10 tips: make the most of your changing body shape

1. Embrace colour  
Summer is the perfect time to embrace colour in your wardrobe. Wearing the correct colours will brighten and soften dull or tired skin. Treat yourself to a colour analysis with Coby Styled Me, so you can be sure the colours you wear not only enhance and flatter your skin and eyes but also do wonders for your self-esteem. If trying new colours feels slightly daunting, start by buying a new lippy, a scarf or some coloured accessories. Wearing colour can be life-changing for some people, taking years off their appearance.

Tropical print scarf and floral jacquard scarf, both $59.90, Seed Heritage

2. Cut back on black
Don’t hide behind black, especially in summer. Black is renowned to be slimming, but any dark colour will have the same effect. Try wearing navy blue, a softer alternative that will be universally flattering. Try ‘monochromatic’ dressing, by wearing the same or similar colour top to toe, to create a slimming silhouette.

Amaze yoke front crop jeans, $79.99, Just Jeans

3. Invest in a few key pieces 
I encourage you to invest in a few new key pieces that fit your body shape in the season that you’re in. New mums often tend to keep wearing their same maternity pieces, which can sometimes bring them down emotionally. Key pieces should be in your best neutrals, so they can be mixed and matched with any colour. Opt for a new pair of jeans, denim shorts, skirt, or a denim jacket. Just Jeans is a favourite store for my clients. They offer the Amaze Denim body shape range. The denim is made from a soft stretch-cotton blend and is unbelievably comfortable. Comfort is key for new mums.

Amaze denim trucker jacket $99.99, and Amaze high rise full length skinny jean, $99.95, both from Just Jeans

4. Try a kimono
Gone are the days of kimonos or kaftans only being worn at the beach, so ditch the baggy cardigans this season and try a kimono. Most kimonos come in lovely colours and prints, and can be mixed and matched with denim and navy. The kimono has a lightweight sleeve, and will flatter the arms and bust. And the longer line of a kimono will elongate the mid-section, hips and thighs. It’s a great layering piece for feeding and the perfect piece for a summer barbecue.  

Aria kimono, $109.90, and Alana Longline kimono, $144.90, Decjuba

5. Wear prints 
Believe it or not, wearing prints will disguise figure challenges, and also add some fun to your summer wardrobe. Make sure you keep the size of your print in proportion to your frame, for example, a smaller-sized print suits a smaller frame. If you are unsure on where to start, a geometric print will always be more flattering than a polka dot. Geometrics trick the eye and slim the body.

 Post maternity tank, $29.99, Juliette print top, $59.99, Lexi tank, $59.99, all from Jeans West

6. Consider your fabrics
Look for lightweight fabrics, especially for your top half, and team them with a heavier fabric on the bottom half. A sheer fabric will drape beautifully over curves, while thick materials tend to cling. For example, a light stretch-knit cotton fabric is a good option, and a stretch-knit cotton skirt is a handy summer wardrobe asset. It’s a good idea to invest in good quality fabric that will last longer than cheaper counterparts.

Laura Linen Capri Pant, $89.99, Max

7. Choose the right hemlines
This is such a common question – where should my hemline finish? Where your hemline falls can draw the eye to that particular part of the body. Make sure your hemline finishes on slim parts of the body. A universally flattering length for skirts to fall is just under the knee. Go for a slightly longer top or t-shirt with a scalloped hemline as it’s more flattering; the scallop line will elongate the mid-section and hipline.

Carrie scoop neck tee, $49.90, Decjuba

8. Go for an open neckline 
Try not to hide in higher necklines, this will only add volume to your body shape. Go for an open neckline that shows some flesh across the décolletage, such as a scoop, v-neck, or an open-collared shirt. Wearing an open neckline will elongate the bust and slim the arms. 

Parker off-shoulder top, $59.99, Jeans West

10. Don’t forget your feet 
Shoes will always finish an outfit, and for the ultimate mum-wardrobe staple, I’m a huge fan of sneakers. Invest in a pair of Converse or Deuce shoes – the ideal ‘busy mama’ shoe. They can be mixed and matched, casual or dressy. They look great with jeans, shorts, skirts and dresses. Sneakers and dresses are a key trend for summer. Why not try wearing a colour on your feet; pastels are big this season in footwear.

Top left: Bonnie crossover slide, $69.90, Seed Heritage
Right: Deelo white leather sneakers, $139.90, Deuce
Bottom: Sally dusky pink sneakers, $149.90, Deuce

Try not to focus on what your body looked like before you became a mum. Our bodies are incredible, and every stretch mark and bump are motherhood badges of honour! And besides, everyone has beautiful parts of the body; the key is to focus on accentuating the positives and to minimise the challenges. Enjoy, beautiful mama!

Coby X