I’m all about repurposing wardrobe favorites and bringing in special extras on an as-needed basis. Before I became a mom, that meant splurging on the occasional white leather skirt or sky-high heel. And while I do earnestly hold out hope that I’ll eventually wear the leather and the stilettos, in the meantime I have to be real. There’s a seven-month-old on my hip at all times and the summer sun is scorching. Life throws you babies, and you figure out how to create a chic new look, no matter the temps. So, here are five summer style staples for new moms just like me:
If this hooded caftan by Skin doesn’t scream “first summer as a mom,” I don’t know what does. $158, ShopBop.
Something loose and white.
Summertime whites are just the best. This year, I’ve placed my skin-tight pale jeans and sheaths in the back of the closet though. Instead, I’m opting for gauzy, 1968-style tunics and dresses that are easy to nurse my baby in and look great on a body that’s not 100% back to its former glory. Whether it’s a dress, a message tee, or an interesting tank top, you totally should get some white. Many new moms shy away from it because of the stain potential, but I say life is short. And I keep Tide-to-Go stashed in my diaper bag. And Oxi-Clean in my laundry room.
A bold floral print shouldn’t intimidate you; rather, it can detract from the appearance of bumps. A dark base makes for a super-flattering color combo. J. Crew factory one-piece, $50.
A super-flattering bathing suit.
You don’t have to ditch the two-piece. In fact, lots of the new mommies at our local pool have been strutting their stuff in tankinis, high-waisted briefs, and shorties. In fact, this summer I treated myself to a couple retro bikinis from ASOS. The trend might come and go, but effortless style will always work. I also have a plain black one-piece with side ruching that I loved to wear while pregnant; now it remains a favorite.
These TOMS wedges are a great choice. Nordstrom, $79.
Comfortable, yet chic, shoes.
Remember last summer when your feet were so puffy all you could wear was flip-flops? That’s over. Nab some fun espadrilles that are sturdy and easy to walk in but pull a look together. I always love a good ballet flat, but remember that now you need extra arch support and scuff-proof prettiness. Patent leather is a good bet. So are structured sandals. NOT flip-flops.
These pink scallop shorts by Pink Blush, $32, are my go-to for park days and date nights.
Not-so-short shorts.
You don’t have to venture all the way to what my husband and I jokingly refer to as “longs.” But short-shorts on a mom are best pulled off in denim with a cuff, or in a looser, silky style. I’ve nabbed great options at H&M this season, and delighted in discovering a pair of tan jean shorts by Free People which I purchased one size too big. They sit nice and low on the hips so even they’re on the shorter side, they’re totally appropriate. Machine-washable, silky or lace shorts are also a great bet for new mothers, especially if they have an elastic waist! I am all about keeping your real style intact as a mom; but sometimes function wins over fashion, and anything I can’t bend over in is no longer okay.
A sleeveless button-down.
Whether you’re breastfeeding or not, buttons are great for new moms. You can decide how formal the shirt will look depending on how you feel like styling it. And anything with a button easily dresses back up for work, while remaining accessible and comfy for weekends or chill time with the family, too. I love light, loose, and airy for summer. Sleeveless is even better. Check out LOFT, Gap, and Target for easy, breezy, affordable finds that you can throw in the washing machine.
Hands-down favorite top I’ve bought since becoming a mom. Madewell, $65.
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