Moms of young kids, how do you dress nicely?

[Anonymous]

Admittedly I have terrible fashion sense. I have a closet full of suits and appropriate work attire, but can't find a casual look that works. I usually end up in shorts or jeans with simple cotton t-shirts since I'm always on the floor or sitting on the sidewalk playing with my toddler. I see cute stuff in Boden catalogues or elsewhere, but have a hard time with the idea of paying upwards of $50 or $100 for items that might end up grass-stained or that just don't seem to be designed for crawling around pushing matchbox cars or drawing with sidewalk chalk.

I seem to see lots of put-together moms, and can't figure it out. Do you not worry about it, or do you not play as hard, or just invest in Oxyclean and a big dry cleaning bill?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Admittedly I have terrible fashion sense. I have a closet full of suits and appropriate work attire, but can't find a casual look that works. I usually end up in shorts or jeans with simple cotton t-shirts since I'm always on the floor or sitting on the sidewalk playing with my toddler. I see cute stuff in Boden catalogues or elsewhere, but have a hard time with the idea of paying upwards of $50 or $100 for items that might end up grass-stained or that just don't seem to be designed for crawling around pushing matchbox cars or drawing with sidewalk chalk.

I seem to see lots of put-together moms, and can't figure it out. Do you not worry about it, or do you not play as hard, or just invest in Oxyclean and a big dry cleaning bill?

I have 2 young kids, and like to look put together at least in public. I get clothes from places like the Gap and Old Navy - usually dark skinny jeans/cargo pants and some sort of a tunic (mostly prints), both of which show less dirt than lots of the alternatives. Usually Converse sneakers for playing at the park and floor time, which can be thrown in the washer. For summer clothes I only expect them to last a season or two - I don't spend a ton so I don't feel guilty getting rid of them.

[Anonymous]

It's not like the put-together mom is wearing an evening gown and the not-put-together mom is wearing sweats. Usually they're both wearing jeans and a t-shirt. The difference is that the put-together mom has expensive current-looking jeans that flatter her body, a crisp-looking t-shirt, adorable flats, and a fun necklace. The non-put-together mom is wearing jeans from 4 years ago, a wrinkled t-shirt that doesn't quite conceal the muffin top, and scuffed up sneakers. At the end of the day, both moms put their clothes in the washing machine. I've found that if I pre-treat stains as soon as I take the item off, they come out in the wash. It's worth spending a little extra money for cute clothes but you do have to spend a little extra time to take care of them. More importantly, you have to take the time to put together that cute outfit, which is the challenge for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's not like the put-together mom is wearing an evening gown and the not-put-together mom is wearing sweats. Usually they're both wearing jeans and a t-shirt. The difference is that the put-together mom has expensive current-looking jeans that flatter her body, a crisp-looking t-shirt, adorable flats, and a fun necklace. The non-put-together mom is wearing jeans from 4 years ago, a wrinkled t-shirt that doesn't quite conceal the muffin top, and scuffed up sneakers. At the end of the day, both moms put their clothes in the washing machine. I've found that if I pre-treat stains as soon as I take the item off, they come out in the wash. It's worth spending a little extra money for cute clothes but you do have to spend a little extra time to take care of them. More importantly, you have to take the time to put together that cute outfit, which is the challenge for me.

hahah so true! unfortunately I am the second person you describe. I love those old jeans though!!! (uggh I know)

[Anonymous]

Just wanted to point out that if you shop well, cheap and secondhand clothes can look quite pulled together. Really think about what cuts are flattering and look current, wear colors and clothes that are attractive. You don't have to spend a lot of money if you train your eye.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just wanted to point out that if you shop well, cheap and secondhand clothes can look quite pulled together. Really think about what cuts are flattering and look current, wear colors and clothes that are attractive. You don't have to spend a lot of money if you train your eye.

I agree, it's really about identifying the cuts that flatter you. I regularly find amazing clothes at consignment stores in Arlington and Falls Church. If you know what looks good on you, you can find versions of those clothes anywhere.

[Anonymous]

Aw, what's wrong with my mom jeans, teddy bear sweatshirt, and banana clip? Darn.

[Anonymous]

I work from home and it got REALLY bad. So I started shopping at Title Nine and REI. No kidding. Many of the clothes are comfy, not too pricey, stain/wrinkle resistant, and look nicer than they really are (if that makes sense). I got the most adorable cotton sundress made by North Face - who'd have thought? But it has hidden pockets - jackpot! And when I do go into the office, many of the clothes are appropriate if your workplace is business casual.

That and I invest in a pair of Keen's every year - they are soooo comfy!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just wanted to point out that if you shop well, cheap and secondhand clothes can look quite pulled together. Really think about what cuts are flattering and look current, wear colors and clothes that are attractive. You don't have to spend a lot of money if you train your eye.

I agree, it's really about identifying the cuts that flatter you. I regularly find amazing clothes at consignment stores in Arlington and Falls Church. If you know what looks good on you, you can find versions of those clothes anywhere.

Agreed. It's also about just taking the time to put together an outfit rather than grabbing whatever's handy. And doing a quick touch-up with an iron once in a while.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That and I invest in a pair of Keen's every year - they are soooo comfy!

I love Keens too, but I'm pretty sure they're not stylish. What's the verdict?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That and I invest in a pair of Keen's every year - they are soooo comfy!

I love Keens too, but I'm pretty sure they're not stylish. What's the verdict?

You are correct. They are not stylish. At all.

[Anonymous]

Ya, Keens are as stylish as Birkenstocks.

I leave those to my kids.

[Anonymous]

Yaaaawn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That and I invest in a pair of Keen's every year - they are soooo comfy!

I love Keens too, but I'm pretty sure they're not stylish. What's the verdict?

Keens are definitely something I associate with the un-put-together mom. They do have some styles that are more like ballet flats or Mary janes and those are better but still kind of clunky and childish looking. No judgment--I have 2 pairs of keens. But sadly I fall more in the un-put-together category. The put-together mom is usually wearing sleeker ballet flats, riding boots, or maybe some kind of flat sandals.

[Anonymous]

Keens are hideous!