What Do I Even Wear When I Become A Mum?

Our baby hasn’t yet arrived, but I’m already having a bit of a mum fashion crisis. What clothes do I wear after I give birth?! I want to still feel like a person, and very much like myself, but I know I’ll be tired, and just want comfort. Plus if I’m able to breast feed I need to take into consideration clothing that will be easily accessible for that.

I hear a lot of new mums say: “What is my style now?”, ‘Why does everything I used to wear just not feel right?” and “Can I just wear maternity leggings forever?”

The identity crisis of my wardrobe

Becoming a mum is one of the biggest identity shifts you can go through. You’re still you — but now you’re also someone’s entire world. And that shift can turn your wardrobe into a stranger’s house. I’m worried that some of the clothes I loved before still won’t fit (or will take a while to fit), and may just feel too fussy.

Style meets survival as a mum

For a while, practicality takes the lead. And that’s why with Spring in full swing I’ve picked some new items from Cotton Traders which I’m hoping will help.

This time of my life is going to be full of surprises which fits perfectly with their newest campaign called just that.

I needed some more clothes that were comfortable and easy to put on and off (for when I’m surviving on very little sleep). The first item I picked were these jersey denim joggers* (£36) because they’re the perfect combination of ultimate comfort (who doesn’t love an elasticated waistband?!), but also looking a bit more put together with the denim. They’re stretchy and cotton rich and I can just pull them straight on and not have to worry about buttons and zips every time I go to the loo.

For the aforementioned breast feeding I was desperate for some more button up tops. The last thing I want to do is have to completely whip off my top every time I need to feed, or awkwardly push a tshirt up around my neck. So I picked up this broderie blouse* (£42) to add to my collection. It’s got three quarter length sleeves which are my absolute favourites, and a really relaxed V-neck.

So, what do you wear now?

Here’s the truth: there are no rules. You don’t have to ‘bounce back’, overhaul your wardrobe, or wear anything that doesn’t make you feel like you.

Here are a few things I’m aiming for to try and feel good again once baby is here:

• Comfort is not the enemy of style. I’m going to be all about soft fabrics, forgiving shapes, and cuts that flatter me.

• Start with staples I love. One great pair of jeans or a top I don’t hate. I don’t need an overflowing wardrobe, I’m going to go piece by piece.

• Layer like a pro. Cardigans, oversized shirts, jackets — lifesavers for breastfeeding, unpredictable temps, and surprise spit-ups.

• Don’t wait for a ‘target weight.’ I’ve always been a bit larger, and I have no idea what my body is going to look like after birth. So I’m going to focus on my body at the time.

• Find one good outfit. I want to make sure I have one nice dress or evening outfit, so if I do go out I know I have something that makes me feel really good.

I’m still going to be me

The most important thing to remember? I don’t need to “look like I’ve got it all together” —I just need to feel a little more like me. Whether that’s in leggings and a t-shirt, or a dress.

And thanks to Cotton Traders and their full of surprises campaign as I know that’s exactly how the next few months (and years) of my life are going to look.