Getting dressed after having a baby is a new kind of experience. Your big prego bump is gone but your body isn't the quite the same as it was before. You secretly hope that your pre-pregnancy clothes will still fit, but in my case they certainly did not. My daughter was born on May 25th and I am currently 7 weeks postpartum. Not only am I carrying some extra weight, but the shape of my hips and waist have changed. Needless to say, it was time to hit the mall and do some shopping.

As new moms we have been through a lot, so let me be the first to give you permission to spoil and pamper yourself. While you're in the process of dressing your new figure, I highly recommend going to the mall in-person and trying the clothes on. There's a good chance that you won't fit into your same old size and actually trying items on takes the guess work out of it. Below is my list of on-trend fashion items that also work with your postpartum body. Consider it the ultimate gift guide... to yourself!

My Top Must-Have Postpartum Fashion Staples

Oversized Shirt Dress

This style is right on the money for a "comfortable yet put together" look. The tailored details instantly give it an elevated look while still being loose around the midsection. H&M always has the best selection of shirt dresses.

Essential T-Shirts

The cut of boyfriend and girlfriend tees are more forgiving and easy to casually style. Stock up in classic neutral colors like white, black and blush. They’re great for layering under tops and sweaters, and can be easily thrown in the wash if baby gets them dirty. Gap, Old Navy and Target are the best places to shop for postpartum t-shirts.

Extra Long Cardigan

Shop super cute long cardis and kimonos style tops that pair perfect with a simple denim and tee style. If you’re still wearing leggings in your postpartum days, long cardigans will cover your butt and give you extra coverage. Long cardigans are a year-round staple at Old Navy and Athleta.

High Waisted Ruffle Midi Skirt

After trying on a million different styles of skirts, I found that high waisted ruffle skirts with an extra stretchy waistband were the perfect statement wardrobe piece for my postpartum body. I can't wait to style with a peasant blouse and booties for a modern boho look. ASOS has the best selection of midi skirts, in many flattering cuts that can hide a postpartum belly.

Maxi Dresses

Free People has a great selection of flowy and lightweight maxi dresses for the summertime. Perfect to just throw on and go with baby. And the best part is you can continue to wear them year after year into motherhood.

Off-the-Shoulder Tops and Dresses

This is one of my tricks I use to hide weight gain and give the appearance of a breezy and carefree style. I took this photo just 7 days after my daughter was born with an off-the-shoulder dress with a open drape silhouette cut. It was the only way to hide my swollen belly!

The best brands to shop off-the-shoulder styles are Madewell, Free People and Anthropologie.

Comfy Postpartum Leggings

As a new mom, sometimes you have days when putting on real clothes is just not possible. I've had many nights where I'd be lucky just to get 3 hours of sleep and maybe take a shower. During moments like these, having some fresh pairs of leggings on hand to throw on under a tunic top makes all the difference in your sanity. I am somehow very rough on my leggings and end with holes holes down the seams all the time, so I have to replace them often.

In my experience, the best postpartum leggings can be found at Gap, Old Navy and Athleta. These retailers tend to have more forgiving fabrics and cuts, which are more comfortable for us postpartum moms with extra belly girth.

Maternity Jeans to Wear Postpartum

This one might seem weird but I promise it's the best kept secret of new moms. Traditional jeans, shorts and pants are just not my friend right now, I've got too much extra cushioning around my midsection to even try to wear them. Investing in high quality maternity jeans that you can wear several months postpartum will be your serious lifesaver.

My favorite postpartum jeans are made by Gap Maternity and Isabel Maternity at Target.

Lounge Wear

The reality of being a new mom means you spend a lot of time at home with baby. My trick to avoid feeling like a complete slob is wearing elevated loungewear styles which allow me to be comfortable while I'm on mommy duty. Check out Victoria's Secret and Skims for cute and comfy styles!