WIW first time out post-partum (long & pic heavy)

So here is what my pregnant shape shifting body taught me
over the past 10 months:

  • Proportion is the most important factor in dressing a body that changes weekly
  • Color and or pattern are very important elements in translating my signature style across different proportions
  • Colorful/dramatic accessories (scarves, shoes, totes, and handbags) help add my signature touches to outfits that are otherwise basic or boring.
  • I don’t necessarily need as much in the way of jewelry/sparkle as I thought I needed to feel like myself.

I have included today’s outfit along with my favorite outfits spanning the 9 months of my pregnancy.

Today (pic #1) I am wearing my favorite tunic. It is a Dana Buchman piece I picked up 4 summers ago from Kohl’s paired with capri length leggings and pewter Merona sandals from Target.  I love graphic black and white sunflower print. I am not sure if you can see it but there is cobalt blue trim on the tunic as well. I adore the proportions of this outfit. I have a no-effort defined waist because of the tunic’s excellent cut.

Pic #2  - November – This outfit was worn a mere week after I discovered I was expecting DD. The snazzy jacket and tights with the column of black formula was a favorite for me last fall. This skirt worked well for me through month 4. I was able to pull the cinched waist up as my belly expanded but after a certain point, you run out of length and the skirt looks too short.

Pic #3 – December – I love this outfit – it is definitely special occasion/holiday outfit. It is the essence of my style – high-contrast, defined waist, classic, crisp and fun (a swishy skirt is ALWAYS fun to wear). I had not begun to expand at this point, but I will be more than pleased to wear this outfit combination again this fall.

Pic #4 – January – I think you all have seen me in this sweater/shirt/color combo in many variations. I have to confess that as my bustline continued to expand I used this (my favorite cardi) to “hide” the pulling across my bustline apparent with just the button down alone. The great fit of the sweater (which expanded with me – up to a point) covered all of those sins up ;-) 

Pic #5 – February – I just love this outfit. This is a navy waterfall cardi tied like a wrap top layered over a white tee and deep teal skinny cords. I loved the addition of the cheetah scarf which picks up on the tan color in the boots. Yep no maternity clothes here but I had to accommodate my growing bustline, which would not fit in my woven tops by February. I will definitely be wearing this again once fall settles in.

Pic #6 – March – this outfit is just comfy. I was not in any maternity clothes at all. My pants were secured in place with a ponytail holder and a belly band. These are my Levi’s and I love wearing them rolled at the ankle. I also like wearing them with this soft gray blouse I picked up from Sears 2 years ago. I think this was my favorite outfit from early spring. I had to lose the Calvin Klein oxfords when April came around because I could no longer bend comfortably to tie the laces.

Pic #7 – April – The only maternity gear I’m wearing in this picture is the jeans which are from LOFT. This is where I realized that my cardigan sweaters in general (but not always) needed to be in proportion to my growing belly so that I would not end up with a cropped look which would throw off the proportions. I also realized that lavender could work as a neutral with my skintone.

Pic #8 – May  - This violet ponte knit dress from BR was a life saver during this pregnancy. Pairing it with gray helped make the color work in professional settings. The violet color was prominently featured but did not overtake the entire outfit. White and silver accessories provide a modern polished feel to the outfit. None of the pieces are maternity so I’ll definitely wear this one again and probably not looking very different than I do here.

Pic #9 - June  - I loved how this pink black and white outfit combined lace and stripes to create a casual ladylike outfit. It’s only heightened with the high bun on top of my head. What really helps this outfit work is the length of the BF sweater and the length of the striped top. None of these pieces are maternity – so you’ll see this outfit again before the weather looking slightly different on
my deflated belly. I liked this outfit so much that I wore it to my babyshower.

Pic #10 – July  - green and blue was always a theme. I love the pattern on this top. I have had it for the past 5 years. It is a maternity top but I bought it well
before I ever became pregnant. I loved both the print and the fit.  The BF jeans are maternity as well. It seems as if most maternity things fit best at least on my body during the very last 4 weeks because that’s when my baby bump was large enough to fill out the clothing as intended. A little backstory on this pic, it was taken on 7/31/14 on our way to the hospital to meet DD, who arrived the very next day.

If you’re still reading at this point, let me know what you think of today’s look. I still have a bit of a belly but for the most part I am back to my pre-baby weight. (I only gained 19 pounds! YAY!)

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This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

58 Comments

  • MsMary replied 10 years ago

    DV, these are fab!  You look so beautiful and I would never guess you are a brand-new mama!  Your maternity style was super fab from beginning to end!  And the last photo with the about-to-be-Daddy is just priceless!!  Thanks for sharing!

  • cheryle (Dianthus) replied 10 years ago

    Holy crap DV!!  You just had a baby and you look fantastic.  You and DH look great together.  Congratulations again to you both.

  • E replied 10 years ago

    You look *stunning* in your postpartum outfit! I can see why you love that tunic/proportions so much. I'm also just in awe of your dressing throughout your pregnancy: it was lovely to see your shifting looks & read about how you handled the proportions. And fun to see your DH too! :D

  • JAileen replied 10 years ago

    Congrats on your darling baby! You look wonderful in these pics. I remember #2 - really fab.

  • Diana replied 10 years ago

    You look amazing!  I would not have guessed that you just had a baby.  That is an excellent tunic.

    Thanks for sharing your nine months of photos too! I really enjoyed looking at your always stylish looks and how you adapted them to suit your changing body.  Very impressive!  #9 is my favorite, so I'm glad to hear that you'll be able to wear it post-partum too!  I really like the last photo by the way - both of you look so happy!

  • replied 10 years ago

    Wow! I love today's look. A perfect interpretation of your style but very new mom friendly.

  • dawn replied 10 years ago

    OMG I love your beautiful natural hair! I mean the outfits are great, but your hair is super pretty. And I have to say that if I ever go natural again, I think that I would love to be like you. It is incredible that you change up your hairstyles as often as you do.

    OK now I am switching gears. Girl your outfits are amazing! But I am loving the outfit your wearing with the high waisted skirt, you look great and it really highlights your waist.

    And congrats on the baby! I hope you're enjoying parenthood.

  • columbine(erin) replied 10 years ago

    I'm amazed how you made non maternity things work excellently for you throughout your pregnancy. You look so elegant and polished. Also stunned you are back to pre baby weight, good for you! Hehe it's been almost 3 years since my last baby and um...just now getting back to pre baby weight.

  • shiny replied 10 years ago

    I've been following your WiW's since I adore your style, but I have to admit now... every time you'd mention you were pregnant, I refused to believe it. You never looked pregnant to me. Just lovely, as usual - before during after. 

  • Day Vies replied 10 years ago

    Dawn - Thank you so much for your comments about my hair :-D! I really enjoy playing around with it. For the past several weeks it has been all I can do to keep it clean. I can't wait until I have energy enough to change it up again.

    Columbine - I really think I just got lucky. I never expected to gain so little then return to almost normal so fast. I will say that I got one of those post-partum girdles to help speed my recovery (which is still on going). A lot of women on the discussion boards I read got them (the girdles) to "get their body back" I realized that I don't like pain. Trying to get out of bed after a c-section is a horrible experience. I need the support to use my core muscles. I'm still not 100%. I need frequent naps and to sit down often. Otherwise I'm OK.

    Marin - Stretchy is the name of the game! Even the tunic which is a nice woven cotton has a good amount of stretch to it. 

    Diana I have to agree with you - that combination just made me happy.

  • Zibbets replied 10 years ago

    You look fantastic! Love the pic of you and your husband. Congratulations to both of you!

    I see no belly, just great style. I love the tunic, sleek leggings and cute sandals. And your makeup is so pretty with it. Well done.

  • ironkurtin replied 10 years ago

    Oh my lord.  When I was postpartum I staggered around in sweatpants.  You look amazing.  Enjoy it!!!

  • replied 10 years ago

    Nine months of wonderful style! I remember loving #3 the first time and it's nice to see it again. I'm also amazed at how stylish and polished you look so soon after giving birth.

  • Beth Ann replied 10 years ago

    You were amazingly resourceful throughout your pregnancy -- managing to wear lots of your earlier items in new ways, and maintaining your personal style.

    Love the DB tunic, and I do remember it from the store years ago.  I liked the juxtaposition of sunflowers (middle America) and Ikat.  The size is perfect on you -- the sleeves, for example, hit at a flattering spot and are easy, but not too wide. 

    You are well on your way back into your "usual" clothing, but your life is totally different, of course.  I expect we'll see more marvelous remixes in the near future!

  • Gaylene replied 10 years ago

    DV, you set a new high for stylish mamas-to-be; every outfit is simply stunning!

  • deb replied 10 years ago

    What a great pictorial for the baby and you and hubby.  

  • abc replied 10 years ago

    First of all you look amazing in all of these pics.

    I had that same tunic in pic 1 but purged it a while back. I loved it too. Nice piece and the cobalt helps elevate it.

    But mostly what I wanted to say after reading this was - how in the world do you have time to do such an analytical - and coherent lol - post so soon post baby? I'm nearly two years out and have yet to do such a thoughtful post! Sleep, what sleep?

    Enjoy mommy hood. It looks great on you :)

  • Aquamarine replied 10 years ago

    So much fabness! Wow...every outfit is stunning and I too wonder how on earth you have the energy to post this coherent, thoughtful retrospective.

  • Missey replied 10 years ago

    Yowzah!  You look so amazing!  Congrats on the arrival of your little shopping partner :)  How wonderful!  Lovely outfits all...nice work mama!

  • AJ replied 10 years ago

    Wow! Day Vies, you look FAB in each and every one of these outfits! How you managed to get through most of your pregnancy in non-maternity clothes is amazing! I wish I had thought to do that 10 years ago. Back then, I bought into the idea that everything had to be a maternity piece.

    You look great in today's outfit! Black and white print does not seem to date as fast as colorful printed items. So this outfit looks current even though you bought that tunic 4 years ago.

    It's nice to see your hubby too. He's a nice dresser as well! Baby DV will have the style genes passed down for sure! :)

    Congrats again and take breaks and naps as often as you can. Thanks for posting!

  • dawn replied 10 years ago

    Not a problem Day Vibes, I wouldn't comment unless I was feelin your hair lol! Just out of curiosity, have you considered french braiding your hair? You can wear crown braids and other hair styles. I only ask because I remember when I was in college and I seriously would lose my mind because I didn't have that much time for my hair. French braids, milkmaid braids, braid outs, and other similar styles are quick and I think that they look really pretty. Hopefully I am not being too invasive.

  • Marley replied 10 years ago

    Are you kidding me?????  No one should look this good after just having a baby!  All of these outfits are outstanding and I can see bits of DV in all of them!  You need to be a model for expectant mother - your style was exceptional!

  • TraceyLiz65 replied 10 years ago

    Oh my goodness, You Go Dv!  How fabulous that you are so fashionable during this stage!  Love the picture with DH!  

  • bella replied 10 years ago

    You look great! And you're back to your pre-pregnancy weight so soon after delivery?!? You are setting the bar too high, lady! This preggo woman cannot match your will and skill!:) 

  • Neel replied 10 years ago

    Woah!!! You look absolutely gorgeous and radiant! I wish I could say I looked the sane during my post partum and pregnancy days :)

    Welcome back!

    ETA - I meant same! But sane is a good word too :D

  • lyn67 replied 10 years ago

    Wow, great news, congratulation you all! YLF only 2 weeks after delivery???? And, what a handsome guy you have! Would like to see the little one, too:-))

    EDT I went back and just saw her! My God, She is a beauty, indeed! Congrats again, for the blue eyes, and all:-))

  • Jjsloane replied 10 years ago

    You look amazing all throughout (and especially NOW) Congratulations on your new arrival and your amazing fashion journey.

  • kkards replied 10 years ago

    love the wide range of colors, you always do color so well! love the black and white tunic and how the sandals seem to pick up the swirls so well!

  • Jaime replied 10 years ago

    Gorgeous before, during and after. I can't believe how great, and awake, you look in #1!

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    What a fantastic retrospective post! You were gorgeous before pregnancy, gorgeous during pregnancy, and just as gorgeous after. Love your tunic top outfit for today! 

    Everything is polished, as per your style persona. You always look ladylike. Very interesting discovery that you did not always need as much sparkle as you had thought. Then again, that could have been because of the inner glow....   :)

  • Thistle replied 10 years ago

    You look amazing! You had amazing style pre-maternity and all through it. Your post maternity look is super fab!

    I give you tons of credit. After DD, I wore nothing but super soft and stretchy bottoms, assuming I wasn't just in pjs and a bathrobe.

  • Karie replied 10 years ago

    Absolutely stunning! As I clicked through each outfit, I thought, "This is my favorite" - then next click - "No, this is my favorite!"

    Interesting discovery about the need for less jewelry. I have made that discovery too. It seems like less jewelry lets the outfit shine, and that's what I want to happen in my own dressing. 

  • Sara L. replied 10 years ago

    Wow, great outfits!  Congratulations on getting back to your pre-pregnancy weight so fast! 

    I love reading posts about how people adapt their normal clothes to pregnancy, but I had a hard time adapting my normal wardrobe to my pregnant body.  I carried much differently than you though and always looked like I was trying to smuggle a beach ball under my shirt. 

  • Transcona Shannon replied 10 years ago

    What a treat to see all these beautiful outfits together :)

    You look beautiful in today's outfit DV. Are you sure you just had a baby??? All throughout your pregnancy (and before hand as well) you have carried yourself with such elegance. There is a quiet sophistication to your style - always polished, always proportionately perfect and always beautifully "put together" (as my Mother would say).

  • viva replied 10 years ago

    How fun to go through your pregnancy fabulousness!!! You look so gorgeous in all of them, and I cannot believe your body today. AMAZING.

  • texstyle replied 10 years ago

    Congratulations to you and hubby! :-) What a fun post - loved seeing the month by month and you look fantastic through each one.  I really love you in the jewel tones of the reds and greens, but all of these are great. Thanks for sharing and giving us a little peak into what's been going on.

  • Janet replied 10 years ago

    Oh my goodness, you look amazing at all stages of your pregnancy, and I had to do a double-take when I realized the first photo is now, and not a year ago before your pregnancy! Your style stayed totally fab throughout. Love that tunic on you too.

  • Angie replied 10 years ago

    Absolutely Killer Gorgeous from start to finish - and hubs is dashing too. xo

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    Nice to see DH :D  Boy, I have to say you never looked pregnant - where was the maternity wardrobe woman?! Hehe.

    Also: You missed out on my favourite (remember, *it's always all about me* ;)) - you had a cute little sunny day dress number...

  • Helena replied 10 years ago

    Why am I not surprised that the fabulous DV could look so stunning post-partum!
    Congratulations to you and your family! :)

  • Parsley replied 10 years ago

    DayVies, how on earth do you manage to look so fabulous such a short time after having a baby?  I'm in awe!
    I loved seeing the pictures from all the stages of your pregnancy. You are one stylish woman, and pregnancy certainly didn't change that. It was great to see handsome Mr. DV, too!
    Big congratulations are your sweet new bundle of joy, and I'll look forward to seeing your MOTG looks!

  • Aziraphale replied 10 years ago

    Congratulations again on the birth of your daughter. What an exciting time! And wow, you got back down to your pre-pregnancy weight fast. I'm impressed. I gained 40 pounds the first time, and it took me a year to shrink back down. :-) You look fab in all the pictures and you're positively glowing.

  • Nicole D replied 10 years ago

    Thanks so much for sharing!  Agree every pic is gorgeous.  Congrats on a healthy pregnancy and a healthy girl. 

  • K. Period. replied 10 years ago

    Seriously? If we are still reading? Any delay is because we're all trying to get over our awe and amazement at the dazzling assortment of outfits you've treated us to!!! You look fantastic and you looked fantastic and I'm convinced the fantastic will just go on and on.  

    I love today's outfit.  Like you, I have a sugar eye for black and white graphic prints. Therefore, I think that outfit is perfection and I think it as phenomenal that you are already feeling so much back to your normal self.  

    And can I just say, you and your DH look absolutely wonderful in that last photo. Such excitement (and such style)!  Congratulations again, you two.  

  • Day Vies replied 10 years ago

    Abc - My secret to posting a coherent long post is that DH is home on paternity leave for the month of August! (YAY paternity leaves!) We do 12 hour shifts where we're responsible primarily for the baby (Guess who has the overnight shift ;-)). It works out so that at least one of us is fresh and able to deal with a fussy, squirmy or hungry baby. I suppose I'll have less time in September once DH he goes back to work and we begin preparing for our move in late October.  For now I'm enjoying family time with all of us together and learning DD's habits and preferences.

    AJ - agreed if there is such a thing as a style gene DD's got it for sure. I also believe that b/w prints take longer to date. I think it's the color combinations which seem so fresh initially tend to look dated after a while.

    Dawn - thanks for the suggestion!  I am not a fan of braids because my hair is thin (believe it or not) and tends to break or snap at the least provocation and the weight of braids always damaged my hair. Ponytails twists and daily moisture seem to keep my hair happy & healthy.

    Marley - you are too sweet! I can't accept total credit for this look myself. I mentioned it earlier but keep in mind I am wearing a girdle, take afternoon naps and have DH home to help me this month. I figured I'd take advantage.

    Suz - Sparkle, inner glow after a while it's all the same. As I get back to "normal" what ever that's going to be, I think pattern and dramatic color combinations will stand in more fore jewelry. Little ones like to pull on necklaces so I'll probably be moving away from those for now. 

    Thistle - Oh this look is only 1 to 2 times per week when I leave the house! Most days I am in an old lady "house coat" nightgown and slippers. Leaving the house takes SO much longer than it did before but I enjoy making the effort (DH appreciates the effort too ;-))

    Karie- yep I agree nixing the jewelry allows the outfit to shine when it already has enough interest on its own.

    Shannon - I really think proportion had really been the key element for me through this time. I've really learned just how important it is in creating /remixing outfits.

    Texstyle- I LOVE jewel tones in the fall/winter. Pastels are pretty but jewel tones are my first true love.

  • Debbie replied 10 years ago

    What a stylish 10 months. I love today's outfit.

  • Alassë replied 10 years ago

    Congratulations again, Day Vies. What a sweet idea to take an "anticipating the baby" picture with your husband! A lot of your maternity dressing realizations were similar to mine, too - proportion is key, colour to feel like self, adapting regular clothes can be done, and keep using accessories.

  • Jenava replied 10 years ago

    Congrats!!  My favorite is the last photo - so cute!

    I have only gained 12 pounds so far going into my third trimester.  I feel lucky.  I've read about women who've gained 40 by their 2nd trimester...YIKES!

    Best wishes for your complete recovery, and glad to hear you are enjoying some nice family time.  (-:

  • JenA replied 10 years ago

    You look fantastic! I really can't get over how "fresh" you look after giving birth a few weeks ago. I am so glad you posted all of these pictures together. It really shows how you maintained your polished style throughout your pregnancy. You and DH look so happy and excited. Congrats!

     

  • jackiec replied 10 years ago

    You look absolutely amazing in every single photo! Thanks for sharing the journey and congratulations to you both. You really look so beautiful & polished in every shot. Pregnancy agrees with you ;)

  • SarahTheWhite replied 10 years ago

    Wow! You were gorgeous in every phase of the pregnancy, and just as gorgeous post baby! Every look is just so creative and flattering...

  • jenanded replied 10 years ago

    You are so pretty and you can change your 'look' so seamlessly! I am in awe. But you look so relaxed and beautiful in your latest photo... such a happy time is shining through. Xx

  • Alana in Canada replied 10 years ago

    You did very well in dressing you changing body throughout your pregnancy! Fabulously well. I am in awe. When I was pregnant, I sewed myself a jumper and wore that for nine months.

    I love this tunic! My mom was going to sew a tunic for me--now I know what to show her to do it right. This is fabulous. I hope the little one is doing well and eating and sleeping enough so you can be well rested--you look great!

  • replied 10 years ago

    You looked so good all the way through your pregnancy; it's really not fair! But then again you had YLF and I didn't all those years ago. ;)

    You are spot on with your proportions and you're right, they really make all the difference. I love your current outfit, and the way the tunic defines your waist. Congratulations on your super sonic baby-weight loss! It's normal to have your shape change a little. Rest assured, you look FAB!

  • kerry replied 10 years ago

    DV, you look very stylish in all of these looks. I was still stumbling around, barely eating or bathing those first few weeks and I had hubby home with me for 4 months!!

    I bow down to your fabness pre AND post baby :)

    Hope you're having fun.

  • christieanne replied 10 years ago

    A year in the life! Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your journey with us. I remember especially the holiday velvet blazer - so fab! 
    Congratulations to you and DH. Seems like you have a really good plan for getting to know DD :) Savor every moment as they grow up so fast. 

  • catgirl replied 10 years ago

    I STILL don't look this good and I had my kiddo 11 years ago.  Sheesh!  Love your most recent outfit and so glad you're feeling energetic enough to post!

  • citygirldc replied 10 years ago

    Lady, you look mighty fine for just giving birth. I always love your outfits.

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