HOW TO REBUILD YOUR WARDROBE AFTER HAVING A BABY
Top: Animal Print Shirt: Topshop $68, Skinny Jeans: Zara $50, Headwrap: My Own, Earrings: Queen Boutique, Necklaces: My Own
When I was young, single, and living that Carrie Bradshaw life in NYC— I splurged on a new outfit after every paycheck. Fast forward a decade, two kids, and two cross country moves later, I can barely escape the house wearing clean clothes— let alone anything cute or trendy. These days my trusty go-tos are sweats. But you know what the late designer Karl Lagerfield says:
“Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants.”
-Karl Lagerfield
Ha! I see no lies there. To give myself some self-care and reign in control of my fashion life, I reached out to my dear friend—celebrity fashion stylist, Rebecca Brie, to give me some cohesive tips on how to rebuild my wardrobe—starting at square one.
‘Auntie Becky,’ as our kids call her, not only has an impeccable style all her own, but has also worked with notable celebrities, athletes, and brands to craft their images. Plus, as a sister friend for nearly all of my life, I knew that her no B.S. approach would help me make quick and needed changes to enhance how I’m currently livin.’
So if you’re a new on the go mom, who is in-between sizes— like me, a seasoned mom, or are simply looking to refresh your wardrobe, here’s a simple starter guide, crafted by Rebecca. It’s working wonders for me:
Tip 1: Do a full audit of your closet, even if you’re not back to your pre-baby size. Donate maternity gear or items that no longer fit to clear space for the new. In the words of Marie Kondo,
“Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service – then let them go.”
-Marie Kondo
Tip 2: Take stock of your wardrobe by assessing your clothing by category. Look at your jackets, pants, shirts, dresses, skirts, athleisure, shoes and accessories. Here are the key staple pieces that Rebecca suggests having in your closet:
Rebecca says that a moto jacket is essential. It can be dressed up or down.
Moto jacket: Zara $69
Jackets:
Denim jacket: Gap has a variety of classic denim jackets for days
Moto jacket: A bit more polish, motos are great all purpose jackets that you can layer underneath. Asos has a cool one.
Pants:
Skinny jeans: Madewell has great mid to high rise skinnies that can are both flattering and can easily be paired with a t-shirt or blouse.
Boyfriend jeans: Chill, budget friendly ones can be found at Zara.
Distressed jeans
Overalls: Rebecca found her fabulous trusted ones at Zoe’s Vintage. You can also grab some at Old Navy.
Denim Shirt: Target $20, Boyfriend Jeans: Zara $50, Nike Air Max 95 $170
Shirts:
Basic gray T-shirt: Go for a classic white if your kids are older and you’re less likely to get stained.
Denim shirt: Get a tailored fit and also boyfriend style
Button down shirt: In navy, black, and white
Plaid, gingham and/or animal print button down shirt
Striped T-shirt: Navy blue and white stripes give a classic nautical feel
Leotards: Great to wear as is, with jeans, or as an under layer.
A different way to rock the same boyfriend jeans ~with a bodysuit from ComfyCozy Boutique: $25. Bracelets c/o 2322 by Amber Mimz, Shoes: Calvin Klein $65
Some moms enjoy rocking monochrome colors daily, to keep things simple. “When in doubt—wear black” Rebecca explains. If you decide on rocking all-black everything, postpartum, she suggests punching up the flair by adding animal print add ons, like shoes, an everyday bag or headwrap.
“I like adding colors, mixing prints and love animal print. Especially if you’re wearing one color, like all black. Animal print adds flavor. Animal print is a neutral. It can go with stripes. It can go with florals. It goes with polka dots, and with different colors.”
Rebecca Brie, Stylist
Moto Jacket: Zara: $69, Racerback Black Dress: Forever 21: $18
Basic black punched up with a colorful beaded necklace
(Bought many moons ago at a Philadelphia street festival)
Dresses:
Wrap Dresses: Go for DVF inspired styles which you can find anywhere—from Ross and Marshalls to Zara and Nobody Jones, a L.A. Black woman owned business.
Jumpers: I love a no fuss romper!
“I’m a big fan of wearing sneakers with dresses—with daintier sneakers. If you have a cute dress— throw on some sneakers with a moto jacket.”
Rebecca Brie, Stylist
Athleisure:
Track suits: Tory Burch and Athleta have nice ones, but you can also score looks for a lower price point at Target.
Leggings: Get a plain pair to go with a t-shirt, moto jacket, and sneakers.
Sweats: If you can’t kick your sweats habit, brands with solid women’s collections include Nike and Adidas (hello Beyonce collabo & Ivy Park!) and their Adidas by Stella McCartney line is also pretty fresh.
Moto paired with a t-shirt, leggings, fresh kicks—Repeat…
Shoes:
New Balance
Vans
Adidas: Stan Smith tennis shoes
Converse: Chuck Taylor All Stars and Jack Purcell sneakers
High Tops or Low Tops (black or white)
A good pair of slides
Sandals
Booties
Note on sneakers: We all know that pregnancy can bring swollen feet and possibly even a jump in shoe sizes— postpartum. Rebecca suggests opting for sleeker sneakers that are not your standard run of the mill, bulky tennis shoe. The brands mentioned above tend to have styles that are more tailored to your fit one’s foot, especially Adidas’ Stan Smith shoes and Jack Purcell’s, made by Converse.
Headwraps can add texture and flair to an everyday look
Accessories:
Scarves: For headwraps, neck draping, or breastfeeding
Shawls: TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross often have great shawl finds
Stud earrings: I was surprised to find great studs at Cost Plus World Market. Go for small hoops if your children are past the grabbing phase. If you want to make a bolder statement, go vintage, as in door-knockers. Simone I. Smith has modern ones that also have a throwback vibe.
Everyday bracelets and stackable rings: D.C. based 2322 is my go-to!
Everyday bag
Hats:
Straw fedora
Headwrap: Use fabric or silk head scarves to punch up the volume.
Great Shops To Pick Up Budget-Friendly Buys:
Zara
2322 (Black woman owned)
Ross
Nobody Jones Boutique (Black woman owned)
Marshalls
Zoe’s Vintage (Black woman owned)
Nordstrom Rack
Saks Fifth Off
J. Crew
Madewell
Any and all small businesses! Here’s a few resources for sourcing Black owned fashion retailers: Option 1, Option 2, Option 3.
Ordering Online:
If life is hectic and its a challenge to carve out time to go shopping, fashion subscription services are a great way to save time and get fast fashion delivered to your doorstep. Companies like Stitch Fix, Frank and Oak, Trunk Club, and Gwynnie Bee are great options. InStyle put together a helpful list of The Best Fashion Subscription Boxes for Every Woman. But, you may not have as much creative control, when it comes to clothing selection. Rebecca suggests letting online stylists know in advance, before ordering, which specific items you want to add to your wardrobe and/or which brands you favor, to help them with the selection process.
For more fashion tips and inspiration, follow Rebecca Brie on Instagram and check out her website.