What is it and how do I accept it as a mom?

My first major crying fit after my daughter was born wasn’t due to the unexpected C-section, the sleepless night, or the joy of meeting her for the first time. No, my first truly intense, hormonal tears came when I saw myself in the mirror for the first time after birth. I’m sure some will think I’m vain for admitting this. But the utter shock of seeing my body for the first time after pregnancy was something I didn’t think I was fully prepared for. Instead of seeing a strong woman who had undergone major surgery, while i'm awakeInstead, I asked myself: Will I look like this forever?

Of course, that wasn’t the case. After letting my body heal over the next few months, the immediate swelling went down and I started to look a little bit like myself again. However, two years later, my body still hasn’t returned to its pre-pregnancy self. I know I’m not alone in this. After carrying a child and breastfeeding, it would have been naive to think that I would look the same as I did before pregnancy. And while I’m starting to mentally accept that, from a style standpoint, I’ve discovered that my previous wardrobe had no idea how to accommodate my new physique.

Since my pregnancy, my body has moved closer to the average size category. It's a term I can honestly say I didn't know existed until I was inspired by social media. But as I've learned more about and embraced my new body type, I've also learned which medium fashion pieces make me feel best.

What is mid-size fashion?

In the fashion world, there is typically a standard size category and a plus size category. However, despite all the shapes and sizes of women, these two categories don’t cover everything. In the early 2020s, social media began to shift towards a new terminology as part of the body positivity movement: average fashion.

Look on TikTok or Instagram right now, and you'll see countless creators in #midsizefashion content. The category is meant to bridge the gap between what's considered a standard size up to a size 8 and the plus-size category that typically starts at a size 18 (though this can depend on the brand or store).

Before pregnancy, I typically wore a size 6 or 8, but after pregnancy, I felt more comfortable in a size 10 or 12, especially for more fitted clothing. I admit that I tried to go back to those smaller sizes for a while. But it was once I started to accept my new size labels that I really started to feel more comfortable in what I was wearing.

Mid-Size Fashion Essentials I Loved

Now, the first thing to note is that what looks best on an average height person is simply what they feel most confident in. If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that shapes and fashion trends are never one-size-fits-all. But, by following designers like Noelle Downing And Shelby ScottI really started to embrace my own personal style and found the items that suited me best.

Smocked dresses

My favorite style is boho and cottagecore, so for me, smocked dresses have become a staple. I love how comfortable and simple these options are, and how they show off my top half with a more flowy bottom. They're also versatile enough that I can get away with wearing them around the house or throwing them on with a denim or leather jacket for a night out (once we're done with the warm summer nights, of course).

Quince

8 colors and patterns available
sizes XS XL

Amazon |

4 colors available
sizes XS XXL

17 looms

2 colors available
sizes S XXL

Combinations

Surprisingly, jumpsuits are just something I started wearing after I got pregnant. While it may seem counterintuitive to wear something tight on a part of my body that bothers me, I've found that I actually like the way I look when I pair jumpsuits with jeans, skirts, shorts, etc. Abercrombie & Fitch's options have become a staple in my wardrobe. They're a staple during the summer, and I pair them with dad shorts and a loose buttoned linen shirt.

Lululemon

5 colors available
sizes XXS 1X

Everlane

2 colors available
sizes XXS XXL

Target | Auden

3 colors available
sizes XS 2X

H&M

4 colors available
sizes XXS XXL

CRUSHING

More than 10 colors available
sizes XXS 4X

Pieces with tied or elasticated waist

In an effort to hug my curves, I've really enjoyed giving myself an hourglass figure by wearing waist-cinching items. These options all have an elastic or tie waist that gives that hourglass shape that I love. They've become my go-to fashion solution for average sizes. Dress of dawnin particular, is an easy and versatile piece that has become a staple in my everyday life.

Christy Dawn

More than 10 colors and patterns available
sizes XS XL

THE

4 colors and patterns available
sizes XXS XXL

Aritzia | Best of Sunday

5 colors available
sizes 2XS 2XL

Shane

5 colors and patterns available
sizes 2 14

Banana Republic Factory

3 colors and patterns available
sizes XXS XXL

Tuckernuck | Pink City Prints

Mid-rise jeans

I've always been more of a dressy girl, but recently I've really started embracing comfortable jeans. Mid-rise and high-rise jeans are incredibly flattering and look great paired with a bodysuit or flowy peasant blouse. What I particularly like to look for are brands that offer a curve-specific line, like Abercrombie & Fitch. I found these to be the most comfortable for my hips, with a flattering fit.

Madewell

2 colors available
sizes 23 33

Abercrombie & Fitch

7 colors available
sizes 23 37

Everlane

5 colors available
sizes 23 33

Exercise dresses

This year, I discovered my love for athletic dresses and I'm never going back. Much like jumpsuits, these are usually a little more fitted. But my favorite options have a skirt that flares out a bit. As a mom of a toddler who's constantly running around, these dresses have become a wardrobe staple. They really bridge the gap between polished and functional. They're especially great for activities like playing with a dollhouse on your little one's bedroom floor.

Abercrombie & Fitch

More than 10 colors and patterns available
sizes XXS XXL

Area

2 colors available
sizes XXS XXL

POPFLEX

3 colors available
sizes XXS 1X

Voice from outside

3 colors available
sizes XXS XXXL

Relaxed wear that boosts self-confidence

Okay, loungewear may seem like an odd choice for essentials. But hear me out! After pregnancy, I lived in sweatpants and a sweatshirt because I really wanted to No I have no idea how to dress for a different body. And while I have no problem wearing either (and I do so happily), I also didn't help my confidence by hiding my body. Now, I love lounging around the house on the weekends in a cute loungewear outfit, like some of these nightgowns and sets.

One of the biggest benefits of loungewear fashion is that there are now options that can easily You can wear this Alice nightgown without anyone knowing you're wearing comfy pajamas. Lake's Alice Seersucker Nightgown is my favorite. It's been worn for everything from a Sunday night outfit at home to an errand outfit with a denim jacket over it.

Lake pajamas

3 colors available
sizes XXS XXL

Christy Dawn

2 models available
sizes XS XXL

Little Feather

3 colors available
sizes XS XL

The perfect T-shirt

The quest for the perfect t-shirt is something that everyone, no matter their body type, has experienced. While my first instinct was always to order a few sizes larger than my usual size, I've started to make a habit of ordering my true size, which is slightly more fitted. Below are some of my favorite brands and picks (although you can read a full guide to the perfect white t-shirt here!).

Quince

7 colors available
sizes XS XL

Everlane

8 colors available
sizes XXS XXL

J Crew

10 colors available
sizes XXS 3X

Amazon Essentials

More than 10 colors available
sizes XS XXL

Why you can count on us

For over 12 years, The Everygirl Media Group has been providing our readers with valuable content. In 2018, The Everymom set out to make sure all moms know they’re not alone. Whether you’re looking for tips on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we’ve got the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s really worth a sale or looking for an opinion on the hottest new kids product, we’ve got you covered, too. From our annual registry awards to beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping roundups you find on our site every day, The Everymom’s sales team is experts at sorting through thousands of products to bring you a digestible list. We combine our own experience with extensive research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for fashion and function.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Morgan Flaherty, Contributing Author

Morgan is a writer, editor, and full-time mom. In addition to her work as a contributing editor for The Everymom on all things the world of disney, beauty productsand the last fashion trendsHis writing has appeared in Well + Good, InStyle, Scary MomByrdie, and Chick.