So here you are; a few months into motherhood and most likely with a wardrobe that you are less than inspired about. Some clothes do not fit you anymore, some pregnancy clothes are still at the front of your wardrobe, you are totally over the maternity bras and your lifestyle just does not reflect what is in your wardrobe. You might still be on maternity leave, going back to part-time work, perhaps work from home or be a full time Mum. In short you are ready for the new YOU in all your glory!
So, what is stopping you looking like a Yummy Mummy? Here are some simple tips to help you find your new Look.
1. Get your bust size re-measured
There is a really good chance that your band and cup size have changed since your pregnancy. Statistics say that 70% of all women wear the wrong bra so take your time and ask the help of a department store expert to advise you what shapes and brands suit your new breast shape.
Sizes can vary enormously amongst different brands so just focus on that the band, when done up at the last hook, makes a perfect circle around your rib case parallel to the floor. The cup should fit your bust completely without spillage or gaps. A good test is to see if the bra stays in position when you lift your arms above your head.
Shape wear (Magic Knickers) options for any budget are available and if you have never tried it under your clothes you will surprised what a difference it can make to your look. There are many different options and the best thing to do is to take your time and try a few different styles. Make sure you do this at the beginning of a shopping trip so you are fresh. Starting of with the right basics is essential and you will feel your energy lifted!
2. Find out what styles suit your body shape and what colours bring out the best in you and really compliment your new lifestyle!
Most women are not aware how important it is to know what body shape they have and continue to buy the wrong styles that do not bring out their best. The two most common body shapes are the woman with a bottom heavy frame and the woman with a columnar, boxy silhouette.
For the woman with a bottom-heavy frame arising from narrow shoulders, a small waist and large hips, the aim is to visually broaden the upper body to balance the lower bottom-heavy body. Excellent choices of styles will be ones that have a vertical design influence below the waist (for example pin stripe pants or skirt) and horizontal design influence and shoulder enhancing styles above the waist. The best styles of pants will be bootleg and straight pants. Skirts and dresses are best worn in a straight style or slightly flared. Make sure you draw attention to the upper body with for example the help of accessories. Most importantly is to wear garments that shape the waist and avoid all stiff fabrics.
The woman with a columnar, boxy silhouette will find that she has similar circumference of the bust, waist and hips. The hips tend to be square and a flat derriere is also common. The aim is to add definition by visually elongating the body and defining the shoulders if the woman is overweight or defining the waist if she is slender. Excellent choices of styles will be wrap dresses, straight and semi-fitted jackets and dresses and straight to gently flared flat-fronted pants. A-line skirts will also be a suitable style and make sure you have high placed focal points. It is best to avoid fitted styles, narrow skirts, clingy fabrics, baggy pants or big loose tops.
3. Colours that you wear on your upper body will either make you look fresh and rosy cheeked if they are right for you or if they are not right, they will show your wrinkle lines and make you look drawn and tired.
One of the most common mistakes that women make is wearing the colour black close to their face. Even though the shops are full of this “slimming colour”, beware that black can accentuate those “sleep deprivation” wrinkles and lines on your face. Someone who has dark eyes, olive skin and dark hair will look great in black however a woman with blond hair, light eyes and pale skin is best to wear charcoal or chocolate as an alternative to black. It is well known that colours change your mood and you will be surprised that adding a little bit of colour to your wardrobe will give you a boost of energy that will help you through the day.
4. Find a New Look that suits your new Life style!
You may find that you have just finished a working life in the corporate world and post baby you feel you have nothing that fits your new shape or suits your new life style. Find a new look that makes you feel great and happy. A look that is fresh, based on basics and easy mix and match outfits that will last a few seasons. Layering basic tops with a great neckline that show off your new cleavage (in a new bra) combined with a nice pair of jeans or a great cut pair of pants together with a beautiful knit and a good fitting jacket and a nice pair of boots and you will be ready for winter! This outfit can be mixed and matched with different accessories that will change the colour dynamics and look on a daily basis depending on your mood that day.
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