Meet Jillian Lee Gurley—Charleston-based content creator and mom to almost five-month-old Sammy. A fashion tastemaker who describes her style as a mix of sporty, equestrian, and polished, Jillian has approached new motherhood the same way she does her wardrobe: adapting what she loves to fit her current needs and investing in what matters most to her.
We sat down with her to talk style through pregnancy and postpartum, the outfits she’s wearing on repeat this season, and what life looks like just beyond the fourth trimester as a first-time mom.
You’re just out of the fourth trimester. What has new motherhood been like for you so far?
Motherhood is such an extreme experience! Who knew you could feel like your heart could burst from joy and like you could fall asleep standing up all at the same time??
What surprised you the most about this season?
The renewal I feel just by holding my baby or seeing him smile. There have been so many moments in the middle of the night when I've thought “I don’t know how I’m going to do this” and then I see Sammy in his bassinet and he would give me a smile and instant energy and warmth washes over me.
How would you describe Sammy in a few words right now?
Joyful, peaceful, curious
What’s been the biggest shift in your daily life since becoming a mom?
My productivity. I do more during his 30 minute nap than I did pre-baby in 5 hours.
What was pregnancy like for you?
My husband and I experienced a lot of transition during my pregnancy. We sold our house, moved, bought a house, and he started a new job. So, I always say God was merciful on me with the pregnancy symptoms because the rest of life felt so hard and chaotic. That being said, the last few weeks I didn’t walk, I waddled.
Your bump style was so good. Best tips for dressing while pregnant?
I had SO much fun adapting my style while being pregnant. I think the biggest shift is your mindset. It’s easy to say “this is just a season and it’s not worth investing in how I look or my closet” and I couldn’t disagree more. It brought me so much joy having cute clothes to wear that felt very me at a time where my body was changing so much! My biggest tip is to challenge yourself to not give up on your favorite pieces but to just adapt them. If you loved wearing jeans prior to pregnancy, you can still wear them! You just need to find low-rise jeans instead.
Were there any brands, pieces, or wardrobe staples that you lived in during pregnancy?
Definitely. I lived in a lot of DISSH pieces—they have a whole section of the website that are “bump-friendly.” I wore my Levi’s Low Pro jeans a ton. I also really liked my pieces from HATCH—they are one of the only “made for pregnancy” brands that resonated with my style.
What’s your go-to outfit formula for a day out with your baby?
I may get some raised eyebrows for this but a white tee shirt, my favorite off-white Levi’s 90’s jeans, an oversized trench (I can fit a whole bottle in the pocket!), and a pair of leather flip flops. I love adding my Celine sunnies and a good bag too. I love switching out my bags all the time as opposed to a traditional diaper bag.
What’s a daily ritual you’re loving right now?
I love going on walks with Sammy in his carrier. We are fortunate to live in a very walkable and sunny place, so we try to take advantage of it. Sometimes, we’ll go meet up with Seth (my husband) and grab a coffee and have a family walk on his lunch break at work.
Baby products you truly can’t live without right now?
His carrier, baby Björn bouncer, and Tommee Tippee binkies.
How has babywearing fit into your routine so far?
It has been so helpful. I work full time and stay home with Sammy, so babywearing has allowed me to have free hands while still getting that close bonding time with Sammy. Most of the time, he falls asleep in his wrap/carrier and those are his best naps!
Rapid-fire q’s!
Last thing you ordered online: Coterie Diapers and a cashmere wrap cardigan
Current hyperfixation: I am determined to be a member of the 5am club, that being said I JUST started trying it out but all of my friends think I’m crazy for it lol.
Favorite place to go with Sammy right now: One of my favorite coffee shops is called Babas and I love picking up two matchas and banana bread and heading over to my best friend’s house. She also has a little one and it’s a baby party!
One thing you always have in your bag: My lip combo. I am really obsessed with the new Summer Fridays lip stain in Almond and the lip butter balm.
Favorite way to spend a slow morning: Making a big breakfast and hearing my husband and my baby laughing and playing in the other room and then we all go to the beach
A word that describes this season of life: Multi-tasking
