Bottoms Up

The foundation of a great nursing wardrobe is to start with some key bottom pieces (skirts, pants, etc).  Okay, I know what you are thinking: this blog is dedicated to nursing clothes, and the last time you checked, your breasts are not located on the bottom half of your body (even if they may not be as perky as they were prepregnancy)!  Well my friends, the reason for starting at the bottom is simple – while I will be selecting plenty of tops for you to wear, I will pair these items with the following pieces below:

1.        Yoga Pants – About four weeks after I had my son, I bought the following pair of yoga pants from Old Navy: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=71015&vid=1&pid=633125&scid=633125032 (I purchased them in black).  I lived in these pants for about one month and still mix them into my wardrobe now.  They are a comfortable option for running errands when paired with a jean jacket, and they also double as work out gear when worn with a nursing cami and a zip front sweatshirt.  And at less than $20 they won’t break the bank (TIP: Do NOT spend full price on anything at Old Navy or Gap – they have frequent sales).

2.       Jeans  – Although you may not be back to your pre-pregnancy size, it is important to make sure that you have a great pair of jeans that are comfortable and flattering.  I am a fan of Old Navy’s Diva Skinny jeans www.oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=70345&vid=1&pid=480941&scid=480941072
 in the "Rinse" wash  for two reasons: they fit great and they are cheap, cheap, cheap!  I snagged a pair of these for around $20 during one of their sales (full price they are $29.50), and I love them because they work with flats, boots, and heels.  Skinny jeans are not for everyone, so if you are not a fan, try these trouser jeans from Ann Taylor Loft:  http://www.loft.com/loft/product/LOFT-Apparel/LOFT-Denim/Clean-Pocket-Modern-Trouser-Jeans-in-Rinse-Wash/263043?colorExplode=false&skuId=10350775&catid=catl000015&productPageType=fullPriceProducts&defaultColor=9394.  Although they are a little pricey at just under $70, they are great for slimming thighs and creating the illusion of having long legs.  They also look fab with flats and heels so they are perfect for dressing down during the day or up for a night out (yes, even though you had a baby, it is still important for you to have nights out!)
3.  A great skirt - I have found that it is hard to find dresses that are functional for nursing (don't worry about saying goodbye to wearing dresses though - I have found a few and will be featuring them in a future post!) so skirts can be a great option for adding a dressy option to your wardrobe.  Try this new pencil skirt from the Gap:  http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5727&vid=1&pid=833597&ssiteID=ON
It is versatile, machine washable, and at 20% off - what is there to not LOVE about it?  If pencil skirts are not your thing, I suggest this maxi skirt at Old Navy which is easy to dress up or down:   http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=55402&vid=1&pid=886041&scid=886041012 or this Merona black jersey skirt from Target: http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=55402&vid=1&pid=886041&scid=886041012.

Now that you have a grasp on the bottom basics you will need, go through your closet, see what you have, and check out some of the items I suggest above.  Be sure to check back tomorrow when I start highlighting tops to add to your nursing wardrobe.  And don't forget:  you might be nursing your baby, but it is also important to nurse your inner fashionista too!