12 Tips & tricks for dressing your postpartum body

Most women still look four to six months pregnant right after giving birth. While you're belly will shrink a bit every day in the beginning, depending on how much weight you gained, how much fluid you're still retaining and how big your baby was at birth, this poochy "is she pregnant or isn't she look," can last a while. You'll probably still be most comfortable in some of your smaller maternity clothes which can help hide and hold things in place a bit. MAMA Boyfriend Jeans, $50

In the first couple of months, you'll likely be seeing a lot of visitors, and of course you'll have to get out of the house to complete random errands at some point, but you probably won't have much of a routine established yet and getting showered and dressed for the day will still be difficult. Luckily, "athleisure," athletic wear that doubles as leisure wear, is trendy right now. That means you can take advantage of the ease and stretch your workout clothes provides and still managed to look decently put together. Blissful Sharkbite Hoodie, from $63

One of my favorite mom tricks is to wear layers–a tip that actually came from super-stylish celeb mom Jessica Alba. Babies spit up, drool and have diaper blowouts, so your clothes will likely get dirty every day. Layers will allow you to quickly get yourself back together when you're out and about. A cute scarf or cardigan is great for hiding any stains and helping you look like you actually put some thought into your outfit. Printed Embroidered Scarf, $16.94

If you're breastfeeding, cheap, stretchy tank tops are your best friend. When you're home, they're comfortable and offer easy access for nursing. And to piggy back on the layering idea, when you're out you can layer any regular shirt on top of it allowing you to nurse discreetly by pulling the outer shirt up and the tank down. Cotton-Blend Cami, $2

Finding pants that don't give you muffin top, or squeeze your birthing hips a little too tightly, can be a challenge especially if you have to be any more dressed up than nice jeans. But dresses come in lots of shapes, cuts and patterns and can hide a multitude of flaws and make it easy to look put together. This one from Rosie Pope's new Nursing line is super cute AND designed for easy if you're nursing your baby. Rosie Pope nursing wrap dress, $52

If you're anything like me, you didn't bother to buy maternity underwear while you were pregnant, and everything in your lingerie drawer is pretty stretched out. Do yourself a favor and stock up on new undies in your current size. You'll feel so much better about yourself and your clothes will look better on. Lace Hipster, $11

If underwear are essential to making you feel sexy again, cute bras are doubly so. Even if you're nursing, pretty lacy options still abound, like these delicate pair from Rosie Pope's new nursing line. Rosie Pope underwire unlined nursing bra, $38

Bold accessories can help draw the attention away from places you're not quite comfortable with yet. A statement necklace or earrings will make you feel super-pretty and on-trend while keeping people's eyes away from the parts of your body you're still working on. Crystal Cluster Statement Necklace, $54.50

Once you have kids, time is always limited. Try everything on before you leave the store. You'll save yourself the time (never mind the frustration) of having to return items that don't fit well or don't flatter your new body.

If you have the option, leave your baby with dad or another trusted person while you shop. Navigating a stuffy, crowded store and fitting room when you're actually trying to get something accomplished is much more difficult when you're trying not to wake your baby. And of course, an already crying baby is just going to add to the stress of trying on that one millionth pair of jeans. Instead, try to grab a girlfriend to come along for moral support.

If you're lucky, you'll fit into most of your old clothes shortly after your baby is born. But for most of us, it's going to take some time. Even if you do snap right back, you've missed a few seasons of shopping for trends and your wardrobe may need some updates. Be patient, buy a few key items to integrate into your existing wardrobe and remember that you will fit into your favorite pieces again eventually.

You don't have to go for the mom chop, but a new cut, color and style, could give you a completely new look and do wonders for your confidence. Just make sure whatever you go with isn't too high maintenance.