Becoming a mum changes everything — your schedule, your body, and your sense of self. But one thing that often gets overlooked in this transformation is your wardrobe.

If you’re a working mum returning to your career after maternity leave, chances are your old clothes don’t quite fit — physically or emotionally. You may find yourself staring at your closet thinking, “I have nothing to wear” or “I don’t even know what my style is anymore.”

In a recent episode of the Working Mumma Podcast, with personal stylist Lisa Stockman to unpack the deep connection between clothing, identity, and confidence — especially during seasons of transition like motherhood.

Why Clothes Matter More Than You Think

Lisa shares that clothes aren’t just about appearance — they’re emotional armor. “There’s always a moment when a client puts on something new, stands up straighter, and sees themselves again. That’s what style is about,” she explains.

Feeling good in your clothes can change how you approach a meeting, how you re-enter the workforce, and how you view yourself as a mum and a professional.

The Style Struggles of New Mums

Many women keep clothes from their pre-baby life — the “Kookai dress” from nights out or tight-fitting corporate pieces that no longer feel comfortable or aligned. Lisa notes, “Often, women just need permission to let go of those clothes and the version of themselves that wore them.”

Add to that a new body shape, breastfeeding needs, and changing work environments post-COVID, and it’s easy to see why so many mums feel overwhelmed by their wardrobe.

Where to Start: Lisa’s Practical Styling Advice

Lisa recommends starting with a simple style audit. Grab a notebook and ask yourself:
“What are three words I want to feel in my clothes?”
Common answers: confident, comfortable, approachable. These words become your guide — helping you decide what stays, what goes, and what to buy next.

Lisa’s Top Tips:

• Start with a blazer: It instantly elevates any outfit.
• Buy better basics: Think quality tees from Uniqlo, versatile pants, or faux leather pieces.
• Mix & match: Ask yourself, “Can I wear this with at least three things I already own?”
• Add accessories: Earrings or lipstick can dramatically transform a look.
• Don’t be afraid to hire outfits for events instead of buying something you’ll wear once.
• Final Word: Your Style Isn’t Gone — It’s Evolving

Motherhood doesn’t mean the end of your style. It means you get to redefine it, intentionally. As Lisa puts it, “Your best style is ahead of you, not behind you.”

So if your wardrobe is stressing you out, know that you’re not alone, and that it doesn’t take a whole new wardrobe to start feeling like yourself again.

Ready to feel more confident in your clothes?
👉 Follow Lisa Stockman on Instagram
🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
📩 Subscribe to the Working Mumma newsletter for more real talk on career, motherhood, and confidence.