Motherhood changes everything—including your wardrobe! Between the mess, the busy mornings, and the shift in body shape, it’s easy to feel like you've lost your personal style (and, with it, your sense of self *sigh*). But finding it again doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some simple, practical steps to help you feel confident and stylish every time you get dressed.
Mum Style Tip 1. Start with Your Current Wardrobe
Before you start rebuilding your style, take a moment to go through your current wardrobe and assess what you actually wear. It’s time to let go of anything that isn’t serving you right now.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Does it fit me comfortably today? Not in six months or “when I lose the baby weight.”
- Does it make me feel good when I wear it? If it's not a heck yes, it's a heck no and time to move it on.
- Is it practical for my current lifestyle? If you’re chasing little ones, that dry-clean-only silk top might not be ideal.
Anything that no longer works for you can be donated, sold, or stored away if it holds sentimental value. Clearing out the clutter makes it so much easier to see and enjoy the pieces you do love!
2. Define Your Style (in an un-scary way)
Dedicate some time to finding inspiring outfits you think you'd love to wear. This doesn't have to be time-consuming or hard work, Pinterest is a great place to start. Create a board, search for "outfit inspiration" and start pinning styles you like.
Once you have a few inspo pics, take a birds-eye view of your Pinterest board and start identifying patterns in what you’re naturally attracted to. Are you drawn to classic neutrals? Feminine florals? Effortless minimalist pieces?
You'll be surprised how easy it is to 'find your style' and start building a wardrobe to suit it.
3. Get Back to Basics
Before diving into trends or statement pieces, start by building a core collection of wardrobe staples. These are the everyday basics that act as the foundation of your outfits—comfortable, versatile, and easy to mix and match.
Here are some key pieces to invest in (remember, this will look different for everyone and there's no right or wrong answer here):
- A quality tee or basic top. If you're breastfeeding, investing in feeding-friendly clothes (not feeding-specific) will ensure you have a wardrobe without a shelf-life that you can continue wearing after you've finished feeding.
- A breastfeeding-friendly dress. Dresses are such an effortless way to feel put together with little to no thought because, well, you just have to pop on one item of clothing. Simple.
- A denim bottom. For some, it's jeans, and for others, it's denim shorts or skirts. Denim is so versatile (and can be so comfy and stretchy) and a great wardrobe-building piece. Not into denim? Why not try a floaty skirt or some relaxed linen-blend pants/shorts.
Once you have these basics, layering and styling become effortless. You can then mix in prints, textures, or statement accessories to express your personal style. Or leave it clean and simple if that's more your jam.
Browse the Basics
4. Focus on What FEELS Good
When you're shopping for gaps in your wardrobe, forget about what’s ‘trendy’ and focus on what makes you feel like you. Pick a few go-to outfits that feel comfortable yet put-together—this could be as simple as a great pair of jeans and a relaxed button-up shirt. The key? Prioritising fit and fabric so you feel both comfortable and confident.
Remember, it’s not just about the clothes—it’s about how you feel in them. Your energy and confidence will shine through no matter what you wear!
Feel-Good Styles
5. Give Yourself Grace
Your style will evolve (yep, even day-to-day), and that’s okay. Some days, activewear is all that works, and other days, you’ll feel like dressing up. The goal isn’t to look ‘perfect’—it’s to feel good in your own skin, no matter the day or what season of life you're in.
The ultimate takeaway? Finding your mum style should be fun, not a chore! Rediscover the joy in putting outfits together—mix and match pieces, experiment with colours, or play with textures until you find combinations that make you smile. Grab your phone, take a video or some photos strutting your stuff in front of the mirror, do a little twirl, and embrace the confidence that comes from wearing something you love.
And don’t forget—affirmations on the mirror are your ultimate hype girl! A simple " Every day, I am rediscovering myself with kindness and joy." can shift your energy and help you step into your day more positively. Here are 15 FREE downloadable affirmations to print out and stick all over the house.
