Between sleepless nights and endless nappy changes, it can be hard to find time to prioritise your personal style as a new mum. Having a chic outfit can be a major confidence boost however, it can be challenging to find a balance between style, comfort, and practicality.
In the quest to help mums look and feel their best, Now to Love sat down with stylist Rebecca James to find out her expert styling hacks for how to elevate your mum wardrobe in a flash, without compromising on comfort.
Mum on the go Rebecca shares her top wardrobe tips.
(Image: Instagram)You’ve recently just celebrated your first Mother’s Day as a mum. How would you say your style has changed since having Margot?
You know, it’s funny, comfort in the mornings is front of mind these days. Don’t get me wrong, I do love going towards my more fashion-ey high-end pieces, but it’s comfort that’s front of mind.
I’ve got some great pieces from BIG W. Their tailored pants, which are on-trend at the moment. [They are great] just to pair back with a belt and a long-sleeve basic for winter are perfect for those comfy days when you just want a bit of an elevated look.
Is there any one piece, whether it be clothing or an accessory, that can accommodate all the demands of motherhood without compromising on style?
For me, while heading into winter, I grab my trench [coat] every single time. Trench or a puffer [jacket]. I just feel like if you’ve got your trousers or your jeans on and your basic top you’ve pulled from your core wardrobe, and then you grab your trench, it just immediately elevates your look. They go with everything. Same for denim jackets.
WATCH: Rebecca James BIG W ‘New Mum’ Edit. Article continues after video.
Speaking of BIG W style, you’ve mentioned in your BIG W styling videos that it’s important to find those timeless pieces that will transition through all the seasons. Are there any particular pieces you would recommend as a must-have wardrobe staple?
I love a [knit] jumper. I definitely go for my trench, but I love my knits. They are definitely something that you can very easily inject into your wardrobe with the staple pieces that you have.
A knit is a fantastic piece to chuck on as a mum. Another one would be just the denim jacket. I do love a denim jacket. When you’ve got your knit on, chuck on your denim jacket and it just creates a nice bit of depth in your look.
Are there any colours or styles that new mums should look out for when shopping for basics?
Must-haves are your white, black, grey, and navy. Even the ribbed [fabric] just to get a bit of texture to your look. All those things [help] build your core wardrobe for your everyday look that will just fall back with everything.
WATCH: Rebecca James BIG W Family Styling Tips. Article continues after video.
You were recently in Italy for your brother Scotty’s wedding which looked gorgeous! Do you have any tips for new mums on what to look for when dressing for special occasions?
What I looked for when I was pregnant and postpartum were textured pieces and things that are quite forgiving. Comfort was another big one for me. I wanted to make sure that whatever I put on during my pregnancy or post-partum, and a big thing for new mums, is that you’re comfortable.
The biggest thing for me was not to compare myself to what others were wearing. For me, it was important to feel confident and comfortable. Blazers are a fantastic piece to put with occasional evening wear, especially if you are a bit conscious.
Showing your figure, I find, is also really important postpartum and even when you’re pregnant. Women’s figures are phenomenal, and that comes back to confidence. What I build in my personal styling clients is don’t be afraid to show your figure. Show that waistline. Belt your blazer. Tie that trench coat up.
James shares baby Margot with Sunrise weather presenter Sam Mac.
(Image: Instagram)What would you say is your number one style tip for new mums?
My number one tip, which I also tell myself, is to build your core wardrobe. As a new mum, the days are quite hectic. You have to move quickly, and you don’t become a priority anymore, so building that core wardrobe where you can effortlessly grab the pieces from your wardrobe and know that what you’re putting on will look fantastic even if you are moving at a million miles an hour.
Building the core wardrobe with your basics, your trench coat, your denim jacket, your tailored trousers, [and] a white sneaker. You will just walk out the door feeling effortlessly chic.
Would you also say that one of your top tips would be to find your own unique style?
Yes, absolutely. Do not compare yourself to others. Each woman, with their pregnancy journey, has been through their own journey, and no one knows that, so it’s important that we build our own confidence and not compare ourselves to anybody else.
Building your own confidence and doing that through your wardrobe is definitely achievable with building that core wardrobe so when you walk out the door, you just feel fantastic every day.
Want to get the look? Shop Rebecca’s BIG W edit below!
&me Women’s Tailored Pant | $25 | SHOP HERE
Brilliant Basics Women’s Long Sleeve Rib Tee | $8 | SHOP HERE
The 1964 Denim Company Women’s Classic Harbour Wash Denim Jacket | $35 | SHOP HERE
&me Women’s Puffer Jacket | $45 | SHOP HERE
&me Women’s Chevron Jumper | $30 | SHOP HERE
The 1964 Denim Company Women’s Denim Skirt | $30 | SHOP HERE
&me Women’s Blanket Check Scarf| $15 | SHOP HERE
