"Having a baby changed me from the inside out. While it’s been written about ad nauseam, it’s still shocking to actually experience just how much your life changes the moment your child is born. Along with the obvious changes to my body, having a child also completely changed my lifestyle and identity. One of the parts of my identity that changed the most was my love of fashion.
Both before and during pregnancy, I found that not much changed as far as my personal style. I have always been someone who has loved fashion. My never-ending closet of flowing maxi dresses lent itself well to my changing body. However, post-pregnancy was another case altogether. I have always been someone who has loved dressing up. But postpartum, I couldn’t seem to shake myself out of wearing a uniform of sweatpants and an oversized tee. It was partly due to low self-esteem with my changed body but also because of a massive lifestyle shift.
Fast forward a year, and I’ve found a few brands that have really helped me regain my personal style postpartum. But, one clothing brand in particular really helped me to feel beautiful again post-baby: DÔEN. Keep scrolling to find out why, plus a full review and try-on of DÔEN clothing.
What is DÔEN?
DÔEN is a clothing brand that was founded in 2016 by sisters Margaret and Katherine Kleveland. According to their website, their collections are inspired by a “nostalgia for the coastal California of decades past.” While the brand is not specific to maternity or postpartum, the clothing line was built with motherhood at its core. Both Katherine and Margaret are mothers who wanted to create clothing that was a celebration of women, with garments that could be passed along from generation to generation.
While DÔEN is not a maternity line, it’s a brand that wants to make its customers feel beautiful during every part of their life. As part of that mission, you can shop certain collections on their website, including pieces that are both pregnancy and nursing-friendly. These are pieces that can be worn before, during, and after pregnancy. Their pieces have more stretch and free-flowing silhouettes that lend themselves throughout the journey of motherhood. DÔEN even has a kids’ collection if you’re looking for a special piece for your little one.
Now, there are no two ways about it—this is a luxe line. The prices are firmly in a higher price range. A majority of the line is sold exclusively direct to consumers from the DÔEN website (though you can shop select pieces on NET-A-PORTER and Saks Fifth Avenue).
DÔEN Resale and Hand Me DÔEN Program
It’s also worth noting that DÔEN is a brand that is extremely popular for resale. Whether it’s through Facebook groups or Poshmark, these quality pieces are coveted on the secondhand market. So coveted, in fact, that DÔEN even started their own resale program: Hand Me DÔEN. The program allows you to send in your pre-loved pieces DÔEN pieces to the company. Once approved, you’ll receive a digital gift card for the value of your item that you can use to shop on their website. Every couple of months, DÔEN hosts a new Hand Me DÔEN event. This is when customers can shop secondhand items at a heavily discounted price.
DÔEN Clothing Review: How the Brand Helped Me Regain My Personal Style
Before and during pregnancy, DÔEN was my go-to investment brand. It was the brand I would buy staple pieces from to mix and match with a more budget-friendly selection from my closet. The prints, silhouettes, and overall quality always felt like they were worth the price to me. They always made me feel so confident.
Immediately postpartum, I donated or sold a lot of my clothing, including some of my favorite DÔEN pieces. In the haze of postpartum, I just couldn’t imagine a time I would feel confident enough to wear them. I couldn’t even dream of an outside-the-house event where I could possibly need to wear them.
A little while ago, I revisited my favorite brand and picked up a few new pieces. And it finally helped me see a little bit of my old identity again. These are a few of my favorite pieces that have really made me feel like myself again postpartum:
Quinn Dress
The Quinn Dress was a fan favorite—not to mention celebrity favorite—last summer when it launched. So it was no surprise the brand brought it back for another year. The solid black and solid white options from last year have returned, but there’s a new black and white gingham option this year that I had to have. When you’re looking for a dress to throw on and look effortlessly put together this is the dress. It’s comfortable, cute, and has even withstood the ultimate test of being worn while running after a toddler.
Traveler Top
Because of my love for the gingham print in the Quinn, I picked it up in the Traveler Top as well. The soft fabric and detailing are adorable, and look perfect paired with some high-waisted jeans! Because of its cropped length, I ended up sizing up one size to get a slightly longer fit.
Stanza Dress
Perhaps one of my favorite styles the brand has ever made, the new Stanza is a beautiful red floral on a white, flowing maxi dress. This is a style I grab for work events or date nights out when I want to dress up a bit. Though, spoiler alert, it’s also a deceptively comfy dress! The white fabric makes this a no-go for most days with the toddler hanging around the house. But for days or nights where I want to feel extra special, the fit and detailing on this one make it a must-have.
Ischia Dress
This Ischia Dress is one that returns again and again in different prints. But this floral Liberty Fabric design may just be my favorite of all time. The cottagecore-inspired silhouette is incredibly flattering—and comfortable!—with adjustable ties. The sleeves can be worn stretched out or scrunched up for different looks. I sometimes even tuck them in for an alternative style. It’s perfect for summer get-togethers or outdoor events.
Carolynn DressCarolynn Dress
I picked this dress up to wear to some of my husband’s work events, and it has been the perfect little black dress for every occasion. The simple design can be dressed up or down for whatever event you need. I personally loved how the romantic design clashed with a leather jacket. It’s also available in a bright pink, which would be perfect to wear to a summer wedding.
Ashlynn Dress
I was drawn to this Ashlynn dress because it reminded me a bit of the Ischia Dress with shorter sleeves. The flowing maxi dress is available in the most fun blue floral print, which is a beautiful pop of color for the warmer weather.
Henri Top
I loved the print of the Ashlynn dress so much that I needed to try it in shirt form as well. The Henri is a fan-favorite style from the brand, with a flattering design that looks perfect with jeans, shorts, a skirt…just about anything you could think of!
More of Our Favorite DÔEN Pieces
The Emmaretta Dress is a timeless maxi dress that is flattering on all body types. The dress has a tie at the chest and waist, so it’s easy to cinch it in and show off your natural waistline. Made with an organic cotton-blend voile, the dress is incredibly soft to the touch and lightweight, making it an ideal pick for summer.
For a slightly more formal option, this silk satin tank dress is a stunner. The dress is made with a 1975 Liberty Fabrics floral that has hand-painted roses. It’s a 1930s inspired slip dress that can be worn during the spring or summer for a perfectly vintage silhouette.
6 colors and patterns available
The stunning floral print I loved so much for the Ischia Dress is also available for the Neria Top. The lingerie-inspired top comes with adjustable spaghetti straps and a contrasting lace neckline that makes it both sweet and sexy. It looks gorgeous paired with denim, or dressed up with a skirt.
Shop all of DÔEN’s latest arrivals here!
Why You Can Count on Us
The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Morgan Flaherty, Contributing Writer
Morgan is full-time writer, editor, and mom. Along with her work as a contributing writer for The Everymom on all things Disney World, beauty products, and the latest fashion trends, her writing has appeared in Well + Good, InStyle, Scary Mommy, Byrdie, and Baby Chick.