It may not be baby logistics but getting yourself out the door is no small feat some days. Personally, I must have a shower and I want to look at least somewhat pulled together – doesn’t matter if its jeans and t-shirts everyday but it must be clean and current. Here is the challenge.
Let’s say you manage to shower either before your partner leaves for work or while the child is contained somehow. For moms that return to work perhaps this challenge is different, but for those of us parents that are now at home, what to wear is – at least for me- a constant quandry. I remember my days of suits, dresses, heals and hose. Now that I am approaching another birthday with a “0″ at the end of it – I find some stores or fashions I may’ve relied on pre-prego are no longer valid. I don’t want to be the mom at the park the other moms are talking about “wow, she is trying waaaay too hard!”
Hence my recent quest, for jeans that don’t bare all yet do not cover the boobs. T-shirts (let’s face it they are a practical and possibly fashionable answer depending on the shirt), that fit without binding, suffer from paper thin fabrics or hang loose all over.
I recently became a subscriber to Cookie magazine – lots of great style, ideas for science projects, etc. But the fashions suggested are, I deem, way over the top for regular moms. $250 grey hoodies, not! $900 rain coats, not! So I figured, hey if these gals can dish out advice on fashion, so can I.
Here is my complilation of what every at-home mom needs to round out a park appropriate wardrobe, that is affordable:
- 2 pairs of jeans that fit well, don’t bind, no muffins, not too high in rise either. Skip discount brands, focus on discount stores with good brands i.e. Jones, DKNY, Calvins. Opt for modern fit, dark wash, a fit that works well with a T, fleece, fancy shirt, longer length for clogs or heeled shoe. Also check consignment shops. Remember the right fit now, may not be the same fit pre-pg. I recently snagged a pair of Jones jeans at Nordstrom Rack for $32 – that’s less than 1/2 retail.
- T-shirts that have a little spandex to hold shape, but not so much everything you’re trying to hold in lops out. No paper tees unless you have an appropriate cami under – check your local Costco for great long-length camis 2/$12!
- Everyday shoes – invest in a shoe that can go from the park, to co-op, etc. Dansko makes wonderful clogs, they are pricey but for your main shoe that will last for years, completely worth it. Check the Rack again (or TJ Maxx, etc) for another pair of shoes, perhaps in color (who can resist red Mary Jane’s from Keen) to brighten up your darker days or pair with a skirt.
- Get a good fitting skirt in a shade of khaki – this can take you to parent meetings, casual dinner, family gathering. Get 2 good pairs of tights (one black and try a color) to complement your skirt and tee combo.
- Get a good fleece for all your kid outings, spend a little more and get one from REI, Lands End or LL Bean – more technically oriented fabrics will have less pilling and ultimately last longer than the bargain brands. Additionally, get avest for in-between weather and a nice sweater coat for non-park outings.
- Skip wearing your run shoes with all outfits – they will last longer if you just wear them to the gym, and you will feel more put together if you put on real shoes.
- Get regular haircuts – they don’t have to be pricey to make you feel good. Get regular brow waxes and at least every quarter, figure out how to either get a professional pedicure or take enough time for yourself on a Sunday afternoon to do your own toes. Mom hands are generally dry and chapped, and if I can figure out how to conquer this I will let you know.
In short, the old fashion advice holds true for moms – focus on a few good pieces, buy less items, buy better brands and you can look put together relatively easily. And if you’re like me, and perhaps still losing weight from baby – remember to trade your clothes into consignment.
