Help me dress like a Bethesda mom

[Anonymous]

I am one, but since having kids I haven't invested much time/effort/money into my own wardrobe, in part because I put on some weight that I'm still desperately hoping to shed. I also work FT so I tend not to worry about off-work clothes. But I need to buy a few basics - a winter coat, for starters, and some boots and a bag of some sort - and it seems like the easiest thing to do would be to go with the same sorts of things that everyone around me is wearing. I'm neurotic but I do sometimes feel like an outsider here and maybe trading in my junky, 10 year old stuff might make me feel like I'm one of the gang even if I'm not.

So school me please: if I get one of those black 3/4 length puffer coats that EVERYONE has, does it have to be North Face? Any other good brands - I usually shop at discount places and see a lot of similar type coats but not NF? What about a practical brand like LL Bean? What about color - does anyone have a nice jacket like this that is not black?

I'm also trying to figure out the bag and boots thing. I currently use a god-awful cheap small pocketbook from Target. I need something a bit bigger and at least not super ugly. I like the idea of those Longchamp tote bags but wonder if they're comfortable? I usually buy bags with one strap rather than 2 just to keep them slipping off my shoulder. Is there some other bag that is basic, flexible and not outrageously expensive?

[Anonymous]

hello I just went through this. After years of spending most everything on the house and the kids, I looked at my clothes and needed an upgrade. It gets a bit expensive. The bag from Target probably needs to go. Cheaper bags on EBay. Vineyard vines also cheaper on EBay. The must have puffer coat -- you might just have to buy it. If you are at all big -- good luck. Places like Talbots have the same look (and probably made at the same place) for much cheaper. Sign up for sales at the stores you like -- that is what many are doing. Good luck. the color black is very popular in Bethesda. lands End, sears, did not see much.

[Anonymous]

Yes, it has to be North Face, sorry.

[Anonymous]

What a depressing thread, OP. Can't you just upgrade by deciding to spend some money on what you like, not what all the other moms are wearing? Is this high school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What a depressing thread, OP. Can't you just upgrade by deciding to spend some money on what you like, not what all the other moms are wearing? Is this high school?

My thought as well. I say this not to be snarky, but in complete honesty - I did not know adults still thought this way. Even my college kids are past the idea that they must look like all of their friends in order to be accepted.

Buy what looks good on you and what you can afford.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, it has to be North Face, sorry.

This is true. Otherwise, you'll be made fun of.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What a depressing thread, OP. Can't you just upgrade by deciding to spend some money on what you like, not what all the other moms are wearing? Is this high school?

My thought as well. I say this not to be snarky, but in complete honesty - I did not know adults still thought this way. Even my college kids are past the idea that they must look like all of their friends in order to be accepted.

Buy what looks good on you and what you can afford.

I'm guessing OP doesn't have a good sense of her own style, so she's going for a certain look she's seen on other people?

[Anonymous]

Down North Face jacket
Ranch dressing straight from the jug
Silicon implants

-Flip Driscoll

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What a depressing thread, OP. Can't you just upgrade by deciding to spend some money on what you like, not what all the other moms are wearing? Is this high school?

I'll back OP up on this. I, too, need to upgrade my wardrobe, bag, etc., after not spending anything on myself in a long, long time. I've finally faced that I need to buy a few things until I lose the weight. I don't have a lot of time to shop, so it's easier just to buy what others around me have. It should be in style and reasonably attractive. Frankly, I don't even know what I like anymore, and what I do like (e.g., lounge/sweatpants) isn't appropriate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What a depressing thread, OP. Can't you just upgrade by deciding to spend some money on what you like, not what all the other moms are wearing? Is this high school?

My thought as well. I say this not to be snarky, but in complete honesty - I did not know adults still thought this way. Even my college kids are past the idea that they must look like all of their friends in order to be accepted.

Buy what looks good on you and what you can afford.

I'm guessing OP doesn't have a good sense of her own style, so she's going for a certain look she's seen on other people?

I'm the PP backing OP up, and, yes, that is exactly how I feel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What a depressing thread, OP. Can't you just upgrade by deciding to spend some money on what you like, not what all the other moms are wearing? Is this high school?

My thought as well. I say this not to be snarky, but in complete honesty - I did not know adults still thought this way. Even my college kids are past the idea that they must look like all of their friends in order to be accepted.

Buy what looks good on you and what you can afford.

I'm guessing OP doesn't have a good sense of her own style, so she's going for a certain look she's seen on other people?

I don't really see anything wrong with that. As a new private school mom, I bought a few key items that look like other moms. I caved and bought the one thing they all have and now get lots of compliments. I am not a fashion designer

[Anonymous]

What's the one thing all private school moms have?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, it has to be North Face, sorry.

This is true. Otherwise, you'll be made fun of.

I can't tell who's joking here but I don't wear NorthFace because it's really the kids' brand now. I switched to Patagonia because I knew of it when I was a kid. Now I hear it's coming back. Uh oh.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What's the one thing all private school moms have?

I hope this is a joke

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What's the one thing all private school moms have?

Great skin? A good workout routine?