How to Dress Stylishly and Comfortably as a Mama

There once was a time where I quite happily wore the most impractical and uncomfortable clothes in the name of fashion. It’s safe to say that I left those days behind when I had children, in favour of ease and flexibility for chasing around little ones. But what I didn’t want to lose was the feeling of looking chic, so I’ve spent the last three years perfecting my own take on stylish, comfortable dressing.

Today I’d love to share some of my favourite ways to dress, now I’m a mama.

Stylish and comfortable shoes by VIVAIA, with a perfect outfit for a new mum

1. Create a capsule wardrobe

If you want to get dressed quickly and still feel put-together, there’s nothing like a capsule wardrobe. Designed to minimise the effort in dressing each morning, this slimline wardrobe provides enough variety for everything you need, without having overwhelming choice. Each garment is designed to work with the others so that you can pull out pieces to wear without much thought.

My personal process is to rotate my wardrobe each season, swapping in summer dresses and winter jumpers as required, and donating anything I’m no longer in love with. This usually leaves me with around 30 pieces in my cupboard, though it can vary depending on the season and my mood on the day!

For more advice on curating a capsule wardrobe, I’d highly recommend Jessica Rose Williams’ wonderful wisdom.

2. Choose easy outfits

Since having little ones, the days of spending hours getting ready are long gone, and I gravitate towards outfits that are easy to throw together. Dungarees, jumpsuits and pinafore dresses all provide easy go-to options. I particularly love to find or make pieces that are a little bit special, with an unusual print or shape, to make for a bold look that’s also effortless. And a collection of high quality t-shirts makes putting together a complete outfit super simple.

On that note, having a curated selection of good quality basics is essential. I have a few select t-shirts, shirts and jumpers that work with just about everything, and will likely last me many years. Knowing I don’t have to worry about the basics gives me time to focus on the more fun parts of my wardrobe!

3. Wear comfortable shoes

When you have children you’re sure to spend a large part of your day on your feet, so having comfortable and practical shoes is essential. I recently discovered VIVAIA, and have fallen in love with their beautiful collection of shoes. They are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn, making them perfect for when you’re on the go all day. They’re sustainable too, with each shoe made entirely from recycled materials. You can get 15% off VIVAIA’s whole collection with the code ‘INNES’, and there is free worldwide shipping when you spend over $69.

I gravitate towards outfits that are easy to throw together. Dungarees, jumpsuits and comfortable dresses all provide easy go-to options.

4. Choose items that can change with your body

Motherhood often brings along with it a multitude of changes to your body. Through pregnancy and breastfeeding our bodies can change dramatically, so curating a wardrobe that’s comfortable, flattering and stylish takes a little planning.

Some of my particular favourites are elasticated waistbands, which may conjure up rather unflattering images, but can actually be super chic. Try looking for trousers with a paper bag style waist and a leg shape that flatters your shape, or even consider dresses with an elasticated waist that allows the dress to grow with you.

Dungarees or overalls are also the original maternity wear, and there’s a reason why! They essentially have an in-built adjustment system, helping the piece to change as you do. I also love oversized pieces that can accommodate a growing baby bump, yet look stylish when the bump becomes a baby.

On the subject of a changing body, it’s also worth finding underwear that fits and flatters a changing body. Consider soft, flexible bras that are comfortable and supportive, and will suit you despite changes in size. I particularly like crop-top styles for ease.

For more on dressing sustainably for a changing body, take a look at these posts on my maternity and breastfeeding wardrobes.

5. The details make the difference!

The tiniest details can make the difference to a stylish and practical piece when you’re a mum. For example, I always look for clothes with pockets, perfect for storing those little toys that seem to end up everywhere. Buttons are also a lifesaver, particularly when you’re breastfeeding.

I will also always pay close attention to my fabric choices, since I find natural fibres much more comfortable for clothing. Fabrics like linen, organic cotton and hemp are breathable, hardwearing and can withstand many washes without deteriorating, which is essential when you’re living with messy little ones. But the best part is that these fabrics are some of the most beautiful - I never fail to feel stylish when I wear linen!

This page contains affiliate links, which earn me a little bit of commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thank you! Some items mentioned were gifted to me.