Quick Change Artist

Consider the scarf like a diaper: Never leave home without it. A scarf not only adds a huge dose of style to any outfit, but it can also hide surprise public spit-up, wipe noses and be used as an impromptu nursing cover. A patterned wool scarf will weather a new mama’s day better than, say, a sheer, silk one.

To buy: Kate Spade, $98

ON AIN'T NO MOM JEANS: Winterize Your Maxi Dress

Leggings are one of the easiest things to wear for new mamas. They are perfectly on-trend and comfortable. Win-win, right? Sure … until the accidental bum exposure. (Which is especially hard to protect against when you are constantly picking up your kiddo or babywearing.) So instead of the lightweight legging, try Ponte knit skinny pants. Ponte knit pants are much thicker than leggings (think camo for leftover pregnancy cellulite), and not quite as tight.

To buy: J. Crew Pixie Pants, $88

Yup. You heard me. TWO. Layer a chunky knit sweater over a thin cardigan (and nursing cami). Button a few of the thin cardigan’s buttons, and voilà: It’s the new mama’s version of a three-piece suit. And with easy access for nursing and multiple ways to deal with spit-up, this look's still got style.

To buy (clockwise from bottom left): Modcloth Cottage Cardigan, $60; Modcloth Chocolate Shake Cardigan, $28; Isabella Oliver Modal Nursing Cami, $58

It sounds counterintuitive, but a leather jacket is pretty darn perfect for new moms. Not only does it give instant street cred (and huge doses of cool) to all who wear it … but spit-up miraculously wipes off. Just like that. Like it was nothing. (According to every impossibly cool, leather-jacket wearing mama.) And dirt? Yup. Either blends in, or vanishes. Sign me up.

To buy: Mango Leather Perfecto Jacket, $330

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It’s so hard, when babywearing, to look chic. It’s also hard to stay consistently warm. But new moms are in luck with the current military trend. Army jackets (or army-inspired parkas) are perfect for layering: Not only will you stay warm, but you’ll also look urban-chic. Try a leopard print carrier for an extra touch of sass.

To buy (clockwise from left): Topshop Faux Leather Army, $130; Maternity Jersey, $12; Belle Baby Carrier in Leopard, $110.

Blazers seem to be at the top of all must-have lists, but for new mamas constantly picking up kiddos, rocking the baby, etc., blazers can be too restricting for daily wear. Get the sharpness of a blazer but the comfort of a sweatshirt by finding a blazer in a soft knit.

To buy: Anthropologie Ruled Ponte Blazer, $158

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So many mamas look for nursing-friendly shirts that pull down or unbutton. These work, but limit a nursing mama’s choices. For more options, layer a cute nursing camisole underneath a swingy top.The swing of the top will hide a post-partum pooch, and will easily lift up for nursing. And thanks to the nursing cami layer, you won’t have to worry about flashing that pooch.

To buy: Glamourmom Nursing Bra Tank, $44; Splendid Capeside Stripe Jersey Tee, $68