ugh, I look like a mom

[Anonymous]

I just met a friend that I haven't seen since I was a teenager and the first thing out of her mouth was "oh! You look like a mom!" Then I was talking about a party we're going to next weekend and my husband said "what are you going to wear? Are you going to go with your mom look?" So, ok, got the point. I do dress like a mom. My hair looks like mom hair. I'm only 30. I have a 4yo and a 6yo. I'm a size 4. I should be able to look put together, in a way that is age-appropriate. My hair is shoulder-length, but I guess not a trendy cut - it's just blunt with bangs. I'm usually in jeans, a sweater, and boots these days.

How do I get away from looking like a mom and more like a 30yo woman?

[Anonymous]

let me know if you figure it out. i went from being described by a friend as glamorous 2 years ago to an UGG wearing pregnant slob, to now someone who looks like she is trying, but failing, to look nice.

i do think aintnomomjeans.com has good ideas.

[Anonymous]

YES! Read ain'tnomomjeans.com also search the thread on this board for other 30+ fashion blogs. Join pinterest and get ideas on how to freshen up your look. If you are only 30 and a size 4, you are wasting it! Get stylish--NOW!

[Anonymous]

http://www.howtodressat30.com/blog/

[Anonymous]

The first thing I would do is call a reputable salon and get my hair done. I am talking color/highlights and a cute cut. A great haircut can make all the difference.

Next, I would update my make up. I am not talking trendy colors. I mean colors that will look good on you, and enhance your beauty.

You are already thin, so no need to worry about that.

[Anonymous]

Hello from a reforming mid-30's mommy! I wear a lot of knit dresses and accessorize with belts and cute shoes. Lands End has some nice dresses on sale that I like. . .

http://www.landsend.com/pp/womens-34-sleeve-knit-drapeneck-dress~245297_59.html

http://www.landsend.com/pp/StylePage-424130_AG.html?amp;CM_MERCH=REC-_-FPPP-_-GGT-_-4-_-424130-_-422477

Styles like this are cute (and forgiving) but comfortable and can be dressed up or down depending on accessories and shoes.

Buy some decent jeans and some cute jackets. I've discovered it's as easy to thrown them on with a cute top and some flats on the weekend as it is to throw on your schlump wear. Work is business casual so I buy jackets I can dress up or down and pair them with tailored pants or skirts and knit tees or blouses for the office. I've reacquainted myself with heels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The first thing I would do is call a reputable salon and get my hair done. I am talking color/highlights and a cute cut. A great haircut can make all the difference.

Next, I would update my make up. I am not talking trendy colors. I mean colors that will look good on you, and enhance your beauty.

You are already thin, so no need to worry about that.

Agree. Reforming mommy here and adding a bit of oomph to my makeup routine has helped. All I had to do was add a neutral sparkly shadow and some eyeliner to my usual routine of tinted moisturizer, concealer, powder, blush, mascara and lip gloss. It adds just enough additional polish and people have noticed without pinpointing what I did. As in "you look nice today!" instead of "what did you do to your face?"

[Anonymous]

It sounds like you've got a good foundation! Do you have some $$ to spend on non-mommish clothes? If so, how about heading over to some of the less frumpy, not super expensive stores we've got in the DC area - Zara and Madewell, to start - and buy yourself some clothes that are a bit more fashiony while still being useful?

Agree that a haircut might also help.

What sorts of clothes do you like? Do you have links to anything you like and would wear? We might be able to point you toward some specific items that are less mom-like versions, too.

[Anonymous]

What is wrong with looking like a mom? Maybe not on a date with your husband, or the once every 6 month night out with girls. And your clothing can still fit and not have holes etc...

But why is it considered a negative that you dress comfortably for the job that takes up most if your time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is wrong with looking like a mom? Maybe not on a date with your husband, or the once every 6 month night out with girls. And your clothing can still fit and not have holes etc...

But why is it considered a negative that you dress comfortably for the job that takes up most if your time.

You can dress comfortably and still look stylish. The two are not mutually exclusive.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone! I intend to spend my bonus on some clothes, so I do have some money I can put toward this. I'm thinking a haircut will work wonders. I think I'd look better in a shorter cut, but I'm having trouble convincing my husband to let go of the long hair I'll work on that first. Make up is a great idea - I think I'll hit Sephora or something and get some tips.

As for clothes, I love the What I Wore blog - if I could look like her every day, I would feel great.

I like J Crew (even though a lot of it is flashy or cheapy these days - still some great looks). I spend a lot of time looking in Loft just because it's so cheap and sort of casual trendy, but their clothes are such terrible quality and I really need to get out of there. Any store suggestions would be great.

I'm also looking for a good mid-sized purse to carry around out to dinner or on the weekends. Something classic looking, but maybe with a bit of color.

[Anonymous]

I've found that investing in a few great staples is all it takes. A pair of classic riding-style boots, ballet flats, wedges, leggings, a couple pairs of jeans that fit really well. Pair with oversized button downs, tunics, cozy but chic sweaters etc. during the day, a great handbag and sunglasses and .. that's it.

I agree re: the hair, a little effort and change can go a long way....

[Anonymous]

I love "oversized button downs, tunics, and cozy but chic sweaters" - can you recommend some stories to find these?? And recommendations for a "great handbag"? 10:52 - you totally described what I want to look like on the weekends. Help me get there!

[Anonymous]

Ugh, I looked in the mirror this morning and thought the exact same thing. From my cheap jeans to my ugly flats because I have awful feet, I just don't feel pretty or stylish anymore.

I love the PP who suggest classic staples and I always want to do this but somehow never do.

For jeans, where do you shop if you're not a size 4 or 6? I've got hips and thighs and designer jeans just don't fit me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I love "oversized button downs, tunics, and cozy but chic sweaters" - can you recommend some stories to find these?? And recommendations for a "great handbag"? 10:52 - you totally described what I want to look like on the weekends. Help me get there!

+1

And where to get decent jeans!