I have had four pregnancies. That’s 36-40 months in total, of being pregnant over the last ten years. In between pregnancy I have been breastfeeding. Through all of this, I have been wearing maternity clothes.

My last baby is 18 months old and while getting dressed last week it suddenly hit me that was still dressing as if I was pregnant or breastfeeding. Even down to my breastfeeding bras! (She self-weaned 4 months ago!).

When I really thought about it, I realised I had “lost myself” in the wake of motherhood. I had lost my sense of style and even forget what style I actually like, what makes me feel confident.

This is the same for a lot of mums I have learned. It can be a bit of a transitional period going from pre and post-partum mum back to ‘mum’ again, style wise. (Amongst other things).

So, here are some tips post-partum to help you get your own unique style back after pregnancy and breastfeeding. To help you feel like you again, if you need it!

Working out what your body type and colouring are and familiarizing yourself with some of the basic rules of styling is a great place to start. It can be a helpful way to plan outfits too. Figuring out these things can be a little bit of trial and error. But you will soon figure it out. When you do stick to it. It can be tempting to fight these rules when you fall in love with a piece of clothing or see a style that looks great on someone else, but learning what suits your shape and colouring will never fail you. Dressing for your body type and colouring will ultimately make you feel more confident and comfortable.

Not only do you need to be honest with yourself about your body type and colouring, but you also need to be honest with yourself about your practical requirements for clothes during this phase of your life. It’s hard not to be too attached to the way you used to dress there is a comfort in oversized tops that cover every lump and bump post pregnancy. Figure out the key essentials you need to begin with in your wardrobe. Your statement pieces. Go from there..

The most important thing to do when you are stuck in a style rut is to rediscover the joy of clothes. Making style boards on Pinterest and collecting images and styling ideas can help you do this, as long as you pin wisely, only selecting styles and colours that you think will suit you. Find Instagram accounts where the style is what you like to wear and only follow accounts that make you feel good about yourself. Unfollow the ones who don’t.

When you start exploring other styles and pieces you will get used to what feels and looks good. When you find a style that you feel great in stick to it. I’m not saying don’t ever go out of your comfort zone but while you’re still discovering your likes and dislikes finding what works and sticking to it is a great place to start.