Buying clothes post-pregnancy is a headache – you don't want to see your maternity clothes ever again, but you can't quite fit into your old jeans yet.
According to personal and celebrity stylist Georgie Pincus at StyleU.co.uk the first rule of post-pregnancy dressing is to be comfortable. 'You've just had a baby and don't want to be pushing a buggy, or performing the usual 'mum duties', in tight, uncomfortable clothing.'
Here are some more top tricks and tips for post-pregnancy fashion.
- Citizens of Humanity jeans<p> The first post-pregnancy tip Georgie suggests is to invest in a quality pair of jeans with a good amount of stretch. She rates the brand Citizens of Humanity and the amber mid-rise bootcut jeans at <strong><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/" target="_blank">Net-A-Porter</a></strong> are figure-flattering and suitable for any season. Try them with a loose tunic top and wedges.<br /> £190<br /> Sizes 24 to 32</p>
- Loose knits<p> In the colder months, Georgie advises new mums to look for a stylish and slouchy knit. 'You can wear something tighter, like a long vest or tee, underneath so you're cosy and comfortable,' she says. The loose knit top by Marios at <strong><a href="http://www.topshop.com" target="_blank">Topshop</a></strong> contains cashmere and looks great with jeans or over a maxi dress or skirt.<br /> £160<br /> One size</p>
- Jumper dresses<p> Georgie says that a jumper dress is the perfect choice post-pregnancy. 'Wear one with thick wool tights and boots,' she says. 'You can always accessorise with a belt and remember the belt can be adjusted to suit your weight. Just make sure your dress is loose and not tight fitting.' We love the horse Angora jumper by IP at <strong><a href="http://www.topshop.com" target="_blank">Topshop</a></strong>.<br /> Sizes S to L<br /> £40</p>
- Layered tunics<p> If you feel conscious of your post-pregnancy figure, a top with frills, pleats, layers or embellishments draws attention away from problem areas. Available in slimming black, <strong><a href="http://www.evans.co.uk" target="_blank">Evans</a>' </strong>layered tunic with rosette trim detail leads the eye to your décollage, rather than your mid-section.<br /> £32<br /> Sizes 16 to 26/28</p>
- Maxi styles<p> Maxi dresses and skirts are very fashionable at the moment and they're great if you want to keep your legs under wraps whilst projecting a feminine look. <strong><a href="http://www.topshop.com" target="_blank">Topshop</a></strong>'s solstice Maxi skirt in a stunning shade of red looks spot-on with a lace detail tee and a cropped cardi.<br /> £45<br /> Sizes 6 to 16</p>
- Harem trousers<p> The harem trouser is a must for new mums – they disguise the size of your bottom and are ridiculously comfortable. The side-tie, fine denim harem from <strong><a href="http://www.warehouse.co.uk" target="_blank">Warehouse</a></strong> are a great alternative to jeans. Wear with flat ankle boots and a boyfriend cardigan for a chic, casual look that doesn't give anything away figure-wise.<br /> £45<br /> Sizes 6 to 16</p>
- Capes<p> Another trendy must-have for a post-pregnancy wardrobe is a cape. Go for a poncho style that hangs at the waist, rather than a smaller cape that sits on the shoulders. <a href="http://www.babeswithbabies.com" target="_blank"><strong>Babes with Babies </strong></a>Cape of Good Hope is made of lightweight French terry material and can be worn throughout pregnancy, as well as straight after.<br /> £79<br /> Sizes S/M to M/L</p>
- Statement jacket<p> A statement jacket is every new mum's best friend. Go for a loose fit to disguise your post-pregnancy tum, and make sure you opt for something warm as you adjust to feeler cooler again now the pregnancy is over. <strong><a href="http://www.simplybe.co.uk" target="_blank">Simply Be</a></strong> has a brilliant faux fur swing jacket that can be worn open (over a black maxi dress, for example) or fastened with jeans and faux fur boots.<br /> £58<br /> Sizes 14 to 26</p>
- Body boosting dress<p> In order to keep your body confidence up, Georgie recommends buying a piece that will look just as good when you reach your ideal weight as it does right now. This beautifully bo-ho, knee-length dress by <strong><a href="http://www.simplybe.co.uk" target="_blank">Simply Be</a></strong> is elasticated under the bust and sleeves, so it will suit your changing shape.<br /> £42</p>
- Comfy tunics<p> A tunic top provides the perfect diversion from your midriff while you work on getting your pre-pregnancy figure back. <strong><a href="http://www.newlook.com" target="_blank">New Look</a></strong> has a gorgeous vintage-style tunic top which can be dressed up with leggings and heels, or dressed down with jeans and a waterfall cardigan.<br /> £26.99<br /> Sizes 6 to18</p>
