Gone are the days of lacklustre style post-baby. Here are just some of the cool mums on Instagram shaking up a dated stereotype and inspiring a feel-good way of dressing. Baby-approved, obviously.

There used to be a canyon-sized divide between before-kids and after-kids style. The minute you had a baby, your fashion personality seemingly slipped right out with it. Granted, my first baby is now 18, so back then, hunting for maternity wear felt like the most soul-crushing experience, especially as a fashion editor. Topshop’s maternity collection launch was nothing short of a sanity-saver. At the time, my future looked overwhelmingly clouded by frumpy bootleg jeans, baggy tops and nappies (the latter for baby, not me, obvs). 

Fast forward to today, and women everywhere are embracing their wardrobes, creating fits that let their pre-baby personas shine through. From bold, colourful dressing (now is absolutely not the time to shrink into the shadows) to chic, toddler-friendly co-ords, the cool mums on Instagram are paving the way for other mothers desperate to regain their fashion confidence. Admittedly, it’s a period of adjustment, for sure, but if a bold tee, a statement skirt or an oversized pair of sunnies can give a boost, then go for it.

To help inspire, I’ve rounded up some of the most sartorially fabulous and quietly emboldening fashion mums on Instagram right now. Whether you’re a brand new mum or your youngest has just hit 20, it’s never too late, too soon or too much to wear exactly what you want.

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There used to be a canyon-sized divide between before-kids and after-kids style. The minute you had a baby, your fashion personality seemingly slipped right out with it.

Ashling, Contributing Style & Interiors Editor

Keely Busby

@keely_busby

Laid-back and the epitome of Ibizan-inspired style, she is the achingly cool mother to three boys, River, Bodhi, and Winter. So, if you covet natural fabrics, earthy tones, and bohemian luxury with an edge, follow now.

Linda Tol

@lindatol_

The Amsterdam-based entrepreneur and mother launched her blog in 2011, building a following on the back of her androgynous, boyish aesthetic. Having gone on to work with Chanel, Dior, and to co-found TOL Eyewear, she offers style and serious kudos.

Lizzy van der Ligt

@lizzyvdligt


A professional stylist and content creator, Lizzy is loved for her print-rich, colourful, eclectic style, which she has translated into her own brand, Le Café Noir Studio. If you’re after confidence-boosting colour, this mum has you covered.

Monikh Dale

@monikh

A London-based stylist and editor with an eye for cool-girl simplicity, Monikh is known for effortless staples and a commitment to light, breezy fabrics. In fact, her style oozes pared-back, relaxed elegance, but most importantly, sophisticated comfort.

Gracie Parker Bell

@gracieparkerbell

Fresh and cute, with an intoxicating beachy aesthetic. Follow for simple fits and wholesome vibes. Definitely more lifestyle-and-motherhood than pure fashion, but so gorgeous.

Louise Emerson

@louisewithease


If you long for authenticity and the most incredible fashion, I highly recommend you check out Louise’s account. Based in Bristol, she inspires women to “power dress with honesty,” covering fashion and beauty with a brilliantly frank approach.

Thandi Maqubela

@thandimaq

Known as “The Sartorial Lawyer,” Thandi is a Legal Director and mum to a young son, with another on the way. With fashion as her creative outlet rather than her day job, she moves seamlessly between sharp tailoring and feminine dresses.

Emma Rose Thatcher

@emmarosethatcher

Mother, stylist, and editor, Emma has built a reputation for considered, editorial-leaning style inspiration. Which is no surprise, given her role as a contributing fashion writer and broadcaster for Grazia UK, and running her own platform, OverDress.

Tessa Vicky Elisa van Montfoort

@tessavmontfoort

Describing herself simply as a “full-time fashion addict and mom,” Tessa is renowned for her flamboyant and colourful fits. Where many Dutch influencers lean into understated minimalism, she goes the opposite direction. Need a celebration of individuality? She’s your girl.

Michelle Fleur

@michellefleur

Split between Ibiza and Amsterdam, mother to Nila-Jo and Siza-Rose, Michelle covers motherhood, interior design, lifestyle and fashion alongside studying TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and co-hosts a podcast called Met De Gurnels. One busy woman, but her beachy style is very much a sun-drenched affair.

Hayley Buchanan Daines

@hayley.b.daines

A Scottish model and content creator, she has worked with global brands including Calvin Klein and Estée Lauder, but her account is relaxed, relatable and super chill. She’s a self-described “outfit repeater, probably wearing jeans” and mother to Stevie, Rex and dog Ziggy.


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