A small set of clothes can make choosing easier if the pieces feel comfortable and combine in ways you enjoy. This example uses ten core pieces in cream, brown, gray and black. It is a starting point, rather than a cure for every wardrobe difficulty.

The ten are two striped shirts, a polo knit, nursing tank, slip skirt, jeans, shorts, scarf, sneakers and sandals. Underwear and any additional supplies are separate. Check fit and access with your own pieces, and allow for their bulk before assuming everything fits in one bag.

1. The striped shirt with the slip skirt

Try the striped shirt with the slip skirt and sneakers. Check the skirt’s seated comfort and open enough functional shirt buttons to reach your bra and any tank. Three buttons may not be sufficient.

2. The polo knit with the slip skirt

Try the polo with the skirt and sneakers. Test whether the placket opens far enough or the loose hem lifts comfortably, keeping fabric clear of your baby’s face. A dark tank can still show through pale knit and does not guarantee a clean outer layer.

3. The brown shirt with the slip skirt and sandals

Try the brown-striped shirt with the skirt and sandals if you enjoy the contrast. Check the actual opening and fit. A darker top may make some marks less noticeable, but is not reserved for a particular stage of leaking.

4. The brown shirt open over the tank with gray jeans

Try the clip-down nursing tank with jeans, an open shirt and sneakers. Check the tank and bra together, keeping shirt edges and scarves clear of your baby’s face during feeding.

5. The polo knit with linen shorts

Try the polo with shorts and sneakers, adding or removing layers for the weather. Check the hem and placket for access and the waistband while seated. A soft waist does not automatically clear a scar.

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6. The striped shirt open over the tank with gray jeans

The black tank, gray jeans, the gray-striped shirt worn open, white sneakers. The most-worn outfit of the ten. The whole week could be this and nobody would mind.

7. The polo knit over the tank with gray jeans and sandals

The cream polo knit over the black tank, gray jeans, the scarf, tan sandals. The knit lifts from the hem and the tank clips. The one for the first cool evening.

8. The striped shirt with linen shorts

The gray-striped shirt, white linen shorts, the scarf, tan sandals. Shirt half-tucked, sleeves rolled. The holiday outfit, and the one that photographs best in the sun.

From the capsules

The Year Round Capsule

Two hundred nursing-friendly outfits from fifty-six pieces, fifty for every season, laid out and then worn. $29 once, yours to keep.

See the capsule

9. The tank alone with linen shorts

Try the nursing tank as a top with shorts and comfortable sandals. Check that it and any bra open easily. Remove an optional scarf for feeding if it may fall across your baby’s face.

10. The brown shirt with linen shorts

Try the brown-striped shirt with shorts and sandals for another combination. A scarf can be an accessory if useful, kept clear during feeds. Wear the colors you enjoy rather than relying on a dark top to make you look rested.

These ten core pieces form ten combinations, with underwear and other supplies considered separately. Save any useful looks, repeat favorites and substitute freely. You do not need every item to match every other or fit a particular bag.

If you want the same idea with every season covered, the Year Round Capsule is fifty-six pieces and two hundred outfits, laid out and then worn, with three pictures of you in them on the house. If you want to build your own ten from your own drawers, the DIY breastfeeding capsule is the afternoon in seven steps. And if you would rather someone picked from your closet each morning, that is Anah inside the Atelier.

A small set of useful clothes, with room to adapt the plan. The focus is on you, mama.