While you were no doubt fearing the sleepless nights, increasing number of chores, and the many nerve-wracking moments that accompany parenthood, one aspect of becoming a mother that you may have worried about most was losing your identity and sense of style; can fashion and motherhood really go hand in hand? There’s a chance you spent time during your pregnancy searching for stylish clothes that still fitted, or worrying about the ranges that would suit your pre-baby body, and you may even have listened as well-meaning friends and relatives told you that your relationship with fashion was over, but the truth is that nothing needs to change – no, seriously.
Okay, so it’s not a myth that having children will seriously limit the time you can spend clothes shopping or putting together outfits; as a new mom your baby must take precedence, and you’ll probably struggle to hold an adult conversation in between feeds, changes, and trips to the store – let alone styling a complete outfit. However, with a little careful planning and some cleverly honed skills there is no reason why you shouldn’t continue to dazzle. Perhaps you won’t be able to spend hours curling or straightening your hair; maybe contouring will become something you aspire to do again, one day; you may even notice that your ability to shop until you drop has suffered somewhat. That doesn’t mean that your love affair with fashion is over, though – and nor should it be. You see, while fashion and beauty may be the last things on your mind as you cradle your new baby there will come a moment when you yearn to look good, to feel confident, and to recognize yourself again. Fashionable momma, there’s nothing wrong with that at all, and I’m going to tell you how you can achieve that fashionable mother look without compromising your abilities as a superhuman parent.
Achieving the “fashionable mother” look
in 5 easy steps!
There’s a good chance you’ve already thought about fashion since becoming pregnant, carefully monitoring maternity styles and waiting patiently until you could fit into those smaller sized jeans again. However, it’s important not to place yourself under too much pressure; yes, you’re no doubt keen to resume your former identity as a fashionista extraordinaire, but you have a new job now too – becoming a mother doesn’t eat away at your identity, but creates a myriad of new looks and roles for you to adopt. It’s an exciting time, and one where fashion can be embraced regardless of how much sleep you’ve had, or how busy you’ve been.
If you don’t believe me, please read on for five quick tips to staying stylish while maintaining the coolest of mom demeanors…
Create a capsule wardrobe
We’ve all heard the term capsule wardrobe, and such an invention is a lifesaver for new moms. Featuring a few key pieces, including a great pair of jeans, a jacket or cardigan, a small selection of blouses or t-shirts, and a dress that can be worn casually or formally, a capsule wardrobe will enable you to look fantastic regardless of the occasion, and without the need for a desperate search through your clothes the night before a big day out. What’s more, capsule wardrobes are easily updated, fantastic to dress up and down, and easy to source. Keep an eye on the catwalk and update your wardrobe with one or two pieces per season. Voila, fashion, function, and an effortlessly stylish mommy.
Feel comfortable; feel confident
Perhaps the best piece of advice any mom or fashion blogger could give you is to ensure you’re comfortable, regardless of what you’re choosing to wear. Motherhood is one of the toughest, and most physically demanding roles you’re ever likely to undertake, and so it’s important to dress for the occasion; comfortable pants, looser fitting tops, maxi dresses, and layers all work fabulously well with the trials of motherhood, including chasing after toddlers, bending and stretching, and carrying sleepy babies, while many of these items are incredibly on trend at the moment. Breastfeeding mothers have a little something extra to think about, of course; loose tops and layers, and glamorous cover-ups should become wardrobe staples. Yes, it is perfectly possible to look good and still undertake just about any task, but be sure you feel comfortable, and confident, in doing so.
Accessorize with ease
Accessories, including scarves, jewelry, shoes, and purses are a great way to add style to any outfit, adding instant glam; regardless of how you’re feeling a few simple accessories can turn any day into a stylish one. However, as a new mother you will have a whole host of other ‘accessories’ to consider too, including diapers, wipes, pacifiers, changes of clothes, and so much more; how does one incorporate such items into a fashionable outfit? The truth is that you can’t, unless you’ve sourced the perfect diaper bag. While traditional diaper bags aren’t designed to be fashionable, more and more outlets are realizing that moms need that extra something to accompany their sense of style; baby retailer Skip Hop, for example, has a full collection of diaper bags that any fashionista would be proud to carry.
Experiment with colors
There’s an unfounded myth that moms can’t, or maybe shouldn’t, do fashion, and that they’re best suited to unflattering pant suits, dark colors, and all manner of outfits you’d never have been seen dead in prior to motherhood. However, having a baby is a wonderful excuse to revive your sense of style, and to experiment a little; perhaps you’ll even discover a new color or cut that you’d never thought to wear before. Patterns, while effortlessly stylish, can hide a multitude of sins and stains, and bright colors will keep your little one engaged and entertained while you interact. All of a sudden mom fashion is sounding a whole lot more appealing, right?
Keep it simple
From simple up-dos that can be achieved in minutes, to a modest makeup routine that can be completed in little time at all, it’s important to learn the art of subtlety. After all, who has time to spend ages straightening their hair, applying makeup, or choosing an outfit when there’s a whole host of chores to get done? Loose plaits and pony tails, simple bobs that need little attention, and slicked back styles can look gorgeous, and won’t need any maintenance. Meanwhile, choose mascara, some light blush, and lipstick to give the appearance of a full makeover, and the confidence to face the day in style.
So, there you have it; it’s perfectly possible to regain, and retain, that sense of style regardless of what motherhood throws at you. While it’s tempting to throw yourself back into catwalk style remember that your clothing, and accessories, will need to be a little more practical from now on, and that you may discover a side to your style that you’d never met before. Walk tall, momma, you’re looking amazing.
