"Go-to" Outfits 1: Tunic, leggings and flats

Every mom, and really every woman, needs her "go-to" outfits. When you are a new mom, and you feel like nothing you wore pre-pregnancy fits, but you can't bear the thought of putting on your maternity clothes again, this concept becomes that much more vital. 

I just want to share a couple of my favorite combinations, all of which are plus-friendly, all of which will give you a finished look that works in multiple venues. Here is the first outfit in this series...

Tunic, leggings, and flats. Easy, easy, easy, this combo has the added bonus of being relatively cheap, if you want it to be. My favorite thing about leggings and tunics is they are relatively seasonless. It took me a while to come around to leggings, having worn them in the 80s (with the stirrups? yup), but they are the most forgiving fashion trend ever (if done well). 

The trick to doing this well is to get a tunic that is mid-thigh or longer (a short dress also works), and leggings that go all the way to the ankle. It keeps the leg looking long, but doesn't reveal too much around the booty. I recommend wearing flats with a rubber sole; they're just that much easier to walk in. You could also try converse-style sneakers, especially if your tunic is made of a more-casual material like cotton jersey. Speaking of which, the more cotton in the legging, the better. 

Those spandex jammies tend to hug the leg in a less flattering way, plus it's like wearing pantyhose, which I avoid like the plague if at all possible. 

For the tunic, the key is to get something that drapes over the stomach, but isn't so billowy that it looks like a tent. Because I have a large bust, I try for something that is fitted there and then falls away from the body. The thinner the fabric the better. You want it to come off as light and airy. I also find that a nice print on top, or a funky necklace can add a personal touch to this look. I stick to plain, dark neutral leggings (okay, black), but if you feel like you can rock a printed one, go to town.

Some great tunic options here (keep in mind that, because a lot of these styles are meant to be oversized, you can always look a size or two down from your regular size):

This one from Old Navy is cheap and comfy looking, but still very cute.  This one from SWAK is styled like a traditional Indian Kurta. This one is made by a women's cooperative in India and goes to a 4X (and they have lots of goodies in plus sizes, worth a look if you are of the boho persuasion). This Gap dress goes to size 20, and is on sale at their website. I love this buffalo plaid one from missphit!

For leggings try:

Target

Roaman's

American Apparel: I wear their XL leggings and wear a 16W pant. I think someone who wears an 18W or possibly even 20W would fit these.

Try any department store that sells a lot of plus sizes--Sears, JC Penney, Kohl's, Wal-Mart, etc. 

ETA: check out my polvore set of plus-size tunics!