"My first major crying session after having my daughter wasn’t due to the unplanned C-section, the sleepless night, or the joy of meeting her for the first time. No, my first truly heavy, hormone-laced cry came when I first saw myself in the mirror post-birth. I’m sure there are some who may think I’m vain for admitting this. But the utter shock I had seeing my body for the first time post-pregnancy was something I don’t think I was fully prepared for. Instead of seeing a strong woman who had had major surgery while awake, I instead was filled with questions of “Will I look like this forever?”
Now, obviously, that wasn’t the case. After allowing my body to heal over the next few months, the immediate swelling went down, and I started to look a little more like me again. However, we’re now two years on, and my body still has not gotten back to where it was previously. I know I’m not alone in this. After carrying a child and breastfeeding, it would have been naive to think I’d look like I did pre-pregnancy. And while I’m mentally starting to come to terms with that, from a style standpoint, I found that my previous wardrobe had no idea how to fit my new physique.
Post-pregnancy, my body has shifted closer to the mid-size category. This is a term I can honestly say I didn’t know existed before being served inspiration on social media. But as I’ve learned more about and accepted my new body type, I’ve also learned what mid-size fashion pieces I feel best in.
What is mid-size fashion?
In the fashion world, there’s typically always been the “standard” sizing as well as the “plus-size” category. For all the shapes and sizes that women come in, these two categories hardly cover it all, though. In the early 2020s, social media began to pivot toward a new terminology as part of the body positivity movement: “mid-size” fashion.
Look on TikTok or Instagram right now, and you’ll see countless creators in the #midsizefashion content. The category is meant to bridge the gap between what’s considered “standard” sizing through size 8 and the “plus-size” category that typically begins at size 18 (though it can depend on the brand or store).
“I’ll admit I tried for a time to work back toward those smaller sizes. But it was once I began embracing my new size ‘labels’ that I really began to feel more confident in what I was wearing.”
Pre-pregnancy, I typically wore a size 6 or 8, but post-pregnancy have felt most comfortable in a 10 or 12, especially for more fitted clothing. I’ll admit I tried for a time to work back toward those smaller sizes. But it was once I began embracing my new size “labels” that I really began to feel more confident in what I was wearing.
Mid-size fashion essentials I’ve loved
Now, the first thing to note is that what looks best on someone in the mid-size range is simply whatever they feel most confident in. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that fashion shapes and trends are never one-size-fits-all. But, through following creators like Noelle Downing and Shelby Scott, I’ve really begun to embrace my own personal style and found the items that have worked best for me.
Smocked Dresses
My personal favorite style aesthetic leans bohemian and cottagecore, so for me, smocked dresses have become a staple. I love how comfortable and effortless these options are, and how they emphasize my top half with a more flowy bottom. They’re also versatile enough that I’m able to get away with wearing them hanging around the house or throwing a denim or leather jacket on over for a night out (once we’re done with the hot summer nights, of course).
Bodysuits
Surprisingly, bodysuits are something I only started wearing post-pregnancy. While it may sound counterintuitive to wear something form-fitting on a part of my body I feel self-conscious about, I’ve found that I really love how I look when pairing body suits with jeans, a skirt, shorts, and more. The options from Abercrombie & Fitch especially have become staples in my wardrobe. They’re a must-have during the summer—I pair them with some dad shorts and a loose linen button-up.
Pieces With a Tied or Elasticized Waist
In an effort to embrace the curves, I’ve really loved giving myself more of an hourglass figure by wearing items that cinch in at the waist. These options all have either an elasticized or tie-up waist that gives an hourglass shape that I love. They’ve become my favorite easy mid-size fashion solution. The Dawn Dress, especially, is an easy and versatile piece that has become a staple in my daily life.
Mid-Rise Jeans
I’ve always been more of a dress girl, but recently, I’ve really begun to embrace comfortable jeans. Both mid-rise and high-rise jeans are incredibly flattering and look great when paired with a bodysuit or a flowy peasant blouse. What I especially love to look for are brands that offer a curve-specific line, like Abercrombie & Fitch. I’ve found these to be the most comfortable for my hips, with a fit that’s flattering.
Exercise Dresses
This year, I discovered my love for exercise dresses, and I’m truly never going back. Just like with bodysuits, these are typically a little more form-fitting. But my favorite options have a skirt that flares out a bit. As a toddler mom who is constantly running around, these have become a wardrobe staple. They truly bridge the gap between looking put-together and functionality. This is especially great for activities like playing with a dollhouse on the floor of your toddler’s room.
Loungewear That Boosts Confidence
OK, loungewear may sound like an odd choice for essentials. But hear me out! Post-pregnancy, I lived in sweatpants and a sweatshirt because I just genuinely had no idea how to dress with a different body. And while I have zero issues with wearing either (and happily do), I also was not helping my confidence by “hiding” my body away. Now, I love lazing around the house on the weekends in a cute bit of loungewear, like some of these nightgowns and set options.
A major pro to loungewear being in style is that there are now options that can easily be worn out without people knowing you’re basically in comfortable PJs. The seersucker Alice Nightgown from Lake is my personal favorite. It has been worn as everything from a Sunday at-home outfit to out grocery shopping with a denim jacket on top.
The Perfect Tee
The quest for the perfect T-shirt is something that every person of every single body type has gone through. While my first instinct was always to order a few sizes larger than I am, I’ve started to embrace ordering my actual, slightly more fitted size. Below are a few of my favorite brands and picks (though you can read a comprehensive guide to the perfect white tee here!).
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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.