For a long time I felt like I was "supposed to" tuck in my top if I was wearing a skirt. The reasoning tied to a notion that I should try most often to emphasize my waist. Perhaps this was the influence of watching too many episodes of What Not to Wear? At any rate, my postpartum waist understandably is thicker than before. And with those changes come the opportunity to play with different shapes and styles. I have long been suspect toward the idea that flattering is defined narrowly as "that which makes you look smallest." I feel like I am flattered also by the comfort that comes from settling into a motherhood style that is more relaxed, more self-assured, and more willing to acknowledge the necessity of machine-wash-ability.
Details:
Target sweater
Off Fifth house brand skirt
Spanx tights
Delman Wonder flats
9 comments:
very pretty!
I love how you styled your sweater and skirt. I've been leaning towards wearing my shirts/skirts the same way but haven't found the right top/skirt combo that looks good. It looks so comfortable.
I have that sweater too! It's always nice to find cute cotton sweaters (breathable *and* machine washable! ;)
You look so great. I'm totally going to attempt to copy this look.
I really appreciate this post. Being apple-shaped, I've forever dealt with a proportionally thicker waist. This was mitigated visually when my bust-line grew, but that also provided more fit/accentuation complications.
I've never voiced this to anyone, so it seems odd to do so in a blog comment, but here goes. I'm ashamed to admit I greatly fear the consequences of having a baby and loosing what little definition I have there. It's such an ugly and conceited concern, I know, but as it's an extension of a societal-born, thus-far-life-long self-image issue, I suppose I should not be surprised? There's also the materialistic side, as, relatedly, I also worry about not fitting into my extensive (and beloved) wardrobe I've meticulously curated. I hope that becoming a mother will allow me the necessary perspective to not care about such trivialities. Until then, I really do appreciate your blog and clear-headed addresses regarding "flattering" not necessarily meaning "looking smaller."
I'm all for not tucking in! I've never had a baby, but I have lower tummy pooch and I've always felt that tucking in emphasizes that (rightly or wrongly). Not tucking in is fine, I call it "relaxed". :) Looks good!
I'm built pretty much straight up and down, so I like wearing my sweaters over my skirts. Plus I think that's currently on-trend. I really like this look - nothing wrong with it at all!
I'm so glad you shared! Thank you for the kind compliments. I really liked the baggy distressed star sweater that Mindy Kaling and Jessica Simpson were photographed wearing but thought this Target deal was an excellent cheap thrill of a knockoff. I bought it in a bigger size to fit my pregnant body but am glad for the extra room postpartum too.
I really think that body related anxiety in the age of "what's your excuse?"-style fitness memes (if you don't know that one, don't look it up cause it is ridiculous and unnecessary) and postpartum celebrity weight loss is to be expected! I know I certainly went through a great deal of it, especially when the payoff after pregnancy was more of an abstract idea than a real, fascinating, and wonderful person that you love. If you've spent the amount of time amassing wardrobe pieces you adore the way that both of us have, then it is inevitable to feel additional worry about losing access to your favorites. I am still lamenting that my Kate Spade Violetta remains a bit too snug in the bust and many of my See by Chloe favorites might need to be replaced entirely with higher numerically sized versions. But many of the favorites do fit again. And I'm trying to focus on how great it is to be able to wear those, while being kind to myself and my body as I approach my daughter's first birthday (when I was incorrectly sure things would be "back to normal").
There's no way to predict how one's body is going to respond to an event like pregnancy. And while some folks might argue that one's shape and weight are entirely controllable, I am not so sure. If anything I had to accept that the loss of control with regard to so many aspects of pregnancy and fetal development were my first parental lessons in surrender. The relinquishing of control is hard, stressful, upsetting, and in many ways necessary when it comes to something so life changing as the process of becoming a mother. No matter what you ultimately decide for your own life path, I wish you luck and am sure you will surprise yourself, as we are so much more resilient and adaptable than we give ourselves credit. xo
Thank you! It was really comfy and felt so much less fussy than tucking in something.
I too have been more ample in my abdomen even before having a baby and have worried about how tucking in can really highlight it. But I often let my spanx tights take the wheel in that regard. haha Thank you for the kind words!
Thank you for the vote of confidence! I imagine the subconscious influence of seeing this being worn on other blogs contributed to my willingness to experiment.
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