Home > Style > What To Buy > The Items That Make Getting Dressed Easier Post author By The Mum Club Post date 5 February 2024 The Items That Make Getting Dressed Easier The Mum Club5 February 2024 Wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear? Leading Stylist Sarah Barlow, says it’s completely normal to no longer identify with your wardrobe after you have a baby. “That might be down to shape change, but it’s also because your life has changed too. “When you have 5 minutes to get ready, the last thing you want to do is rummage through sequin trousers and leather mini skirts to find something suitable for soft play.” Sarah says, “You don’t need to throw everything out and start again. Follow my tips and I promise you’ll find getting dressed so much easier!” Things to Do Before You Shop Buy a New Bra Boobs change whether you breastfeed or not. And your clothes won’t fit correctly if your underwear doesn’t. And you don’t have to drag yourself and your newborn to a bra fitting, as some lingerie brands such as Bravissimo offer them online. Make Time for a Clearout Assess what you can wear right now. Then, take out the rest and either whack beloved non-wearables in vacuum-packed storage, take them to a charity shop, or sell them on Vinted (for more premium items, I recommend listing them on The Cirkel). If you make money, you can put it towards buying new items. Create Structure When placing everything back into your wardrobe, try rearranging it into clear categories. This may sound obvious, but it will make getting dressed much easier. I always use this order: dresses, tops, shirts/blouses, skirts, shorts, trousers, suits/co-ords, jackets. Knitwear and jeans are best folded or rolled in drawers or baskets. Spread Out The Expense Clearing out might have solved the issue of ‘what to wear’ and enabled your wardrobe (and mind) to breathe. But if not, then you might need to buy a few versatile staple pieces that can easily be worn and styled together. But there’s no rush. You don’t need to have a brand-new wardrobe within a week. Think of this as the beginning of your new style journey, and remember to look for specific items on preloved sites to grab a bargain. Your ‘New Mum Wardrobe’ Starter Kit 1. A Flattering Shirt White, cargo or printed – a good-fitting shirt can be worn casually with leggings, smart tracksuit trousers or jeans. You can also dress it up for work or a special occasion by pairing it with a skirt or layering it underneath dresses. Buy Now 2. Comfy Trousers That Make You Feel Smart A flattering wide-leg cut will suit pretty much any body shape. They’re a smarter alternative to casual jeans, but thanks to the elasticated waist, they’re a hundred times more comfortable! Buy Now 3. A ‘Goes With Everything’ Trainer It’s incredible what a new pair of trainers can do for your soul, and they go with everything. There may be rumours that the ‘white trainer is dead’, but I strongly disagree. Think practically instead of getting carried away with fleeting trends; decide what shade and style of shoe will work with most of your clothes. Buy Now 4. The ‘Do It All’ Dress A new dress that you can wear with boots, flats or heels is invaluable. Polka dots and prints like leopard are also versatile as they work across seasons. Buy Now 5. The I Feel Fancy Coat A new coat is probably the most expensive purchase of the fashion year. But it is worth investing in quality as it will see you through winter after winter and make you feel more put together. Buy Now 6. The Shove-It-All-In Tote I love a ‘hands-free’ cross-body bag, but sometimes it just won’t cut it, and a larger carrier is required. Anything washable or wipeable also gets my vote. Buy Now 7. The Timeless Trench A trench is a timeless classic but extremely practical… especially one that’s waterproof or comes with a hood. Buy Now 8. The Basic Breton Top I’d be pretty surprised if you didn’t already have one, but if not opt for one with a dark navy stripe, and it will go with every other colour/piece in your wardrobe. Buy Now 9. Your Favourite New Jeans This one might take some time to shop, but life will be much easier when you get a great new fit for your shape. So either book out an afternoon where you go on your own or order some online and have a try-on session in your bedroom. Buy Now 10. How to look put together in seconds For days when you want to look like you’ve made more of an effort (but haven’t had to), throw on a relaxed tailored blazer over any outfit combo. Buy Now 11. A Wear With Anything Knit This perfect-for-sofa-snuggles-sweater will also look great dressed up with a slip skirt or a pair of tailored wide-leg trousers when (and if) you decide to head back to work. Buy Now 12. The Dress-Up-Or-Down Slip Skirt If the clinginess of a slip skirt isn’t for you, then a pleated midi skirt can also work here. Layer it up with an oversized knit & blazer in the winter or t-shirts and vests in warmer weather. Buy Now 13. A Boot That Makes an Outfit A flat pull-on ankle boot with a chunky cleated sole is the ideal ‘mum on the run’ choice of footwear. From dresses to jeans and everything else in between, pair these boots with pretty much anything in your winter wardrobe, and when the summer comes, swap them out for a pair of flatform sandals. Buy Now 14. The Item That Fixes Everything Nearly unbreakable sunnies that hide tired eyes also make you look instantly stylish. If you’re short-sighted and your tired, dry eyes can’t handle lenses, I recommend Ace & Tate for a great selection of prescription-friendly frames. Buy Now 15. Your Stylish Throw On Cosy, comfortable and chic… a knitted dress is the ultimate ‘throw-on-and-go’ outfit. And in the summer, a maxi linen dress works in the same way. buy now Follow Sarah for More Style Tips Sarah Barlow, Stylist Follow The Mum Club5 February 2024 ← 6 Ways to Help Your Child’s Mental Health → The UK’s Most Romantic Hotels and Restaurants
