This thread is the internet forum equivalent of a hundred car pileup on I-95.

OP why do you want to look likea Bethesda mom? I try daily to not look like this-depressing. Buy clothes you like and reflect your personality. North face jumped the shark

18:11 here. I just thought of something. Check out the blog classy girls wear pearls (yes silly name). She has a really cute, preppy style that I think would fit in Bethesda.

I totally feel you, OP. I'm a Kensington mom and over the past couple years I've decided it was really time to upgrade my wardrobe. I'm out of the infant years, I also WOH (government so no real pressure to dress stylishly there) and frankly was just tired of hating my clothes. I take a lot of cues from the stylish looking moms in my neighborhood, in part because frankly, I don't always trust my own personal sense of style.

Here's some purchases that have made me feel happier in the past couple years: one black and one beige trench coat (Cole Haan at Nordstrom Rack), one classic-looking Coach bag and one fun-colored Kate Spade cross body bag (not the highest end brands but ones that fit my budget), Born ballet flats in a few neutral colors. I like dark-rinse Lucky jeans and Frye-type ankle boots in dark brown (I got Adam Tucker boots at Nordstrom - they looked like Frye but were much less.) I got a couple pairs of Cole Haan Chelsea pumps for dresses - on sale, fortunately. I look for fun jewelry at places like Loft and LouLou, too.

I have a pair of tall black boots from Nordstrom that I also adore, however I only wear them with skirts. I have not yet figured out how the boots-over-pants look works yet (probably because I still favor bootcut jeans.) I hope to solve this mystery sometime this fall as I would like to wear my tall boots more often.

I am really not a fan of the long puffer coat, but I have thought about getting one that hits at the waist. I see a lot of Tory Burch and Uggs in my neighborhood too, but neither appeal to me in the slightest.

I am not saying I'm a fashion template or anyone should emulate my choices - in fact I'm sure there are those who would mock them. I only share all this as an example of looking around what others in your neighborhood are wearing, and choosing what you like and what works for you.

^ Only get a Puffer if you want to look like a frump. DC winters aren't cold enough to warrant such atrocious looking things.

It's simple. For winter, you'll need at least one pair of dark blue skinny jeans and one "modern" fit tailored to the ankle. At least one pair of tall boots (but preferably three pairs in black, cognac, and grey) and one pair of black ankle boots. Pair with white or subtly patterned button down shirts and cashmere sweaters on top. Dress up with a Ralph Lauren blazer. Flats (Tory Burch or Cole Haan) for fall and spring. Jack Roger sandals , Tory Burrch, and Lily Pulitzer for summer.

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?

PLUS !!!!!!!!!!!!!

The best thing to do is make friends with that chick who actually enjoys shopping, go with her to the after Christmas sales, and let her go to town dressing youl

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

only marmot, ladies. only marmot.

I have a lot of different coats for different occasions. But I do have a puffer from jcrew and I love it. That's what I wear to go out and play with my kids in the snow.

BTW, for all of you making fun of OP, if you guys are such individuals with your own unique style, then who are all of those look alike moms?

Please don't get a puffer. Get something with style. I recently got this coat from Macy's and love it: http://m.macys.com/shop/product/dkny-hooded-wool-blend-babydoll-coat?ID=1620895. It's very well made and warm. Go with the dark blue or gray for an unexpected twist.

Anonymous wrote:

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

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

Seriously. No snark. What would the comments be?

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

I disagree. Go to Marshall's or TJM and you can find a similar one (I have a silver one that I get complements on all the time) for $79. In terms of bag, also look in Marshall's and TJM. Again, I have 2 from there that I also always get complemented on. Boots - those are tricky (IMO) - depends on your shape and feet. Try a DSW and just try on everything. If nothing is clicking, bite the bullet and go to Nordstrom.

Ponytail. Flats. Expensive handbag, glasses, and jacket. Done!

Anonymous wrote:

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

I hope this is a joke

Fake boobs!