What should you wear in your ‘fourth trimester’?  It’s a tricky one. However you felt during your pregnancy, you may feel a little ‘in between’ once you’ve had your baby. Very few people spring back into their jeans within seconds of giving birth. Many of your maternity clothes may work well now – but you may not always feel like wearing them, or you might want to treat yourself to something new. So, to help you look your very best, here are our Fabulous Five Top Tips. 

1. Respect the Chest

It’s likely that your breasts are larger than before. That will mean that high-necked tops might create a ‘shelf’ of your boobs. Consider lower cut tops or v-necks to create a slimmer, more elegant illusion. You may even want to show off your new assets a little more. Try our Mama Fox for a flattering v-neck design (without revealing too much). Shirts can also be flattering but be careful not to wear them too small, with breasts straining to escape. Larger breasts (and a bigger tum) mean that lots of your old tops will feel too short; very frustrating. Layer them with a vest underneath – Petit Bateau kids ones (try 17/18) fit a lot of adults and are longer, so work well with lower-waist jeans or a bigger top half. All Bb tops are slightly longer at the front to help counter this. Babydoll tops flatter the chest and skim over bigger tums.

It’s frustrating to have to buy a huge new wardrobe, knowing that you will probably be a different size in a few months time (remember, for most people it is nine months up and nine months down). However, if you try and buy clothing without zips or buttons, you’re more likely to find a wardrobe which shrinks well with you. Too-tight clothing digs in, making you feel uncomfortable and unglamorous. Better to wear something that flatters your new figure and lasts. Our bestselling Magic Pants are perfect for this - super-stylish and long-lasting. Our new mum nightwear is also well designed to feel comfortable: our Spotty PJs are cleverly cut to flatter and encourage comfortable lounging. And the Cardigowns wrap around whatever size you are.

4. Discretion is the better part of glamour

Breastfeeding is a fantastic invention – for the baby. And many mums are very happy to feed anywhere anyhow & have become adept at hoiking up tops and feeding discreetly. Others find it a bit more tricky. For all those who feel self-conscious about their new body & want to confidently feed their babies in cafes or in front of friends, we have some great breastfeeding tops. They look like normal t-shirts but allow easy access for feeding efficiently; try the aptly named Grace and Dignity. Avoid having to wear a maternity bra in bed with our vest tops with a patented in-built bra – Foxy Feeding. Or use one of our gorgeous Davina Pashminas for a pretty way to give yourself some privacy.

5. Distraction, distraction, distraction

Jewellery is a lifesaver – great earrings or necklaces distract the eye brilliantly away from a bigger tum. Or draw the eye’s focus onto a fabulous coloured baby bag. We love the lovely red ones for attention-grabbing glamour (Mama 'Mia' is one of our bestselling designs). Printed fabrics are also worth looking into as they are great for hiding the ‘sign of the baby’ (any little marks from baby on your shoulder) as well as disguising any leaks. Try our Floradora Vee for a beautiful print for practicality – and glamour.