Mamas, I received an email from reader Vera. She was thrilled with our advice during her maternity leave, writing, "I bought a pair of skinny jeans, some leggings, and then shirt dresses/dolman sleeve sweaters, the Dria cover, some awesome slimming nursing tanks and that pumpkin peel...and actually felt NICE immediately after having baby #4. THAT is awesome - thank you!"
But now she's back at work.
Vera says:
Vera, there are two ways to approach this problem:
1. Buy a ton of cheap stuff
2. Select, very carefully, a few quality items that look amazing and that you can wear over & over & over again.
My issue with buying lots of cheap stuff is that you often sacrifice fit. And when your body is going through so many crazy changes....you'll look and feel better in well-fitting clothes.
However. By choosing carefully, it's possible that you can invest in a few items that will still work once the weight comes off...AND make the most of what you already own.
But I do recommend buying pants that fit. That alone will do wonders for your morning closet conundrum.
So. Here are five items that every new working-and-pumping mom should consider adding to her closet (and they all work together, too!):
Old Navy Bird Print Blouse | Michael Kors Striped Oversized Cardigan
J. Crew Cafe Capri | Express Editor Pant | Nine West Hollyce Pump
1. A Flowy, Printed Blouse
The easiest way to perk up a tired work uniform is to add a pretty blouse. A flowy, silky blouse will skim over a pooch, and unbutton easily for nursing. You can leave it un-tucked to better hide the pooch, or throw on some Spanx and tuck it in, cinching the pants with a belt.
Because this type of blouse is meant to be flowy, even as you lose weight (and milk) it will still look good.
This blouse will pair nicely with either of the pants above, and the nude pumps. Want more ideas?
- Try it with a pencil skirt and wide belt
- Layer it under your work blazer or suit
2. A V-Neck Poncho (Or Over-sized Dolman Sweater)
I'm showing a fairly expensive (yet fabulous) over-sized dolman sweater here, but just about any v-neck poncho would work. Just find one that has clean lines and expensive-looking fabric (I'd probably forego fringe at the office). Ponchos are insanely nursing friendly: layered over a simple v-neck tee you can either lift them up or pull the neckline down.
Vera, you mentioned that you have a Dria cover. Why not wear it to work? The long flowy lines of a poncho will echo the long lines of wide-leg trousers...and be anchored by slim cropped pants. Both silhouettes are fabulous.
Ponchos (or over-sized dolman sweaters) also look great over a slim skirt.
3. Slim, Cropped Pants in a Bright Color
This is the new suit silhouette. Wear these pants with everything, including either of the tops above. And these pants are the best way to show off fabulous shoes at the office (so be sure you are wearing fabulous shoes).
Other ideas:
- These pants make a button-down shirt and sweater combo nerdy-chic
- Tuck in a basic, drapy tee and finish off with a blazer
4. Wide-Leg Trousers
Wide-leg trousers make everything look a bit more elegant, and serve to balance out any top-heaviness. I already mentioned that pairing wide-leg trousers with ponchos is my favorite combination..but you could also try wearing these pants with a slightly over-sized, silky top tucked in and bloused for pooch-hiding (a belt and shaping camis help to hold this look together).
5. Nude Heels
Adding height will always help distract from a larger tummy. And nude heels will be amazing now and into summer. Wear these puppies with everything.
Best of luck, Vera! Hope this helps!
xo,
S
ps. We still haven't heard from Kelly M, our Dansko winner! Kelly M, you have 48 hours to email us Chicky! Otherwise, we'll pick a new winner on Thursday....
