me. My waist is the smallest (and perhaps only small) part of me, and I always feel like the tie adds bulk. However, as a petite slight triangle w/ a reasonably sized bust, I don’t want anything to look boxy. For years I have wanted a trench but have not been able to find one that works. They always look bunchy and I feel like something about trench coat belts makes my waist look thick. What am I doing wrong? Are there specific ways I need to tie/buckle the belt?
Thanks!
Karen
great advice Annie and amcgowan! sounds like I need to do a post on trench coats for each body type! stay tuned for that one gals. Thanks for sharing the link to Aly’s site Bridget! OMG – her labor sounded like a nightmare. Looking forward to hearing about her post-maternity outfits.
Hi Teresa,
The flats are not available in my size. What color would work with this outfit? I am not good in picking the right colors. I love the bead bracelet so I would go for red or orange?
Thank you for that great post.
In attention to trouser jeans, I find that pants made out of either a nice corduroy or soft washed velvet are great in the winter. Washable, kid-friendly, but a step up from loungewear.
In the summer, my wardrobe staples are cotton or linen skirts with a simple scoop neck or boatneck tee. Denim jacket if it gets chilly. Flats or sandals to keep up with the kids!
It does take more thought post-baby, but I finally feel like I have a working wardrobe again.
Thanks for the posts for pregnant ladies and new mommies!!
Hi. I’m the reader who asked the question. Do you ladies have more leads on where to get those nice looking, washable cotton tops? Or those lovely sounding cotton, linen skirts and scoop neck shirts? I recently discovered Boden, but am looking for other places to shop as well. An eye towards reasonable cost would be appreciated as well, given that it feels like I’m changing tops 2x a day some times!
[not that I would trade it for anything in the world!]
Nicole: try a fun, complementary colored shoe such as red, pink or orange. Or you can do it in navy or purple and try a purple bracelet to match.
New Mommy: try Nordstrom’s Classique Entier line or Three Dots for great tees. Three Dots is at Zappos. And believe it or not, Target has some cute tees. Also take a look at the skirt on this post: http://www.wardrobe911.com/2009/02/what-to-wear-versatile-outfit-for-the-40-gal/