This post is brought to you by my friend Cherene Francis who is a Certified Image Consultant, helping career and business women transform their look so they can attract more opportunities, sales and clients. Being that autumn clothes will be on store shelves soon. Gasp, so soon right? Summer just started didn’t it? I thought it might be a good time for this post.
Shopping for your post baby body can be frustrating, especially if you’re just experiencing motherhood for the first time. It really doesn’t sink in how much your body has changed in size and shape until you try slipping into your favourite jeans or go-to top and realize that your body is just different.
While you’re eating healthy, staying fit and transitioning in mind and body, here are some tips for dressing your new figure.
Wear Your Best Colors
When you wear your best colours, you not only highlight your best features (i.e. eye colour, lips, hair, etc.) but you also minimize the look of weight gain as your clothing colours are in harmony with your natural characteristics. You may have a cool colouring or a warm colouring. A professional colour analysis will help you discover the best colours for you if you are unsure of your colours.
Best Colours
Get a Capsule Wardrobe
Create a capsule wardrobe collection so it’s easy to get dressed and look and feel good. It will motivate you as you are on getting in shape. You will only need to shop for 7 pieces plus accessories to get 12 outfits! Mix and match them any way you want without a second thought.
Here is an example capsule that is perfect for you if you don’t want to live in your maternity clothes and you are transitioning through weight loss.
Fabrics are Your Friend
Be sure to invest in quality fabrics that allow your body to breathe and stretch. You will find that as your body goes through a lot of hormonal changes, you will get hot very easily. The stretch in the fabric will also give you more flexibility for nursing, and as you lose weight, you will still find the items move with you.
Conceal Your Challenges
Follow the guidelines below for the challenging areas of your body.
Large Hips and Butt
Wear bottoms and skirts that are dark with little to no print or details. Avoid pockets and pleats.
Mummy Tummy
Wear ruched tops, kaftans and slightly loose fitting floating tops to conceal your belly.
Large Bust
Avoid high neck tops and instead go with a v-neck which will make a significant difference.
Be Gentle with Yourself
Remember that you just made a human being. You carried a person for 9 months inside of you! Be gentle with your body. This is the time to pamper yourself both mentally and physically. Give yourself permission to buy clothing that makes you feel good even if you will only be wearing it for a short time period. It will make all the difference in your total wellness.
Cherene used to be the “Quiet Girl” who was never noticed, but now she’s a confident and stylish woman who lives in the spotlight! She continues to show women how they can walk in their distinct style, and loves dressing her clients in their true colors at her company, Aura Image Consulting. On a down day, you can catch Cherene shopping with her two daughters, or watching Netflix with her hubby.