By Tami Harrigan

Becoming a mom changes your life in more ways than you realize. It shifts your body, your focus, and your rhythm. And often, without even noticing, it shifts your sense of style. Suddenly, the clothes you once loved no longer fit your body or your life. You stand in front of the mirror, tugging at old favorites that don’t feel quite right anymore. You’re not just missing your pre-baby jeans. You’re missing the version of yourself who wore them confidently.

But here’s what most moms, especially Black moms, need to hear: your style isn’t stuck. It’s just evolving. It’s not about going back to who you were before motherhood. It’s about embracing who you are now, at every stage.

“As moms, we’re constantly juggling so many things that we tend to forget to make time for ourselves—to do things we enjoy, that make us feel beautiful, or simply remind us just how dope we really are,” says Style Coach Tami Harrigan. “That’s how you can subtly fall into a style rut and not even realize it… until one day you’re getting ready, and you don’t like the way you look in anything anymore.”

That moment isn’t failure. It’s a signal. You’re not falling off. You’re moving forward. You’re entering a new style chapter. And like any good story, each chapter brings something new. Here’s how to embrace the evolution of your mom style, whether you’re newly postpartum, back in your career, or rediscovering yourself after the kids have moved out.

The New Mom Chapter

“As a new mom, your body and lifestyle completely change,” says Harrigan. “While you’re in awe and head over heels in love with your new bundle of joy, you also can’t wait to shed the baby weight. Now, while some moms may welcome their new curves, others can’t wait for them to leave.”

New motherhood can leave you exhausted, overwhelmed, and sleep-deprived. But that doesn’t mean you have to look like it. This is the chapter where comfort meets confidence. “You want clothes that are effortless, comfortable, convenient (for the nursing moms), and cute,” she says. “You can be comfortable and stylish going to your doctor’s appointments, mommy playdates, and meeting up with your friends.”

The key is versatility. Your body may be in flux, so it’s smart to invest in pieces that move with you. Think joggers that double as streetwear, nursing-friendly jumpsuits, soft shirtdresses, and elevated loungewear sets that flatter your new shape while still making you feel like yourself. “You’re dressing a body that you aren’t familiar with,” says Harrigan, “so you need to find pieces that not only complement your new shape but also still make you feel like yourself.”

This chapter is temporary, but it’s transformative. You deserve to look amazing through every moment.

The Working Mom Chapter

A mom’s lifestyle is constantly shifting. When it’s time to go back to work, your style needs to shift too. “As a working mom, your multitasking skills are now on a new level,” says Harrigan. “Your lifestyle has entered a new phase where you’re now managing the kids’ schedule, the household schedule, your personal schedule, plus your work schedule.”

This chapter demands wardrobe flexibility more than ever. “You need outfits that not only keep you stylish but that are convenient, versatile, and easy to pull together to save you time.” Because let’s be real. No mom wants to look like she’s wearing the same thing every week. With smart styling, you don’t have to.

Think of a mini capsule wardrobe filled with pieces you can mix and match. Blazers, button-down shirts, tailored skirts, and trouser pants work well when layered with tees or dressed down with sneakers. “Since a working mom’s day never truly ends when you’re done working, you’ll need outfits that are effortless, yet practical, so you can easily go from the office to your kid’s practice or games.”

It’s about making it work for all parts of your life without sacrificing how you show up. “True outfit success in this chapter will be when you can cleverly wear a t-shirt or jacket that’s appropriate for work, but can double as a casual sports mom outfit in minutes,” Harrigan adds. And yes, it is doable.

The Empty Nester Chapter

This chapter in your mom style is all about reclaiming your time, your space, and your wardrobe. The kids are grown, the schedule is lighter, and you finally have room to think about what you want.

“Now that the kids are older and out of the house, your lifestyle is shifting yet again,” says Harrigan. “It’s time to focus on your style needs and what will make you feel confident and beautiful.”

Maybe you want to try something new. Switch up your look. Embrace trends. Add a bit of boldness back into your outfits. Maybe you’re dressing for comfort during menopause and need breathable layers. Maybe you’re done with heels and are ready for sleek flats or sneakers. It’s all valid.

“If you’ve been wearing the same style of clothes for the past ten years, you need to get out of your comfort zone and try something completely different that incorporates your uniqueness,” Harrigan advises. “If your shape has changed, then find clothes that complement your figure while highlighting your favorite features.”

You deserve to feel stylish and empowered. Whether you’re reinventing your entire wardrobe or just adding new energy to it, this chapter is about you and only you.

Your Style Evolves With You

Too often, moms are expected to sacrifice everything, including their personal style. But style isn’t shallow. It’s self-expression. It’s a daily declaration that says, “I see myself. I matter.”

“You should love the way you look, regardless of what chapter you’re in as a mom,” Harrigan affirms. “Because when you love the way you look, you feel good about yourself, and your confidence is unmatched.”

No matter where you are in your motherhood journey, your style deserves to evolve with you. You’re not who you were before kids. You’re more. And the way you dress should reflect the beautiful, growing, powerful woman you’ve become.

Get Styled with Tami Harrigan

Tami Harrigan is a Style Coach with over a decade of experience in transforming not just wardrobes but also personal confidence. Through her signature method, Wardrobe Remix Method®, she goes beyond traditional styling by integrating fashion with personal development. Her work empowers moms to uncover and address the root causes of their style challenges, creating a look that reflects their best selves.

Sign up for her Style Scoop newsletter and get exclusive access to The Style Snippet. It’s her complimentary fashion catalog filled with some of her favorite finds that can seamlessly blend into a mom’s lifestyle. Check out her latest Mom Style Finds, with selections for every chapter of motherhood.

Because every mom deserves to feel beautiful, confident, and seen.