How to Find Your Style as a New Mom on a Budget

If you’re a new mom, putting together chic looks might be the last thing on your to-do list for the day. After all, you’re looking after a tiny human, and putting their needs before your own – it can take a little while to get back to feeling up to heading outside the house, and re-familiarizing yourself with your personal style! You might find that your typical go-to outfits require some adjustments to fit your new lifestyle. In my own motherhood journey, I’ve learned that young mom outfits should fit your needs as you balance comfort with your favorite chic style! The tips and looks below are budget-friendly, comfy, and easy to put together as you embrace all of the changes that becoming a new mom brings.

1. Define your style in 3 words

One of the best ways to refine your new mom style and figure out young mom outfits that work for you is to define your style. How to go about doing this? Try to narrow it down to three words. Use one word to reflect what your style currently is, one word to describe what you want it to be, and one word to describe what your lifestyle calls for!

Going for a casual, Parisian chic look that’s still comfortable enough to wear as you’re running errands? Start with a classic Mariner tee and jeans. Then add in other Parisian favorite accessories, like a pair of cap-toed ballet flats, pearl earrings, and a structured leather bag. A trench coat is the cherry on top! For transitional fall or spring weather, this is an easy outfit idea that you can recreate again and again.

2. Reach for your comfort pieces first

Becoming a new mom at any age comes with a big learning curve – and sometimes it helps to rely on what’s familiar to get you through those challenging (yet rewarding) first few months. If you’ve found yourself reaching for the same pair of sweatpants and sweatshirt again and again, you can use those as foundational pieces to style into different outfits as you readjust your style.

If you are reaching for a sweatshirt and sweatpants, go for a neutral, monochromatic look to instantly look and feel more put-together. From there, you can elevate the look with different layers. In cold weather, try adding a wool coat on top for structure and a hint of timeless elegance! A thick headband is an easy way to style your hair, but it also acts as a chic accessory when paired with coordinating black oval sunglasses. Grab a pair of comfy white sneakers, and you’re good to go!

3. Don’t forget to accessorize

Speaking of accessories, they really can transform the look of your most basic, comfiest outfits, with little extra effort or impact on your budget! They also take up less room in your wardrobe. If you’re still in the phase of rediscovering your style as a new mom, accessories are an efficient way to experiment with new looks and switch up old outfits to feel new!

Chunky gold jewelry is one of my favorite ways to elevate a casual look. Whether you’re headed to school drop-off or running a quick errand or two, a pair of gold hoops, a watch, a pendant necklace, etc., can make your favorite track pants and sweatshirt feel more polished and like a complete outfit. Then you can add a hat or headband and a cute yet practical tote bag to pull it all together.

4. Add texture and color to your outfit

Texture and color also play a big role in helping you pinpoint your style as a new mom! Neutral looks are always a great go-to, but color and texture can make getting dressed feel a little bit more exciting, and make your outfits feel more dimensional and unique. Color psychology is real – when you need an extra pep in your step, reach for a bold color sweater or top!

Patterns can also help you infuse a simple outfit idea with your own personal style. Whether you love leopard print or classic stripes, even a patterned accessory like a tote bag can make your outfit feel new and exciting, all while sticking to a budget and not reinventing your capsule wardrobe.

5. Experiment with new trends

If you feel like you’re in a wardrobe rut as you try to find your style again after having a baby, try experimenting with a new trend now and again. Although we’re all about a capsule wardrobe full of classic pieces here at MCO, incorporating a trendy piece that catches your eye can help you get excited again about wearing the rest of your go-to staples. And if it makes you feel confident and makes you look forward to getting ready in the morning, that’s definitely a win!

6. Work on a capsule wardrobe

Speaking of a capsule wardrobe, it’s always good to revisit your capsule pieces after you become a new mom! And if you don’t already have one started, after having a child is the perfect time to start one. When you’re in a season of life that calls for quick, comfy, and reliable looks, a capsule wardrobe foundation can give you plenty of versatile, interchangeable options to choose from to create outfits. A good capsule wardrobe can take the guesswork and stress out of getting ready in the morning, which can be so important when you have young children!

7. Mix and match your go-to layers

Infuse your young mom outfits with a bit of creativity by mixing and matching your favorite layers. Try styling a blazer over more relaxed pieces, like a maxi dress or a white t-shirt and leggings. Or add a leather moto jacket over a slip skirt and top! Finding your style again after becoming a new mom can take a little bit of time, but not being afraid to go outside of your comfort zone can help you rediscover your old style, or create something brand new that still feels like you.

8. Create a style “uniform”

Having a style “uniform” is another foolproof way to make getting dressed easier when you’re rushing in the mornings. It gives you a safe set of looks to fall back on when you’re not sure what to wear, and you know that you love these looks, so they’ll give you an extra confidence boost! It takes a bit of trial and error to figure it out, but one way to narrow down your go-to style uniform is to take daily photos of the pieces you love to reach for. Once you do that for a while, do an analysis of the common denominators in your photos. The pieces that you felt the best in and reached for time and time again are a great place to start when creating a style uniform that helps you feel like your most fashionable self.

9. Make small updates to your wardrobe, slowly

Redefining your style as a new mom doesn’t happen overnight! So you shouldn’t pressure yourself to hurry the process along. No matter what stage you’re at in life, making changes to your wardrobe should be a marathon, not a sprint. Rushed decisions might mean panic buying pieces that you don’t really love, or won’t wear after a couple of seasons. Instead, take your time to really slow down and figure out what direction you want your style to head in, and what pieces will help you get there. Then, intentionally shop for quality pieces that fit your budget, and that you can see having a place in your closet for a long time to come.

Finding Your Style Again After Baby

Having a baby, whether it’s your first or not, is a huge lifestyle change! And as with any lifestyle change, your fashion and wardrobe are not immune to the effects. These tips will help you redefine your style as you embrace life’s newest adventure, and help you feel like your most confident self as you enter your new chapter of motherhood.

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