Dressing for the Life I'm Living Now

There was a time when I planned outfits around where I was going. Now, I plan them around whether I can nurse in them, carry a baby comfortably, walk the stroller through downtown Newburyport, and still feel like myself.

At three months postpartum, I'm in a season that feels both beautifully new and wonderfully ordinary. Most days are spent at coffee shops, neighborhood walks, farmer's markets, library story time, grabbing lunch with my husband, or simply sitting outside while Wes naps in the stroller. My wardrobe has quietly shifted right alongside this new chapter.

Instead of chasing every summer trend, I'm investing in pieces that make getting dressed feel easy. Clothes that are soft, breathable, polished enough for dinner out, but comfortable enough for hours on the living room floor. If I had to describe my summer style in three words, they'd be: classic, effortless, and lived-in. Here are my picks…

Soft Knit Sweaters for Cool New England Mornings

If you live in New England, you know summer isn't always sunshine and heat. Some mornings still call for coffee on the porch wrapped in a lightweight knit sweater and some afternoons have me reaching for a cozy layer in the air conditioning. I love creamy oatmeal, soft ivory, pale blue, or muted sage—colors that pair with nearly everything I already own.

It's the piece I inevitably end up tying around my shoulders by afternoon.

The White Button Down That Somehow Goes With Everything

An oversized white button down has become one of the hardest-working pieces in my closet. I wear it open over a stretchy tank and jeans, tucked into tailored trousers, thrown over a swimsuit at the beach, or layered over a knit dress when the evenings cool down.

It feels polished without trying too hard.

Classic Stretchy Tanks

This might be the least exciting item on the list, but it gets worn the most. A well-made ribbed tank—with just enough stretch—works with jeans, skirts, shorts, trousers, cardigans, and button downs. It's comfortable while nursing, layers beautifully, and somehow always looks intentional.

Sometimes the basics are what make getting dressed effortless.

Sometimes the simplest outfits are the ones you reach for again and again. A classic black tank, relaxed straight-leg denim, a woven leather belt, and comfortable shoes. Nothing trendy. Nothing complicated. Just timeless pieces that make getting dressed feel effortless.

High-Quality Jeans That Actually Fit Now

Postpartum has taught me something unexpected: I don't need my old jeans back. I just need jeans that fit the body I have today.

I've stopped forcing myself into sizes that make me uncomfortable and instead look for relaxed straight-leg denim with a little stretch. They pair with sneakers for errands, sandals for dinner, and loafers when I want to look a bit more put together. Comfort isn't settling—it's confidence.

Soft Midi and Maxi Skirts

Flowy skirts have become my summer uniform. They're cool on warm days, forgiving while my body continues to change, and somehow always feel feminine without being fussy.

I usually pair them with a simple tank, flat sandals, and a woven tote, and suddenly I look like I planned my outfit—even when I definitely didn't.

Linen Trousers That Feel Like Pajamas

I used to reserve tailored pants for work. Now, relaxed linen trousers have replaced them for everyday life.

They're breathable, elevated, and make even a simple white tank feel intentional. Neutral shades like oat, ivory, olive, or chocolate brown work with almost everything already hanging in my closet.

Easy Dresses That Require Zero Thought

Some mornings, making decisions feels like one task too many. That's where knit dresses, slip dresses, and relaxed jumpsuits come in.

They're one-and-done outfits that require almost no styling. Add simple jewelry, comfortable sandals, and a signature bag, and you're ready for brunch, errands, or an evening walk along the water.

When life feels full, simple dressing feels like luxury.

A Long Cardigan for Air Conditioning and Late Summer Evenings

Restaurants. Grocery stores. Coffee shops. They're all freezing.

A lightweight duster cardigan lives in my car because I know I'll end up reaching for it almost every time we leave the house.

Leggings That Go Beyond the Gym

A really good pair of leggings has become less about working out and more about everyday life.

They're what I wear for stroller walks, long car rides, mornings at home, and those afternoons when comfort wins—but I still want to look pulled together with an oversized button down and clean sneakers.

The Signature Bag That Carries More Than Just My Things

I laugh a little when I think about handbags now. These days, there's usually a diaper bag involved too.

But I still love carrying one beautiful leather shoulder bag or crossbody that feels like me. Even if it's only holding my phone, wallet, lip balm, and sunglasses, it's a small reminder that motherhood has added to my identity—not replaced it.

Comfortable Sandals That Go Everywhere

This summer, I've traded trendy shoes for supportive leather sandals that can actually handle a full day out. Whether we're exploring coastal towns, walking the rail trail, or spending the afternoon at the park, comfortable shoes have become non-negotiable.

I've learned that style feels better when your feet don't hurt.

The Pieces I'm Wearing Less

One unexpected shift has been realizing what I'm not reaching for anymore. Ultra-tight dresses. Heels...of any kind. Anything overly structured. Clothing that wrinkles the second I sit down. Pieces that require special bras or constant adjusting.

Not because those things aren't beautiful—but because they don't fit the pace of this season.

Dressing for the Life You're Actually Living

At 37, and three months into motherhood, I'm finding that personal style feels less about impressing people and more about supporting the life I'm living. I want clothes that let me sit on a picnic blanket without thinking twice. That can handle baby spit-up and still look lovely after a quick wash. That make me feel confident walking into a coffee shop with a stroller in one hand and an iced latte in the other.

Maybe that's what growing into your style really means. Not buying more. Just buying better. Soft fabrics. Beautiful basics. Timeless silhouettes. Pieces that feel like home. And honestly, that's exactly how I want this season of life to feel, too.