The year was 2016. I was a new mum standing half naked in front of the mirror, looking at a woman I barely even recognised. Through the 4th trimester haze of nappies, breastfeeding obstacles and sleepless nights, I'd somehow managed to forget what I used to even wear before my pregnancy. Was I edgy? Preppy? Romantic? Glamorous? Well, I certainly didn't feel glamorous, so rule that one out. And now with the added consideration of finding clothes that were breastfeeding friendly and fit my changing body, rediscovering my personal style seemed truly impossible. Was it even that important anymore?
The answer for me was a huge YES. Becoming a mum instantly changed everything about my life as I knew it. But what about me? Was I still allowed to like all the things I liked before? Should I wear stuff that mums wear? ... wtf do mums wear?!
It's taken a few years, and it's been an ever-evolving journey, but I'm finally ready to share my tips on finding your style as a new mum.
I'm a new mum, do my outfits really matter?
I'll admit, this one was tricky for me to pin down. Especially in the very beginning, it feels like what's in your wardrobe should be the least of your worries, right? Comfort. Function. End of list.
As I started to emerge from that initial postpartum fog, I began to think about what style meant to me. Personal style can be an extension of your identity, and even a fun way to express your personality. Because beyond the breastmilk stains and baby giggles, you are still you. We might be conditioned to call it vanity, but having fun with your personal style can be a loving act of self care.
It's not about how you look. It's about how you feel.
It turns out, your clothing size is the least interesting thing about you. Bodies are meant to change throughout every season of our lives, and that can be a hard one to wrap your head around.
The pressure on mums to "bounce back" after giving birth is a horrible, deeply ingrained part of our society. The thing is... your body might change, but your worth does not. It's okay to mourn your old body, as long as you practice respecting your body as it is, right now, in this moment.
Instead of focusing on how things look, try to pay attention to how you feel in your clothes – whether it's the ease of movement, the softness of fabrics, or the simple joy of embracing your evolving self. Your style journey is an intimate exploration of what brings you happiness, and a gentle reminder that authenticity shines brighter than any fashion trend.
Start with what you've got.
Schedule a wardrobe stocktake. First up: get rid of everything that doesn't fit. You don't have to donate it all this second, but you also shouldn't be looking at it every day. Pop it all into a tub to keep somewhere out of the way until you're ready to review. Staring at the skinny jeans you wore in 2018 every morning when you open your wardrobe is NOT the key to a positive day.
Second, take note of all your favourite go-to pieces; the styles you reach for on repeat are there for a reason. Maybe you're drawn to a particular colour, or you love how a certain fabric feels. Maybe there's a certain style you keep buying, because you know it fits well. These pieces will start to form the basis of your very own "mum uniform"; because all mums are different, and your mum uniform should be unique to you.
Which Spice Girl are you?
So remember in primary school when you and all your friends picked which Spice Girl you'd be? I know it wasn't just us. Well, now you get to do the adult version! Write a little list of words you'd use to describe your personality and the vibes you'd like to portray with your clothes. Here's a list to get you started:
| Classic | Sophisticated | Casual | Earthy |
| Edgy | Vibrant | Neutral | Sporty |
| Simple | Playful | Glam | Romantic |
Once you have a little list, narrow it down to three key words. Now when you're shopping for new pieces or putting together an outfit from things you already own, you can use those three words as a starting checklist to keep you on track. It's the best way to make sure your wardrobe doesn't fill up with pieces you never wear.
Embarking on the beautiful journey of motherhood doesn't mean bidding farewell to your personal style. In fact, it's an invitation to rediscover your style and embrace your mum era.
