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9 Must-Know Postpartum Clothing Hacks

Throughout your pregnancy, your body has undergone a lot of changes. Your belly, hips, and boobs have stretched beyond your wildest dreams, forcing you to trade in your normal wardrobe for maternity clothes while you waited for your baby to arrive. But now that you've given birth, what do you wear? If you're looking some style tips for the fourth trimester that don't involve maternity clothes, you need to utilize some postpartum clothing hacks to help you get through this awkward phase.

If you thought you were going to strut out of the hospital in your skinny jeans, you may be in for a disappointment. According to What To Expect, it can take four to six weeks for your uterus to return to its normal size after giving birth, which means that you may be wearing stretchy pants a little while longer. But that doesn't mean you have to be sentenced to a life in sweats.

Adding fun prints, accessories, and foundation garments are simple ways to freshen up your look and help you feel fabulous in the clothes you have while you meet and greet all of the guests who come to visit you and your new baby. Here are a few ways to help you with that transition phase.

1

Start With A Good Foundation

If you're in the mood to wear something form fitting, and want to smooth out some of your curves, choose undergarments that will do the work for you. Shapewear can help keep things pulled in and looking firm, according to Life As Mama. What's underneath can be your little secret.

2

Let It Flow

Tight tops can be both uncomfortable and unflattering in the first few weeks after giving birth. According to Parents you should opt for loose fitting tunics instead. Not only will they look great paired with leggings, but you'll be a lot more comfortable as you move through your day.

3

Choose Dark Colors

Until you lose the weight you want, you may need to choose clothing that provides an optical illusion. As What To Expect mentioned, dark colors are always slimming. If you don't want to look too Goth, you can use bright scarves, jewelry, and belts to add a pop of color.

4

Prints Are Your Friend

If all black everything isn't your thing, try going a little Boho with patterns or prints instead. Eye catching prints can take the focus off any parts you want to hide, according to Life As Mama. The spring and summer months are the best time to find fun florals and colorful prints in the stores.

5

Accentuate The Positive

You may not love the way your hips or abs look right now, but there's at least one part of your body that you absolutely love — and now is the time to show it off. Whether it's your shoulders, cleavage, or your calves, look to accentuate your favorite features when you're getting dressed. Pick pieces that show off your best parts, according to Momtastic.

6

Stick With One Color

If you want to hide your less than favorite parts, try dressing in one color from head to toe. Monochromatic dressing can help camouflage any unflattering lumps and bumps you want to keep a secret, as What To Expect recommended. It can also save you a lot of time in the mornings if you don't have to worry about coordinating colors.

7

Use Tanks For Easy Access

If you don’t love the idea of wearing nursing tops everyday, you can opt for a spaghetti strapped cami instead. Layer your camis under cardigans and blazers to make nursing more accessible, as Momtastic suggested.

8

Embrace The Jeggings

You may not be able to get into your skinny jeans right now, but it doesn’t mean you have to ditch your denim all together. Jeggings can be a comfortable alternative to traditional jeans, according to Parents.

9

Accessorize

In the first few months after giving birth, your weight will likely fluctuate. You may be dying to ditch your maternity clothes for good, but you should wait a while before you buy a whole new wardrobe. Until then, you can make your old looks feel new with accessories, as Baby Center suggested. Bold jewelry, handbags, and even a colorful scarf can make a fun statement.