Dressing your body after baby can be tough, especially if you’re heading back to work where the dress code dictates that you wear something other than yoga pants.
For ideas on returning to your career, check out our Back-to-Work guide
Here are the four most common post-baby figure complaints—and how to cover them up!
1. Deflated breasts
Though many women enjoy a boost to their cup size during pregnancy and while nursing, the day inevitably arrives when your once voluptuous proportions — ahem — fall flat.
Small, all-over pattern gives the illusion of volume. In this dress, the empire waist also helps to define and lift the bustline while the rest of the dress is in figure-flattering black. It’s also a good choice for moms who are still nursing because the pattern camouflages embarrassing leaks!
The print on this sleeveless blouse has the same volumizing effect with the bonus of a bow and pleats.
1. Jacob, houndstooth bodice dress, $89; 2. Jacob, polka-dot sleeveless top, $49
Also see: Bra-Fitting Guide
2. Post-baby paunch
No matter your size or shape, in the aftermath of having a baby every woman has to deal (at least temporarily), with the stretched out skin and extra fat that accumulates on your abdomen, otherwise known as the post-baby paunch.
Luckily for moms returning to work this fall, the peplum trend has carried over from spring and the skirted silhouette provides the perfect, on-trend tummy cover. The volume of a peplum works best when paired with slim-fitting pants or a straight skirt.
If your office is conservative, don’t be afraid to wear a top with a peplum under an open blazer — it will have the same belly-busting effect.
Jacob, top, $49; H&M, peplum blouse, $59.95; H&M, silk blouse, $69.95
Also see: Love your post-baby body
3. Spare tire
After baby, many women surrender their waistline to a few stubborn pounds. But strategic dressing can shrink your midsection in seconds.
While your impulse is to cover the area with tent-like tops, opt instead for more body-conscious cuts that visually whittle your waist.
The number one item to have in your arsenal? A wrap dress. Heralded as the garment that flatters every body type, the tie belt helps define the waist while the V neck and A-line skirt build top and bottom volume. This creates the illusion of an hourglass figure.
Another valuable weapon is a blazer that nips in at the waist. Worn open over a body-skimming top, a tailored blazer gives the illusion of a defined mid-section.
1. Jacob, faux-wrap dress, $99; 2. Old Navy, blazer, $44.94
Also see: Celebrity moms: Body after baby
4. Overall weight gain
While there are myths of so-and-so’s daughter/friend/sister who left the hospital wearing her pre-pregnancy skinny jeans, that’s not the reality for most women. We tend to carry a little extra weight once everything is said and done.
Everyone knows that wearing darker colours melts away the pounds, but try swapping basic black for one of the jewel-tones that are popular for fall.
Not only does this sapphire dress work to visually trim excess weight, but the A-line cut (when the hem is the widest part of the dress), makes everything above it look proportionately smaller. Pair it with black tights for a sleek look from head to toe.
Gap, A-line peasant dress, $69.95
Also see: Jessica Simpson post baby body: Photos!
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