From the moment you found out you were pregnant, your daydreams were consumed with how amazing it will be to finally hold your little angel in your arms. But, as you near the end of your pregnancy, you also begin to fantasize about what it will be like to have your body (mostly) back. Now that your daydream is finally a reality and you have that sweet face staring up at you, you also realize it may take your body a little while longer to live up to your fantasy. Now, it is all about finding a new normal and enjoying your amazing miracle.
For the first couple of weeks all is fine because you are able to blame just about anything on hormones, lack of sleep and feeling overwhelmed. But as the weeks go on you begin to wonder, “What happened to ME? I still do not feel like myself? I still feel like a frumpy, hot mess!” You begin to long for a bit of style and the confidence that feeling put-together brings to all the other tasks of life. But now, you have no idea where to start – this new little person has taken over every aspect of your life! Your pre-pregnancy clothes may not fit, and even if they did, they certainly are not compatible with your new mom-life. And you definitely don’t have the time or the energy to devote to developing your “new” style. So what’s a new mom to do?
I’ve been this new mom, three times! Here are three things I did to feel like myself again; to feel confident in my new role as mom.
1. Take a Shower
I know, this sounds ridiculously simple, but it makes all the difference. You cannot be confident in how you look when you feel dirty. Make it a priority to shower as often as you did before your baby was born. For me, I showered daily and always in the morning. After having a baby, however, I discovered that taking a shower before bed fit better into my new normal. That way, I was guaranteed a shower because my husband would be home to care for the baby or I could even wait until the baby was asleep. Showering at night became a habit, one that my body soon learned was a welcome sign that sleep was not far behind. This actually helped me relax more and sleep better, plus who doesn’t sleep better when they are clean?
2. Get Ready Every Day
Even if you have no plans to leave the house, get dressed each day in clean clothes. They can be comfortable clothes, but clean clothes that fit your current body well and that you like – even if it is yoga pants and t-shirts, just make sure they are clean. Wearing clean clothes will make you feel so much better. Simplify your hair and makeup routine, but do it every day. A quick face wash, a swipe of blush, lip gloss and mascara helped me look and feel more awake and ready for the day. Even a simple ponytail or up-twist will make you feel more put together. I love putting my hair up with a Lilla Rose Flexi-Clip. They are a fun and pretty accessory that actually makes my life easier!
The honest truth is that no one will really remember your outfit as long as you look clean, dressed and have a smile on your face. Because of this, you only need a few outfits to help you feel confident while you are transitioning into your new normal. You can always add more variety and personal style as you grow into your role as “Mom”. Choose simple, classic outfits that work well for mom-life and that fit your body NOW. Dress your baby in clean, cute clothes (even sleepers and onesies are super cute, easy to find and affordable). Everyone will remark on how beautiful or handsome your baby is and they will say you look great because you’re dressed, your clothes fit and you have a smile on your face!
Remember, you don’t need a whole new wardrobe, just a few outfits that fit your new body NOW. Shopping from the comfort of your home has never been easier. Since many websites offer free shipping and free returns (Target, Old Navy, Nordstrom, Zappos, Amazon, etc), order multiple sizes and return what does not work. Do not feel like you have to spend tons of money either. This is not the time to purchase “investment” pieces that you want to last for years. Now is the time to purchase affordable pieces that make you feel comfortable and help you get closer to feeling like you again.
To help you pull some looks together, here are my four favorite outfit additions for life with a baby.
1. The Poncho
Choose a pair of stretchy mid-rise or high-rise dark wash jeans, your favorite tank and layer a lightweight poncho on top. The poncho hides any lumps and bumps and doubles as a stylish cover if you are nursing! This is especially helpful in the early months when Baby likes to nurse every couple of hours.
A dress is a quick and easy outfit on its own, but can also be layered over leggings to provide more coverage and comfort. Choose a shirt dress with buttons for easy nursing access.
A T-shirt and jeans are everyday comfortable! Find one that is soft, stretchy and boasts a fun detail like a twist or knot front. This draping detail is great for providing a little tummy camouflage. Choose a wrap front style for even easier nursing access.
Layering a cardigan over a fun or basic tee instantly elevates the outfit. Cardigans also offer back coverage when pulling up your tee to nurse. Keeping your tops relaxed and a bit loose can help you hide your mid-section, but balance this with a slimmer bottom to keep things from looking frumpy.
So what are some of your favorite new mom styles? Feel free to share below!
About Beth
I’m a homeschooling, naturally-minded mom of three. I don’t have a natural knack for fashion or style but have discovered ways to dress my body for my life that makes me feel confident so that I can focus on the more important things. Feel free to check out my blog, Turn2theSimple.
Let’s face it, in today’s society, it is TOUGH to be a woman. We are expected to be put together at all times while also running a continuous taxi service for our children and preparing healthy meals for our families. Add in finding time to work out, working full-time or part-time jobs (or both!) and keeping a clean house, all while trying not to lose our minds. Who has time for all that?!
It seems like a woman’s work is never done – because it never is! This is why self-care is so important. If we do not take time out of our hectic schedules to pour into ourselves, we will never fully be able to pour into others. We will also never be able to take care of our families as efficiently as possible. And we most certainly will not have the self-confidence to be the beautiful, vibrant women that God designed us to be. Unlocking this “best” version of ourselves is a process, one I like to refer to as “Becoming Fashionably Fit.”
Becoming fashionably fit is essential because it empowers women to find their confidence and unleash their true potential. The truth is, when we look better, we feel better – it just comes naturally! When you are comfortable in your own skin, your confidence radiates. The glow and enthusiasm for life that surround you are completely contagious. But how do you become “fashionably fit?”
1. Make a List
Writing it out is key to getting it done! Grab your favorite journal and pen and follow these steps.
First, write down everything that makes you feel confident. Is it having your makeup done? A cute, new haircut? Some fashionable new clothes? Whatever it is, write it down.
Then write down all of the things that you enjoy doing in your “me” time. It could be going shopping, working out, reading a good book, visiting a local coffee shop, anything that makes you happy.
Finally, make a list of all the things that you will do to help you become more fit: physically, mentally, spiritually and financially.
Choose a workout that you will actually do. If you hate cardio – do not do it! Lift weights or practice yoga instead.
Read some articles on how meal prep and planning can not only save you time, but also allow you and your family to eat better.
Schedule personal development time each day to invest in yourself and never stop learning new things.
Carve out time for your faith, whether that be a study, a podcast, a book, prayer, meditation or some other form that works for you.
Get in control of your finances. Plan out a realistic budget and stick to it. You will be amazed at how this piece carries over into all the other areas as well!
2. Get Involved
Join a community of other like-minded women who are in the same season of life as you. Getting accountability, support and encouragement from other ladies, not to mention the knowledge you will attain, will help you in more ways than you can imagine. You could look for an in-person group where you meet regularly. Do some research online, talk to your friends and check out local Facebook pages to see what is out there. For all you know, the perfect group is right in your own backyard. Or, you could join an online group and get 24/7 support from your “inner circle!” Lots of online groups feature certain products each month and offer video tutorials on the latest hair, makeup and fashion trends. Some even provide healthy recipes and tips on planning nutritious, “kid-friendly” meals. This makes it super easy to hop on whenever is convenient for you and get caught up on all the latest trends. Perhaps this could be a fun way to spend your “me” time.
3. No More Waiting – Start NOW
Do not put it off any longer. It is time to invest in yourself and remember that you are worth it! You are beautifully and wonderfully made and deserve to feel just as gorgeous as you were designed to be. If you need help getting starting, I would love to have you join the exclusive Fashionably Fit Community!
Now get out there and rock the life that you were designed to live – a fashionably fit one indeed!
About Rachel
Hi, I’m Rachel! I am a wife, a certified nutrition coach and a makeup artist in training! As women, I believe that it is crucial to take care of ourselves – on the outside and on the inside – through nutrition, wellness and self-care. I decided to turn my passion into a career, so I became a nutrition and confidence coach helping other women to become “Fashionably Fit.” I love working with other women to help them to see their full potential and truly feel confident and comfortable in their own skin!
Happy October pretties! This month’s Pretty Fix was inspired by a “secret” capsule wardrobe I’ve been working on for the past month but have honestly wanted to do since my daughter and I went to Paris for her 16th birthday in 2016.
The GYPO French Minimalist Capsule has been under wraps…until today. I wanted to create a capsule that’s classic and timeless with a European flair, perfect for a packing list to Paris or for everyday casual chic sophisticated style – even if you never step foot out of your front door!
This capsule has just 20 classic pieces to create 20 casual chic mix and match outfit ideas. Even if Paris isn’t in your future, this month’s Pretty Fix outfit is perfect for October in whatever neck of the woods you’re in.
October means pumpkins, lattes and sweater weather! No look is complete without the ultimate “outfit completer” – the long cardigan. Try one in a beautiful burgundy shade like this. Here are some other options: 1/2/3
It would be a major faux pas not to include a striped top in a French capsule wardrobe. Look for one that’s fitted like this one for maximum versatility. Shopping options: 1/2/3
Gray skinnies are one of my fall staples. They add more interest to an outfit than basic denim and they go with everything. This shaping pair hugs curves. Try these other shopping options: 1/2/3
This patterned shopper tote stores all of your tourist-y essentials. Even when you’re not traveling, it makes a great everyday bag. Shopping Options: 1/2/3
Think less athletic and more ath-leisure to make black and gray sneakers a truly comfortable style statement! More options: 1/2/3
Get the Look
French Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe
The GYPO French Minimalist Capsule is now available. Sign up now to get your French minimalist shopping list of classic pieces and 20 mix and match outfit ideas immediately. If you’ve ever wanted to build a classic capsule wardrobe, this is the perfect way to get all the tools and resources you need. Learn more and sign up HERE.
Each outfit comes with it’s own French Style Tip of the Day. Here are two sample outfits from the GYPO French Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe.
French Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe Giveaway
I’m giving away two memberships to the GYPO French Minimalist Capsule Wardrobe. All you need to do to enter is follow GYPO on Instagram. It’s that easy! If you’re already a follower, then you’re automatically entered to win. If not, then hop on over and follow HERE!
It’s the day of the week at GYPO where we celebrate what makes us feel pretty. Whether it’s a new outfit, hairstyle, or makeup, the I Feel Pretty link up is about anything and everything that makes your life prettier. Even if you’re not a blogger, you can still play along. Just tell me what made you feel pretty this week in the comments.
Sometimes the word “cardigan” evokes the stereotype that they are only for our beautifully aged grandmothers or the preppy girls from almost every 80s movie. The cardigan, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “a knitted sweater fastening down the front, typically with long sleeves.” The cardigan is a classic, but does not always elicit a feeling of trendiness. However, if you type cardigan into a Pinterest search, you will be bombarded with hundreds of images of cardigans! You will see cardigans of all different colors and styles, with buttons and without, and they not only look gorgeous, but current as well. The reality is that this should not be a surprise. If ladies everywhere are redefining what a grandmother should look and act like, then aren’t they also redefining what it means to rock a cardigan?
Take my mother for example. She is an amazing wife, mother and grandmother. As she has gotten older, she has developed her style and dare I say, she is more stylish than I. One of my absolute favorite things is to go shopping with her and my younger sister. Although we are all different ages and in different stages of life, we can all appreciate a good article of clothing and how it makes us feel. It is not unheard of for all three of us to purchase the same item and style it in our own unique way. And that is what I’ve discovered about the cardigan, it’s all in how you style it. That is why the cardigan is here to stay, it is classic, yet ever evolving.
Below are some of my favorite cardigans that, like grandmothers today, are keeping it classy and redefining the rules!
What is your favorite go-to Cardigan Style? How do you like to wear it?
About Jessica
Jessica is a military wife, married to her husband Nate of 14 years, and stay at home mother to three energetic and fearless children, Sophia, Brandon and Rachel. Originally from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, the military life has given her a chance to live all over the United States and meet many amazing people along the way.
TGIF pretties! Today I’m sharing four more outfit formulas from my fall capsule wardrobe created from pieces in the Fall 2017 GYPO Style Challenge. In case you missed my week one looks, you can check them out here.
If you’ve never joined me for a challenge, the inspiration outfits below will give you a feel for the outfit prompts. You get one of these in your inbox daily featuring that day’s outfit that we style together in our private Facebook group. The shopping list contains all of the links to the pieces to create your capsule wardrobe. Since you already have the pieces in place, getting dressed is the easiest thing you’ll do all day! Just pull out the pieces in the formula and voila – instant fall outfit.
I hope you find some fall fun this weekend to style one of these outfits for! If you’d like to join the fun of the Fall 2017 GYPO Style Challenge, there’s still time. You can still get your shopping list and all 25 days of outfit ideas immediately. Learn more and sign up HERE.
Do you struggle to put outfits together? Are you stuck in a yoga pants rut? Not sure if you can make the latest trends work for you? You’re in the right place!
I’m Alison, a mom of three and recovering yoga pants addict on a mission to make getting dressed and feeling pretty the easiest thing you do all day! Learn more about my story HERE.
I am so glad I was part of the Fall 2019 Style Challenge. It gave me confidence and so many great outfitt ideas. The ladies in the group were very supportive and I will defintetly be doing another challenge in the future.
Betty Weyandt December 20, 2019
I’ve been participating in the GYPO Style Challenges for three years now and I’ve loved it. I’ve always loved clothes, but I didn’t know how to put outfits together. My closet is now full of mix-and-match outfits, I have learned how to dress myself, and there is no more stress in figuring out to wear. The private FB group is full of wonderful ladies that build each other up. It’s so fun and is seriously the best group on FB.
Kirstin Rasmussen November 20, 2019
Get Your Pretty On has changed my life, seriously. I have always chased what is trendy but found from season to season, that things go out of style and I was wasting money on items that I would only end up wearing a few times. GYPO has enabled me to simplify my closet, helps me make smarter purchasing decisions, and I feel so put together and confident using the outfit formulas that are provided. This program is a GAME CHANGER. I've been following GYPO for a few years now and my only regret is not jumping on board sooner.
Michelle Kline November 20, 2019
Great community of ladies, helping each other look stylish, without breaking the bank, and using much of what you already own.
Chosen Faith November 19, 2019
GYPO challenges have been one of the best things I have done! It had taught me so much more than just creating a closet of clothes that I love but also to have confidence in myself, how to pick and choose colors that work for me instead of against, and had given a wonderful community of Pretties who are so special.
Maraline Freeman October 16, 2019
I love GYPO!!! I finally feel put together and stylish! The shopping lists and outfit combinations make shopping and getting dressed effortless.
Krista Probst October 16, 2019
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Hi, I’m Rachel! I am a wife, a certified nutrition coach and a makeup artist in training! As women, I believe that it is crucial to take care of ourselves – on the outside and on the inside – through nutrition, wellness and self-care. I decided to turn my passion into a career, so I became a nutrition and confidence coach helping other women to become “Fashionably Fit.” I love working with other women to help them to see their full potential and truly feel confident and comfortable in their own skin!
