With four babies between us, we’ve spent a fair bit of time in that famous ‘fourth trimester’. And, whilst it’s beautiful and full of time bonding with your newborn, it can also be an intense time when it comes to your relationship with both your body and your identity. So, we’ve pulled together all the pieces we wish we’d had in our post-baby capsule wardrobe.
These items are super comfy – whether you’ve had a vaginal birth or C-section, they’re practical and they work with an ever-changing postnatal body. They’re also easy to feed in should you choose to breastfeed. But more than that, they should also make you feel good during a time that can be somewhat topsy turvy.
Scroll down to see the pieces that would make it into our dream post-baby wardrobe, some of which are already tried and tested favourites.
The Chic Tracksuit
Essentials sweatshirt, £60, and joggers, £70, both Sweaty Betty
Gemma: “I wear this set so often I bought it in two colours. Whilst it’s not the cheapest trackie, the cost-per-wear value has been totally worth it – I wear it to the soft play, with a quilted jacket on top for coffee or for working from home. It’s been washed about a hundred times because, kids, but it still looks brand new. I’m not normally a tracksuit girl so I went for the tapered joggers for a slightly smarter vibe.”
The Super Functional Dungarees
Organic Dungarees, £56, from Lucy + Yak
Hannah: “Me and Gem both adore our Lucy + Yak dungarees – the loose fit means they’re both incredibly comfy and flattering too. I wear mine at least three days a week and wish I’d had a pair in the early post-baby days to throw on. I have the black corduroy, whilst Gem has the pink. They look great with a striped tee or fun blouse underneath.”
The Minimum Effort, Maximum Impact Jumpsuit
Billy jumpsuit, £75, Sugarhill Boutique
Gemma: “When I don’t have time to think about putting an outfit together (read: most days) I reach for a jumpsuit. This one from Sugarhill ticks all the boxes – flattering, comfy and fun. It comes in a dreamy lilac version too.”
The Statement Sunglasses
Green rectangle frame sunglasses, £10, Monki
Hannah: “There’s no denying that you can get a little, ahem, tired in those early days so there’s nothing better than a brisk walk with a coffee and the baby. Fun sunglasses can not only hide your eye bags but can make an I-slept-in-this-outfit look somehow 10% more put-together (as will a bright coloured beanie hat or patterned scarf in the colder months).”
The Go-With-Everything Converse
Converse All Star hi trainers, £60
Gemma: “Dresses, jumpsuits, jeans… there’s nothing I don’t wear Converse with. I’ve got a classic black and leopard print pair, while Hannah loves her hot pink ones.”
The Hands-Free Bumbag
Leopard print bumbag, £39, AND/OR at John Lewis
Gemma: “Because you have enough crap to carry around when you have kids, a bumbag keeps everything you need within easy reach. This one from John Lewis can be worn across the body or around the waist, and the leopard print will add a little something something to your go-to jeans and t-shirt.”
The Classic Striped Tee
Soft long-sleeved top, £15, Monki
Hannah: “For loose, oversized tops that are easy to throw on with leggings, trackie bottoms or – shock twist – jeans, look no further than Monki’s iconic long-sleeved striped tees. They come in a plethora of colours, wash well and are categorically not clingy.”
The Throw-On Shacket
Oversized shacket, £34.99, H&M
Gemma: “Another easy way to elevate that jeans and t-shirt combo you’ve been wearing for the past three days. Looks v. good with faux leather trousers too.”
The Colour-Pop Sweatshirt
Hannah: “If, like me, you’re a big fan of wearing all the shades of a rainbow, then a big, slouchy sweatshirt to sleep in/feed in/wear to the supermarket is an absolute must. It’ll instantly make you feel more you, even when worn with bobble tracksuit bottoms.”
The Big Collar Blouse
Printed blouse, £65, & Other Stories
Gemma: “It’s no secret Hannah and I are partial to a Peter Pan blouse – I wear mine with jeans and Converse or layered under a jumper. Plus, the supersized collar works wonders at detracting from your under-eye circles.”
The Comfy Faux Leather Trousers
Faux leather trousers, £32.95, NA-KD
Gemma: “I’ve always preferred faux leather to real when it comes to trousers – they retain their shape much better – and I’ve got a lot of time for an elasticated waist. I wear mine (an M&S pair I found on eBay) at least three times a week, whether it’s for a day with the kids or going out for drinks.”
The Slouchy Quilted Jacket
Hannah: “There’s no getting away from the fact I love a quilted jacket and they’re perfect for spring. Super cosy and eay to throw-on over a tracksuit or dungarees, it would absolutely be my go-to jacket if I’d just had a baby.”
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