Fall Wardrobe Essentials for Mommy

With the birth of my first child, I graciously accepted my new role of   “mommy.” Those first few weeks at home with my newborn, I adhered to the secret mommy code of wearing only pajamas and a ponytail. I fell prey to the thought that  such a  frumpy wardrobe was to be my new reality. Gone were the cute clothes of my past professional life. I believed I was now subjected to a wardrobe consisting of only yoga pants and whatever t-shirt I found on the clearance rack of my local retail store. After awhile of wearing this “mom-iform” I quickly realized it was not for me. I wanted to dress cute and still be able to tote around a drooling, sticky baby without worrying about my dry-cleaning bill. It was then that I realized that my “mom-iform” can include trendy clothes that can go from playground to girls night out. The key was discovering inexpensive  fashionable clothes that were machine-washable (a  mommy must)  and offered a good fit for little money. Once I  designated my yoga pants only for sessions at the gym and began stepping out in fun clothes, I felt like a confident, fabulous mommy…even on those days when my cute clothes had crusted remnants of baby food splattered on it. This fall reconsider your “mom-iform” and see if it needs to be transformed from frumpy to fabulous. Below are a few staple items that can help that wardrobe bounce back to its fabulous, pre-baby days.

Denim Although jeans have come a long way, they have developed a negative connotation when associated with the stay-at-home mom. However, the introduction of low-waisted and wide leg jeans have debunked the mom-jean myth and allowed mothers to stylishly step out in denim once again. Investing in a good pair of jeans, such as something long and dark, that flatter the body can greatly improve a wardrobe.

Layer Moms know that layers are not only fashionable, they are practical. After hauling a baby carrier and a  crying toddler into the grocery store, most moms feel like they have completed a hard work-out at the gym. Dressing in layers allows the mom to remove excess clothing in such frantic  times. Tossing on a long cardigan over a fitted t-shirt is a great way for a mother to layer and look fashionable in the process. Those extra layers also come in handy when mom needs something to cover up a sleeping baby or to use when a potty-training preschooler does not make it to the restroom on time.

Double-duty bag Many moms  find it burdensome to carry  around a diaper bag and a purse. They often forgo their cute bag for the practical diaper bag. This does not have to be the case. Finding a cute purse than can also hold the necessary baby supplies can spice up the SAHM’s look instantly.

Little Black Dress For decades, fashion mavens have been discussing the importance of owning a good little black dress that can transition effortlessly from daytime to nighttime. There are many choices of little black dresses that will work for the stay-at-home mom, whether she is attending story time at the library or cooking dinner for her brood. The key is finding a fabric that moves easily and has a child-friendly neckline and hemline.

Accessories A chunky beaded necklace or an armful of bangle bracelets can do wonders for a basic black t-shirt and jeans combination. Moms who live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area know that Sam Moon is their inexpensive accessories headquarters. Not only do accessories perk up an outfit and help draw attention away from tired Mommy eyes, they also serve double-duty as an emergency form of entertainment for little ones.

Shoes Moms need shoes that are comfortable, able to withstand the assault of a playground’s woodchips and stylish. The non-athletic tennis shoe is a perfect choice for moms because it offers the comfort of a tennis shoe  in a  subtle style that can be paired nicely with jeans and a cute top. Ballet flats are another option that help keep moms on their toes in a functional yet trendy way.

Leave a comment and share a great basic item you keep in your mommy wardrobe that looks great when grocery shopping or on a date with your husband. Lynley Baker Phillips is a stay-at-home mommy to two, blogger, former special education teacher, and referee in all major toy disputes. Her writings have been featured in various publications,  on her blog, at Examiner.com,  and (most importantly) on her mother's refrigerator door. Contact her at sa*******************@ho*****.com