This past fall I went on maternity leave to welcome the birth of our baby. While researching what I could and speaking to new mothers, what to have on hand for postpartum felt a little overlooked. There seem to be a million Instagram stories on what to pack in your hospital bag (spoiler: you don’t need much) I didn’t quite know what to expect or what I would need in the early days of motherhood. After some trial and error and more than a few 3am Amazon orders, below is a line up of what worked for me and what I would recommend for new moms as they transition from maternity to new born life.

Stay Stylish,

Happy weekend all! And thanks, Kimberly, for the introduction and for offering me the space to share my perspective as a new mom trying to work out what clothes give me joy now.

Tarah’s Summer Travel Capsule

On the trip, I gravitated toward packing things I already owned and had missed wearing.

●      Linen button-downs

I thanked my past self for following Kimberly’s advice of rotating and packing my clothes each season. When I opened my summer clothes, I found two of my favorite linen shirts from J.Crew. They are oversized and familiar and make me so happy. I loved these for vacation because they are lightweight and endlessly adaptable. They are always an easy layer piece over a swimsuit or under a light jacket. I wore my white linen button-down with denim jean shorts like these and a leather sandal. My second linen outfit featured my blue linen shirt, black linen shorts, and black sandals. I also just found these shorts for Moms to be, and they are so cute.

New mom bonus: I recently learned (linen button-downs) they are perfect for breastfeeding and more stylish than many other nursing tops out there. I also find that oversized linen tops are great for hiding stains (like baby spit up) and sweat.

●      Wrap dresses

I brought my favorite wrap dress from Modern Citizen on the trip. Wrap dresses are easy to pack, flattering and versatile. I appreciate this dress even more after pregnancy, and my body has changed – maybe yours has too during Covid– and a wrap dress gives me the flexibility I need to feel happy, confident, and a little more dressed up.

In addition to wearing my favorite wrap dress to dinner, I’ve also worn it as a swimsuit cover-up and feel extra chic walking around the pool.

In addition to wearing my favorite wrap dress to dinner, I’ve also worn it as a swimsuit cover-up and feel extra chic walking around the pool. I also highly recommend wrap dresses if you are a nursing mom and are out and about. I love that I can wear my wrap dress, a nursing tank or bra underneath, and cover myself with this wrap, all while feeling pulled together and doing the things I enjoy.

●      Pool things

This is where I bought a few things for the trip. I wanted a new pair of sunglasses that were festive and fun. I landed on these sunglasses with this hat. I love that the hat isn’t precious, protects me from the sun (up to UPF 50), and is practically uncrushable. I also bought this cover-up for its length and ease, but I considered a cover-up that cinched in at the waist and looked more elevated for when I wanted to go from the pool to the restaurant without having to return to the room and change. I like this one in black.

●  Essential Under Garments

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● Cozy Essentials

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●      Some Learnings

I tried on a swimsuit before we left on our trip, but I didn’t realize until I was at the pool and swimming around that it was super uncomfortable. It was a good reminder that even though I had only worn it once before, it was time to upgrade to something I love and feel great in. I found there are lots of sales on swimwear right now.

I like this one piece and love Johanna Ortiz’s overall brand. I also love the wrap effect of this suit, and I love a red swimsuit. I also wore this swimsuit every day during my pregnancy. Swimming was my main form of exercise, and this suit offered support and coverage and grew with my belly. I was able to wear it until 39 weeks!