Getting Dressed When You're Growing (Just Grew) A Human - #6
Part 6: A BIG NIGHT OUT BABY (well, hopefully, without the actual baby!)
This is Part 6 in a series about how to maintain your sense of style, curate the right pieces and feel like yourself when you are growing a human (and after). You can read Part 1 here, Part 2 here, Part 3 here, Part 4 here, and Part 5 here.
Ahhh, the good old wedding or big fete right after you had a baby!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — getting dressed postpartum is really hard. Your body is going to be different, and likely changing a lot over the first several months of postpartum. And, you just went from styling your pregnancy body to getting dressed in a totally different body. It’s a lot. Remember to be easy on yourself. Thank your body for what it’s done - it truly is miraculous!
Even when your body feels weird, (or you feel weird in your body), getting dressed up and going out should be fun! You WILL be able to find something that you feel great in (that’s where I come in!), do your hair, do your makeup, have a few drinks and have yourself a FUN TIME!! Events like these are a great opportunity to focus on yourself and have a little break from the hard work of parenting (especially parenting a baby).
Before diving into the dresses, a few tips:
Number 1: My first tip is to focus on feeling great in whatever you choose to wear. You don’t need to follow a trend and you definitely don’t need to squeeze into a certain size! Focus on finding something that is comfortable, fits and makes you feel like a million bucks! Allow yourself a little splurge on something that fits and makes you feel like yourself! If you can’t splurge, ask friends - maybe you have a friend you can borrow something from. Also Rent the Runway could be a great awesome if you want something really special but don’t want to spend much!
Number 2: My next tip is if you are pumping - no one will care how or to what level you need to undress or disrobe to be able to pump! If you want, bring a scarf or shawl to use as a cover when you pump! If you do want it to be easy, I’ve found a ton of great options, but, I would prioritize your comfort overall! Before you leave for the event, make sure you have all the pumping equipment you need, and then double check. Bring this little bad boy to keep milk chilled if you’re going to be out for more than 6 or 7 hours. When it’s time to pump, grab your pump bag, hit the open bar, and take your pump, yourself + your fresh drink to wherever you are going to pump! I always meet new women pumping in the bathroom - great conversation starter!
Number 3: If you are nursing, and going to actually nurse a baby while dressed up, ruching (that you can pull down to one side), off the shoulder, wrap dresses or something with a true button in the bust is going to be your best friend. Matching sets continue to have a major moment, and the two pieces make nursing or pumping a cinch. Plus, bonus that you can wear the two pieces separately many other times (especially since maxi skirts are so on trend this fall! ) These styles will be the easiest to nurse in and not have to get entirely undressed.
That said, who cares if you have to disrobe in a major wear - I’ll return you to tip #1– wear whatever makes you feel great, even if it’s not the most convenient for nursing or pumping or whatever. You can use a shawl to cover up, or go in a bathroom or private room, or say F it I grew a baby in my body and now Im using my body to feed that baby, I’m not accepting any comments at this time!
I found so many dresses that I decided to organize them into two collages - one with mostly solid color, black & navy blues (a few small patterns, and a second with more statement pieces and lots of color.
Also, a little disclaimer — you should wear WHATEVER YOU WANT WHENEVER YOU WANT. This round up isn’t meant to suggest that other styles are not “good” for postpartum. That said, I am focused on styles that I tend to have found the most flattering and comfortable for me, and, of course, functional — especially if you are nursing and/or pumping! Every piece in this roundup would be something I would want to at least try on postpartum - and I am looking for something that has an interesting or fun neckline, fitted through the bust, and then flowy, flare or body skimming (eg: not tight or clingy) at the waistline and beyond. Most pieces are nursing and/or pumping friendly (I’ve made notes on my thoughts!). I hope you enjoy and find something you are looking for. And if you’ve read and are still looking, reach out on instagram and tell me what you’re hunting for - I will happily help!!!
1: Krista Skirt: A skirt is such an interesting option for a wedding, and you can style it similar to this picture, with a bustier top to be as formal as needed (and then you will wear this over and over again for all different occasions!
2: Puff-Sleeve Mini Dress: If you love a mini, this is so cute - I love the cut and the sleeves - so flattering. Might be annoying to pump or nurse in, but great for postpartum!
3: Floral Maxi Dress: So many moody floral patterns this season and I love them - perfect dresses for a fall or early winter wedding!
4: Reformation Button-Up Dress: A shirtdress, but make it formal enough for a wedding.
5: Denver Dress: This is such an interesting, statement black dress! Untie the straps to nurse or pump!
6: J.Crew Collection Strapless Dress: I love the simple elegance of this dress! Plus, this cupro fabric from J.Crew is amazing!
7: Wrap Dress: Simple, classic, chic and so flattering.
8: Pleated Knit Dress: This is gorgeous for any event in fall and into winter. I love the off-the-shoulder style, and I cannot get enough black dresses right now. Also great for all your holiday or even work events!
9: Knit Wrap Dress: This is a beautiful knit wrap dress that would be so flattering and easy to wear, and, with the right accessories (a gold necklace, red lip & beautiful pair of heels) is totally dressing enough for a wedding.
10: Reformation Andee Dress: So chic!
11: Strapless Corset Midi Dress: A beautiful midi option, with a bodice that would be so flattering postpartum. Just unzip/pull down the top to nurse or pump!
12: Rhodes Dress: Simple yet interesting. Would wear this a million times!
13: Gwyneth Cupro Wide Strap Slip Dress: You might look at this dress and be nervous it’s too clingy, but this material is seriously amazing. Perfectly draping, form-flattering without being too tight or uncomfortable. I have it in the slip dress version and wore it up until 32 weeks pregnant! I love the thicker straps, so cool! (Will note - probably not the easiest to nurse or pump in, FYI)
14: La Ligne Fabiana Dress: The smocked panels, sweetheart neckline and overall cut of this dress makes it so flattering. Pull down to pump or nurse if needed. You will wear this a million times (even if you need to get it tailored in the future!
15: Apron Dress: The back of this dress makes it really special (and also so postpartum friendly!) It definitely skews slightly summery and slightly more casual, but would be great for a late September wedding, and you’ll wear it again next summer!
16: Vivian Dress: I tried this on while pregnant and it fits like a dream. The ruching is nice and tight on the top, but still very stretchy. So, no need for a bra, and you can definitely pull down to nurse or pump very easily. I think this is such a great, classic piece that you can dress up for a wedding or other event, and also wear more casually, so easily worth the investment. Get the look from Tuckernuck for less.
17: Ellie Nap Dress: This dress speaks for itself and I’m obsessed with the darker, moodier florals from the pre-fall collection! You will wear this a million times and feel like a million bucks! I love the tie-shoulder option. The green is also fab. I recommend sizing down, even if you are newly postpartum.
18: La Ligne Anais Dress: Another classic dress. I think the deep V of this would work easily enough for nursing, and certainly easy to pump in, plus not too form fitting!
19: Floral Belted Dress: So ladylike and chic. The notched neckline means you could nurse!
20: Sweetheart Racer Back Dress: This was actually also in my pregnancy event dressing guide - you can definitely wear this before and after. Such an attractive and flattering neckline / bust, and the full skirt is sure to be super comfortable and fun for dancing!
21: Black Floral Maxi Dress: Super flattering fit with a fun, but subtle pattern.
22: Green Jumpsuit: This is fun and unique!
23: Jacquard Open Back Dress: Green (really, in all shades), is having a real moment and this dress is breathtaking.
24: Shoshanna Dress: The button placket on this mini dress make it a cinch to nurse in!
25: Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress: Off-the-shoulder is perfect for nursing or pumping, and I love this beautiful pattern.
26: Pink Wrap Dress: Okay, if you have no budget…PLEASE!!!
27: Watercolor Open Back Dress: Skewing a little summer, but this is so special with the back!!!
28: Tiered Skirt and Top: A matching set is a great choice, and this is absolutely stunning! Wear that skirt all fall long with a long sleeve button down or a cream-colored or navy blue sweater, and the shirt with jeans!
29: Ulla Johnson Smocked Dress: The smocking on this dress and the neckline make it ultra-flattering and it looks especially comfortable.
30: Lace Ribbon Ellie Dress: If you want a Nap Dress in the most dressed up make available - this is your pick! I LOVE the lace!
31: Light Pink Satin Dress: I love how simple, yet totally classic this is.
32: Green Wrap Dress: Obsessed with this.
33: Belted Jumpsuit: I love a jumpsuit, and a jumpsuit with buttons is fantastic for nursing or pumping. Also love the color of this one!
34: Blue and White Square Neck Dress: A super flattering neckline with a full skirt!