How to Dress for Your Changing Body
Words by Alice Hartwell
Advice for moms and moms-to-be this Mother’s Day
Our bodies tell the story of our lives—each curve, freckle, and wrinkle a chapter, expressing more than words ever could. They carry the memories of laughter and tears—and for some, the lasting marks of bringing new life into the world. Witnessing your body evolve is a beautiful thing, but it can also feel daunting, especially when navigating your pre and postpartum style identity.
This Mother’s Day, our letter offers thoughtful, empowering words for every new mom and mom-to-be navigating the tender challenge of dressing a body that doesn’t yet feel like home.
Comfort is key, but you don’t have to compromise personal style
Pre and postpartum fashion is often centred around comfort, and rightfully so. Your body is doing, has done, and will continue to do incredible, physically demanding things. All too often, this puts style—especially personal style—on the back burner. And yet, it's such a powerful expression of identity. Take it away, and you can feel adrift, unsure of where to turn next in your closet. At a time when so much is in flux, this sense of identity matters more than ever.
The key lies in striking a conscious balance between ease and self-expression: comforting pieces that remain familiar and true to your identity before baby. Lean into elevated basics with thoughtful details that reflect your personal style, and rework cherished pieces in ways that boost your confidence as your body changes. Focus on embracing what you have, rather than trying to fit into an idea of how your body "should" be styled.
Refine a capsule that can evolve with you
Many moms feel overwhelmed by the pressure to build an entirely new wardrobe, creating separate styles for pregnancy and postpartum. Instead, focus on versatile staples and quality pieces that can grow with you through your body’s ongoing chapters.
Invest in oversized shirts and blazers—timeless essentials that offer endless layering possibilities. Minimalist dresses and skirts with generous stretch will mold to your changing shape, while button-down tops and wrap silhouettes provide easy access for moms who may be nursing.
embrace the opportunity to play
New curves, sizes, and a fuller bust can be a lot to adjust to when looking in the mirror, but as with life itself, change is all about how you choose to embrace it. Try to welcome a growing body as an opportunity to play with and explore new silhouettes and styles. It doesn’t have to mark the end of who you once were, but perhaps the beginning of someone new.
Experimenting with your wardrobe can also help you find simple ways to express your style personality, even as you navigate the changes of a baby bump. Explore accessories and jewelry in fresh ways—how can body chains accentuate your belly rather than downplay it? How many ways can you wear your favorite silk scarf to maintain a sense of self when styling hero pieces feels like a challenge?
Dress for you, always
While we strive to offer practical styling tips, our most important piece of advice will always be to dress for yourself and what makes you feel good—something that holds true both during and after pregnancy. In recent years, we’ve seen a social shift away from “pregnancy wardrobes”—with celebrities leading the charge to simply embrace an evolution of your existing closet.
It feels like there are no rules anymore, and that, in itself, is liberating. With moms and expectant moms already facing so much pressure, let your dressing room be a space for freedom and empowerment.
