advice from the pros

fuss-free hair

George Vlahos, a stylist at Salon Elias in Toronto, sees many new moms cut their hair short after they have a baby but says it's not always necessary. "Long hair can still work, but it's important to add shape and maybe a fringe to keep it out of the face." Postpartum hair loss is common but quickly passes, and many new moms can take advantage of a new-found wave in their hair that's caused by a shift in hormones. Wash-and-go hair is all about using the right products, he says, and that's important no matter if your hair is long, short, straight or curly. "With the right cut, it doesn't take a lot of time to achieve a great look," he says.

camouflage what you don't like

When it comes to adding and dropping pregnancy weight, experts agree it's usually nine months on, nine months off. "What's important is that you're comfortable in the body that you're in right now by finding clothes that cover what you don't like," says Marla Ginsburg, creative director of French Dressing Jeans. To cover up the "icky bits," Ginsburg recommends clothes with a bit of flair and flow that disguise a tummy that might roll over the waist of your pants, for example. "Tight is not sexy — it's about what you don't see." She also recommends going with higher-rise jeans that have stretch to avoid the dreaded "muffin top" effect.