by Cheryl Claxton, Mindful Mum, 21st February 2012

With that in mind, here are some post-baby fashion tips for real mums (the ones who have dark eyes,
a baby belly and stains on all their ‘clean’ clothes).

• A comfy dress is your new best friend
• Keep accessories simple
• Draw attention to your décolletage
• Buy two bras at a time
• Dark colours cover ‘dodgy’ areas
• Be bright and bold
• Blusher, mascara, lip gloss
• Wear a blazer
• Treat yourself with soft luxurious fabrics
• Ditch those heels!
• Number one accessory

A comfy dress is your new best friend

Dresses are the best thing for new mums. Not only do they look lovely and feminine, but they also come in a variety of shapes, styles, colours and fabrics. For something ultra- flattering, try a wrap-around style, which will draw the eye away from the tummy, as well as being practical if breast feeding. A long straight dress made from a stretchy fabric is really comfortable and can be worn whether it’s summer or winter.

Keep accessories simple

Accessories are always a great way of dressing up a casual outfit, but keeping them understated will suit your new mum lifestyle. Pretty patterned scarves, wide belts and statement handbags are fab. Jewellery can be too much hassle (especially when cuddling baby), so stick to simple sparkly studs that will add a bit of glamour to your day.

Draw attention to your décolletage

Wear tops with interesting necklines to draw attention up and away from your tummy. Scarves also work great at doing this, and if you’re brave enough you can put on a chunky necklace for the same effect.

Buy two bras at a time

Find two lovely bras that fit well (whether they be nursing bras or not) and stick to that. They’ll make you feel confident and comfy, plus you’ll be changing shape so much that buying any more in one go will mean that the nice lady at the charity shop will see you more than your best friends do.

Dark colours cover ‘dodgy’ areas

If you’re self-conscious about a certain area of your body then wear a dark colour on this area. Dark trousers are flattering for mums who are worried about their bums and thighs.

Be bright and bold

Bold colours work great at lifting our mood. Put on a colourful top with an A-line skirt to flatter your shape and make you feel all positive. Oh, and patterned tops are great too (plus they’re wonderful at camouflaging nasty stains).

Blusher, mascara, lip gloss

Quick and easy. No explanation needed.

Wear a blazer

Surely every mum occasionally has flashbacks to those days when she felt well-refined in her smart work clothes? Add a touch of ‘office’ with a blazer for a well-dressed look; it’ll be comfy, make you feel more in control, plus you can wear it all year round.

Treat yourself with soft luxurious fabrics

For a bit of affection from your clothes, put on a cashmere cardigan. It’ll be like a soft hug all day long, and you’ll look elegant at the same time.

Ditch those heels!

Abandon your heels in the name of comfort! And abandon your heels in the name of safety! You’re a mum and you’re holding a baby, so put the heels away! Plus there are some amazing flat boots around, and they are honestly very cool.

Number one accessory

Remember that your baby is your number one accessory. Don’t forget that no matter how shabby you think you look, your baby will add a touch of ‘cute’ to every outfit (aah…).