Being stylish is not exactly a priority for most mothers. There’s just too much to be done in one day, how will you possibly find the time to put an outfit together? Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as it seems. While priorities tend to change during motherhood, there’s no need to sacrifice the simple elements of style. We can’t all be mummy fashionistas, but with minimal effort, we can maintain a style outside of tattered sweatpants and daggy t-shirts. Here are some tips and tricks that are both easy and practical style ideas to implement into your wardrobe.
Deep dark hues are stain-friendly
Mess is a welcome part of being a new mom, and stains are honorable badges of motherly pride. But at times, stains are a plain nuisance and can limit your choice in clothing. It soon becomes apparent to new mothers that darker shades are more practical to wear, as stains are not quite as evident and generally easier to clean. While it is useful to have a couple of black wool sweaters and a pair of jeans in a dark wash, a complete lack of color in a single outfit is awfully uninspiring.
I advise mixing and matching with deep browns, reds or navy blues to add diversity to your look and avoid the all-black ensemble. If you find that your wardrobe is becoming too dull, I’d suggest opting for nice edgy prints that could easily hide small stains. Wrap-arounds or shawls are also a good idea. Not only are they chic and stylish, if something spills on you at the park, it’s simply a case of throwing it over your shoulders and the unsightly stain is as good as gone.
Keeping on-trend
It’s a myth that women must abandon their sense of style as soon as they enter motherhood. It is true that you will have less time to clothes shop for yourself, and the idea of vastly impractical, undersized handbags, high heels, and garments sans pockets will go out the window.
But keeping on trend doesn’t just mean having new season pieces; it’s about keeping a sustainable, casual wardrobe that doesn’t make you feel like an old frump. Ripped, worn out, oversized tshirt and fraying tights just won’t do anymore. A cotton dress with leggings and a dark cardigan paired with cute ballet flats makes for perfect day wear, and it’s perfectly mom-friendly.
When to invest
When your kids become older (or rather, old enough to be trusted not to use you as their canvas) it’s a good idea to invest in good quality materials – think wool and cotton blends that are easily machine-washable. You don’t want a garment that will fade and lose its elasticity in three washes, or something that will catch and unravel easily. Investing in something durable and comfortable will ensure you spend less time browsing the clothes racks. From my experience, spending anywhere between $50 to $100 on a single item made with quality stitching and soft, comfortable material is perfectly acceptable, as the garment should last a few years of wear.
Accessories
Curious little hands will eventually be the death of hooped earrings and dangly necklaces for all parents, but there are plenty of ways to adorn yourself without the fear of ruining your best jewelry (as you know, babies can have quite an unforgiving grip). Apart from the obvious – earring studs and fitted bracelets – try a belt or scarf for a touch of glamour.
I hope you enjoyed these practical style ideas. Read more in our fashion section.
