Personal stylist for the postpartum body?
My body shape has changed a lot since giving birth eight months ago and I've found that it's left me a little bewildered when it comes to dressing myself. My size and shape have been pretty consistent throughout my adult life, and I used to feel like I had a clear sense of what styles and shapes would fit me well, feel comfortable and attractive. Since giving birth, my shape and proportions are pretty different than what they used to be. My old go-tos don't work so well but I'm not sure what to go for instead. I actually really love clothes and fashion-- pre-baby, I would have just gone to some department stores, tried on a zillion things and worked out what felt good on my new body. However, since that's not so doable in my present day life between infant care and pandemic precautions, I'm wondering if anyone has worked with a personal stylist for this kind of thing? If so, I would really love a recommendation! My ideal situation would be a body positive person who loves helping women find clothes that fit well and make them feel great, and has a good eye for gauging what cuts/styles/etc. will fit well given one's proportions (for instance, I've got a small-ish waist and a lotta butt/hips and would kill for a well-fitting pair of pants). I'm also open to other resources that could be helpful in the quest of getting more familiar with and clothing one's postpartum body. Thanks in advance!
Parent Replies
So relateable!!! I went through the same thing and so I’m sure have many others. For what it’s worth, my post partum body at 8 months looked VERY different than it did even 6 months later, and very different again in another 6 months. You may find that things continue to change for you and that investing in a whole new wardrobe at this point might still be a bit early. Though it is VERY annoying not to have freaking pants that fit :( In an attempt to be body positive when my daughter was 14 mo I gave away all my old clothes figuring I was probably done with them for good, but went thru another huge physical change when I stopped breastfeeding. Not sure if this is helpful but just saying while this could totally be the new normal for you…it might not be, your baby is still pretty little!! But yes I think I gave away about 10 pairs of pants over the last year in a bunch of different size and shapes! But like…ya gotta have $!@& pants. I haven’t tried the service myself but something like Le Tote or similar clothing rental subscription might be useful so that you can just easily send things back as your body changes. Good luck and I wish for you that the perfect pants find you :)
You could try something like StitchFix? I like their new process where you get to review the order. I’ll be honest and say that I’ve only found a few pieces (like 1-2 per “fix”) vs entire outfits I like from them though. Like you my body changed and I gave zero time to shop in stores or online even. Good luck!
Check out Universal Standard…there are two things you might like about them… awesome sizing options as well as high quality… and there’s an option to buy some clothes from a collection in one size and exchange them for another size at a different time and that might be great for you as you adjust to a postpartum body and the changes that will happen in the next year…
I remember being in your shoes after the birth of my child. Do not waste your money on stitch fix. I tried them but it felt like no one read my profile and they company constantly sent things that were not my style even though I sent Pintrest boards. It was also very hard to cancel my account. Try making an appointment with a personal shopper from Nordstrom. It’s a good way to shop for quality basics and get you on your way to feeling good about yourself. A good PS will also tell you when sales happen and put items aside for you. Good luck!!!
Following! I am in the same situation. I have 2 pairs of leggings, 2 dresses, and about 3 tops that fit. I also have an almost 8 month old.