My sister often makes fun of me for caring so much about my appearance when I am the Mother of two wild little girls. However, I don’t try as hard as I make it seem – I just do a few things that give off that impression. Whenever I leave home, I fix my hair, slap on a little makeup, and choose my clothing wisely. Staying stylish as a Mom is something that’s important to me because it makes me feel good about myself!
Tips for Staying Stylish as a Mom
Layer your outfit.
Layering your outfits has two benefits: it keeps your warm and it’s stylish. I always layer my long sleeve tops with knit cardigans or plaid button downs with puffer vests. My closet is filled with sweater cardigans I’ve had for years in a variety of colors, fabrics, and lengths. I also own a few solid puffer vests that are easy to wear, always stylish, and comfortable.
The Brandy Coat (c/o Evie’s Tree) // Tunic (c/o Duffield Lane) // Gigi Pant // Tom’s Booties
Style is about what makes you feel AMAZING.
Find the Perfect Pants
The perfect pants for a stylish Mom are basic, comfortable, and forgiving. Aside from an awesome pair of dark denim skinnies, many Moms prefer bottoms that are easy to wear. We all know leggings aren’t considered pants, unless you find a pair that break the rule. My Pixie pants break the leggings as pants rule. I own a few pairs in black and navy, always adding to my collection when they’re on sale. The Gigi pant is stretchy like a pair of leggings, but thick like pants. J.Crew makes a pricier version called the Any Day Pant and they come in four different colors.
If you prefer leggings, fleece lined or faux fur lined will keep you warm in the winter and stylish. I also love Zella leggings and for a little more money, Lululemon has amazing high waisted leggings that are thick and hold you in all the right places.
Splurge on classic pieces, not “trendy” items
I’ve always loved fashion, so much that I used to share my outfits on a “What this Teacher Wore” series here and on Instagram. After I became pregnant with Annabelle, I knew my love of clothing, shoes, and handbags would take a backseat while I spent my money on her. To compensate for my spending freeze, I learned to buy timeless pieces and not fast fashion. I think quality over quantity when I go shopping!
You can find a lot of plaid, cable-knit, and cozy items in solid colors in my closet. From shoes to handbags to winter coats, here are some of my favorite items (for the cold months) I’ve owned for years.
Stay true to your personal style.
One of the biggest mistakes a Mom can make when trying to be stylish is falling into a fashion trend trap. Everyone can attest to a time in their life when they tried to wear something just because everyone else was wearing it. For example, Spanx leather leggings look amazing, but we just don’t get along. I’ve tried them on numerous times, but can’t get on board with them. Another example, I know my cousin (who is a Mom too!) despises overalls, but I think they’re adorable.
Find your personal style, stay true to your personal style, and stick to what you feel good wearing.
Wear what feels right.
I’ve become pretty good at determining what looks right on my body and there are some items I avoid at all costs – shoes in particular. I really want to wear Over-the-Knee boots, but I don’t think they are right for me. Other shoes that are closet staples for many women (even Moms!) are stilettos and high heeled knee high boots. I can’t walk right in high heels and feel too dressed up most of the time that I wear them. I only buy shoes that I’ll wear more than once. Therefore, I am an ankle bootie, ballet flat, loafer and bean boot kind of girl.
The moral of the story: I won’t force myself to wear something I’m not comfortable in… unless it’s for a special occasion. I know what I like and I know what makes me feel stylish. I’m sure there will be a day when my daughters say that dreaded phrase – “MOM, you CAN’T wear that!” But for now, they’re too little to notice or care what looks good or bad. Happy Thursday!
Love this and couldn’t agree more!! I cannot pull off leather leggings or overalls (haha) but I’m all about the over-the-knee boot. Definitely with you on the impracticality of heels — they just don’t ever work for my life. I have a couple of pairs of wedges (pointy-toe nude leather and a pretty perforated lace-up greige suede) that I wear anytime I ever have to be dressed up and those really cover it! It makes me sad that I have some beautiful leopard d’Orsay pumps and some pink platform heels I LOVED in college, but they just don’t work for me as a mom. Also sidenote — love your curly hair! I’m trying the “curly girl” method with mine right now (after over a decade of straightening, iron curling and 4 years of all the hormonal changes of pregnancy and nursing) and trying to retrain my curls to be attractive. It’s surprisingly freeing to not have to use as many heat tools and go a few days between styling.
These are great tips. I love layering as well, it adds a certain level of comfort to looks. 🙂
Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com
Your style is more my style. I love to be comfortable. I don’t want to wear trends that I know isn’t my style.
I loved this post! So many helpful mom tips ?
These are excellent tips, and definitely ones I give to moms all the time. My sister is always looking for ways to expand her wardrobe and make the most of it, and these are the things I tell her!
These are awesome tips mama, and so true! I like to splurge on classic pieces, and comfort is definitely key!
Kileen
cute & little
I love this look so much. You are definitely a very stylish mom. Everyone can take directions from your cute style.
I adore this post! I always see lots of posts about single women or women without kids (such as myself!) talking about investing in their appearance, but hearing it from a mom means a lot to me! I love knowing that being a mom doesn’t have to be a defining factor in your personal style! I have something to look forward to!