I'm a New Mom: These Are the 6 Elevated Basics I Can't Live Without

To put it simply, there's a lot going on immediately after you give birth. First of all, your body's changed, and even if you do choose to lose the baby weight, your clothes usually fit differently than before. Then, there's sleep deprivation, which can make it hard to accept said body changes. Of course, there's also the task of taking care of a tiny human. This leaves little time for self-care or, at least in my case, feeling the urge to dress beyond the sweats I left on the floor the day before. 

My son is 8 months old now, and it no longer feels like the stork just dropped him off—we're in a groove. I'm also firmly back in the land of the living since I've begun working again, which means I've had some time to navigate what pieces work best for me now that I have to think about function and not just form. Oversize styles have largely been at the forefront because comfort and flexibility are key. I've also been drawn to more structured basics because, in all honesty, they make this mom feel like the cat's pajamas. 

If you're a new mom who can't possibly begin to think about what to wear, I've got your back. The six elevated basics we all need at our disposal are just below. 

A fitted cardigan is not only practical in terms of easy access for those of us breastfeeding, but it also looks sophisticated. Bonus points if you snag one in red, the color of the season.

Good loafers are my footwear of choice when I'm going for that casual-cool look, which is most days. Plus, they're easy to throw on. I especially like the two-toned versions fashion people have been wearing lately.

The last thing I want to put on my body right now is skinny jeans. I just bought a pair of wide-leg denim, and I'll never look back.

For date nights with my husband, I've really been loving a '90-inspired structured leather jacket. It makes me feel like myself pre-baby, which is to say it's worth its weight in gold. 

Simple. Classic. Versatile. An oversize button-down always looks chic, whether you're going to the office or rolling around on your baby's play mat. 

Flowy pants in cotton or linen have been my go-to since I became a mom. The billowy silhouette feels fresh, and of course, they're super comfortable.