8 Comments
User's avatar
Lin's avatar

I love the combination of hardwearing and colourful, it feels practical and creative, and not too contrived. And, I'm not a mum but your last line resonated with me too - it's what makes clothing so compelling for me.

Expand full comment
Lan's avatar

Thank you! I always hope my writing strikes a chord with non-parent readers, too. :)

Expand full comment
LF's avatar

What we signal as moms has always driven me a little crazy. I want to signal that I am a creative person, but sometimes I end up signaling "a mom who spends too much time on the internet."

Expand full comment
Lan's avatar

Ha…I find it best not to overthink this stuff. I know I have no control over how others see me (if they see me at all), but I still think it’s worth putting myself out there. At the core of it, I’m using getting dressed as a creative practice for me. It rarely happens, but it is so wonderful and affirming to receive compliments, or have my outfit kickstart a non-baby-themed conversation with other moms.

Expand full comment
Aya S's avatar

Searching for postpartum dressing brought me to substack! Love your post! First baby was born in 2019 and I found my outfits changing too. A lot of trial and error. One thing I found was that I was drawn to natural fabrics more and less of the polyester. I don’t know what Baby1 did, but I developed sensitivity to some fabrics. Built a bit of a collection the past 5 or so years, and excited to wear them again with Baby2

Expand full comment
Lan's avatar

Thank you for your comment(s)! Glad you enjoyed this. Yes, figuring out how to get dressed after having a baby can be tricky. It’s hard to find that sweet spot between looking like a slob and trying too hard/being uncomfortable. Congrats on Baby 2!

Expand full comment
Sab's avatar

I (six months into motherhood) feel very seen by that last paragraph. Thanks for putting it into words!

Expand full comment
Lan's avatar

Thank you — I’m glad it’s resonating. Congrats on making it to 6 months!

Expand full comment