When most of us have babies, all sense of style goes out the window. Constantly whipping your breasts out means tops get misshapen and baby vomit rules out anything that can’t be scrubbed with a wet sponge. Despite being the most hideous fashion fad of the 21st century, leggings just seem to make more sense than jeans when your little angel falls asleep on your lap after an hour of fussing. When you’re finally ready to take that first tip out with baby, packing your change bag and making your baby look adorable surpasses any good intentions as far as dressing yourself goes. Just as well, as those first bum changes in Starbucks can be quite the ordeal… you soon learn to never ever to wear white when out with a baby.
When you’re ready to go back to work, your suits and wool mix shift dresses have become moth-fodder and won’t make it past your hips in any case. It’s pretty disheartening and doesn’t do anything to allay any fears that your breasts might spontaneously leak mid-presentation. As if the prospect of leaving your baby for nine and half hours isn’t hard enough!
Well here are my top tips on how to transition from home to office and fake a pre-baby body when you’re sporting a few extra lbs:
First up, wear sensible heels
From left to right by row: Cecilia Court Shoes £89 / Carina Court Shoes Slingbacks (white) £99 / Charlotte Court Shoes (patent croc) now £44 / Calypso Court Shoes (patent) now £39 / Colette Court Shoes Slingbacks (navy) £99 /Bellingham Court Shoes (deep red) now £44 / Candy Court Shoes (patent) £89 / Gabor Charity Court Shoes £80 / Chiara Court Shoes Slingbacks (snake print) £99
It’s all about the shoes! Shoes can make or break an outfit, elongate your legs and make a statement - all in one hit. Chances are your footwear of choice during your mat leave has been pumps, sandals or even slippers. Sprinting up and down stairs to a hungry baby certainly isn’t conducive to heels. You might have been able to last a full work day and enjoy cocktails afterwards in a pair of stilettos before baby, but 9 months off and your feet are unlikely to thank you for it when you return to work.
Court shoes with low heels and generous widths are therefore perfect. I’m loving the SS16 collection from Jones Bootmaker with sharp points to streamline calves that are in dire need of a spinning class or two.
When only smart and sharp will do
Left to right: Faux Leather Pencil Skirt £130 / Scalloped Mini Dress £145 / White wrap top £110
Step up Karen Millen. They’ve got some wonderful textures going on at the moment. Their loose fitting wrap shirt is just perfect for any body conscious new mummy, and sits just above the hip to offer a softer silhouette. 3/4 sleeves will also cover the arms, with a deep v at the front for added interest - let’s face it, our breasts have never looked better when we’re breastfeeding, right? Couple this with a 3/4 length leather skirt that skims those thighs and you’re good to go.
I’m also loving this two-tone vertical stripe dress, with full skirt and nipped-in waist. With a scalloped hem, if you have a great set of pins, do it.
Dress down Fridays
Left to right: H&M Jersey Jacket £24.99 / Zara Fabric Belt Blazer £49.99 / FCUK Samantha Crepe Oversized Shirt now £48
Jersey blazers with their extra bit of stretch will cover a multitude of sins. Pick a single-breasted jacket to pinch in underbust and create that elusive hourglass. Don’t feel you have to stick to bland colours either - Zara have some awesome colourways at the moment that will lift any trouser/shirt combination.
If shirts are your issue, go for a longer length free-flowing shirt. The androgynous look is bang on-trend at the moment as evidenced by French Connection’s SS16 collection.
Pretty little things
From left to right by row: Navy Sporty Dress £40 / Printed Chevron Dress £40 / Cobalt Flippy Long Sleeve Dress £50 / Black Textured Shift Dress £45 / Suit Jacket £40 / Black Lace Shirt Dress £45
Part of the thrill of returning to work, is ditching the trousers and setting your legs free - for me anyway. Next have tons of part-tailored and unstructured looks to complement all shapes and sizes at the moment. If paranoid about your breasts opt for a round neck with tapered waist so the fabric falls down flatteringly. If your tum concerns you, look for longer length pelmets that help draw you in at the breast and thigh. Shirt and shift dresses are easy to wear and come in a variety of fabrics to help conceal any lumps and bumps - the heavier the fabric the more forgiving it will be.
So there you have it! Back-to-work fashion from the high street that’ll help you with any post-baby body angst…
… Actually, screw everything I’ve just said. Your body is AMAZING and who cares if you’re sporting a few new jiggly bits. Just be comfortable and take as much time as you need to settle back in. If you can give birth you can survive a little back-to-work nerves. Knock em dead ladies.
