Post Bump Style | How to wear a body-con dress three ways

Happy New Year! It may have taken me a few weeks to get this post up, but we're finally kicking the new year off with a new style post. Yay! So happy to finally check this box off.  Now I just need to figure out how to get back to a regular schedule around here (insert #1 resolution).  I keep reminding myself, one day at a time, right? Being a new mom is life changing, but that doesn't mean I can't accomplish the things I want in life, I just have to adjust my approach.  Truth be told, I'm still working on creating a new normal, but we're getting there.

If I'm being honest, part of the reason you haven't seen any style post from me in the last three months is that I have been feeling less that happy with my post baby body + two, most of my looks these days are less than blog worthy. With that said, a body-con dress is the last thing you would probably expect to see me wearing. When feeling extra self-conscious about your body, most people shy away from fitted garments, but if you find the right body-con dress (+ wear the right undergarments), wearing something fitted can increase your confidence. It seems ironic, I know... but I promise, it's true.

Shop this look:

First + for most, you want to pick a body con style that fits + flatters your curves–introducing the Bailey44 Signature Stripped Column Dress.  Seriously, this dress is amazing! As a new mom, 10 weeks postpartum (when I shot this look) this dress is everything.  While I was pregnant with Jayden, body-con styles were in heavy rotation for me, as they were the perfect complement to my growing bump, but never in a million years did I think I would be able to rock a body-con style post-baby so soon.

The reason this dress from Bailey44 works so well, on so many shapes + sizes, is the flattering placement of the stripes + the multiple layers–perfect for hiding my mommy pouch + enhancing my extra curves. With the right undergarments (hello, spanx!) + a few styling tricks, you can rock a body-con dress too.

Styling Tip 1: Add a poncho

Ponchos have been in heavy rotation in my wardrobe the past few months.  They're perfect for hiding my post baby pouch + breastfeeding friendly too.

Style Tip #2: Add a long vest 

One of my go-to style tips while pregnant, was a body-con dress with a long vest... surprisingly these tips work post bump too. A long vest is perfect for concealing new curves with out completely covering them up.  As new moms, we have to remember to embrace our new curves too.  

Style Tip #3: Layer with a sweater 

By throwing a sweater over a fitted dress, you totally transform the look. I love this tunic sweater from Serapina nursing sweater that I received in my BumpStyleBox.  As you can see, it works great as a layering piece, but it's also the perfect nursing sweater, as there are hidden snaps to make nursing in public easier.

Dress: c/o Baily44