Style ruts, body image and a new dress

I’ve been feeling like I’ve been stuck in something of a style rut lately. Well, ever since Beastie was born really. Most days you’ll find me in jeans and a t-shirt {my current fave is my Mother Tee}. That’s all well and good, practical for running around after a toddler, playing with the kids and working from home… BUT I feel a bit crap tbh about me/my style. I did a huge wardrobe detox in the New Year and that was great – I got rid of a whole load of clothes that I no longer liked or didn’t fit me.

I’m still not quite at my pre-{fourth}baby figure – I’m back in my usual size, but I could certainly use some exercise and toning – esp on my tummy. That means I often feel pretty self-conscious about what I’m wearing. I feel ‘safe’ in my usual jeans and t-shirts. Plus the fact I’m still breastfeeding {a lot} means that I have to wear stuff with easy boob access still – and things that keep my tummy covered as no-one wants to see that.

It’s funny how an outfit can shape our entire day. If we feel good in what we wear and how we look, it makes our whole day better. I also know that my personal style has changed a lot in the past couple of years,  perhaps it’s part getting older, part me just changing who I am.  I’ve been trying to work out what I do like, and also what actually looks good on me. I think my confidence is at a bit of a low right now, lack of sleep means I’ve been eating poorly and not exercising. I’m incredibly self-conscious about my ‘jelly belly’ and usually try to dress to hide it. High waisted jeans hold it all in and make me feel a little better.

I hate that I’m so bothered by my body. After all, it’s grown four little people, and put up with an awful lot of abuse before that. My body is a part of me, but it does not define me, it should not dictate how I feel about myself or whether I have a good day or not. I know mostly it’s in my head, and that I should just forget about it and wear whatever I like.

With summer on its way {I hope} I’ve been searching for a few new pieces to add to my wardrobe. Some dresses and skirts – gasp, I’m going to be brave and flash my legs!! I’ve my eye on a couple of skirts, that will be perfect teamed with a vest for sunny days. Dresses are a little trickier to find – I need them to be breastfeeding friendly as well as ‘mum tum’ hiding.

I found this gorgeous Oasis dress* on the House of Fraser site. I have a heavier denim dress that I love, and this one is lightweight and sleeveless so much more suited to summer days. The button up front makes it easy to feed in, and I love the shape. It’s the first dress I’ve worn in a while and that I actually feel comfortable in. Here’s to venturing out of our comfort zone, and to more interesting outfits than just jeans and a tee everyday!

*dress was a gift from the House of Fraser, all words and thoughts are my own.