The Busy Mom's Quick and Easy Style Guide
No More "Mom Jeans"- Busy Moms Can Be Stylish, Too!
Aug 31, 2009
It happens all too often. When a woman becomes better known as 'Mom', her daily uniform will sometimes become her husband's ratty old sweatshirt and ill-fitting 'mom jeans'. Somewhere between hitting the snooze button and the kids jumping on the bed, there are about five seconds available to go from asleep to ready to run. Rest assured, there are a few simple pointers that can transform a tired and drab Mom into one vivacious Hot Mama!
Comfort and Style
First things first, say goodbye to that raggedy old college sweatshirt that serves as a reminder of days gone by. It wasn't flattering back when it was worn to English Lit. class with stirrup pants and leg warmers, and it certainly isn't going to do any favors now. Instead, try layering fitted pieces under a tailored jacket or cardigan for a comfy, yet effortlessly pulled together look.
While a pair of pants shouldn't be constricting or uncomfortable, they should not come with an elastic waistband, either. When shopping for jeans, look for a pair constructed of a cotton/elastane blend which will move with curves, so they stretch with the body's contours for ultimate comfort. Been living in sweatpants for years and can't stand the thought of wearing denim? Try a pair of trousers, as they come in an assortment of colors and fabrics, with textures ranging from airy linen, smooth silk, to a thick cotton blend.
Say Goodbye To 'Mom Jeans'
If a pair of jeans has been in the closet for five or more years, it is fair to assume that they either no longer fit, or they have become outdated. Any pair of jeans with a waistband that comes up above the navel and a tapered leg that is almost fitted at the ankle need to go in the donation pile. This applies to any pairs of jeans with pleats on the front panel, as well as that favorite old pair of tattered jeans that are so worn out that they have become inappropriate for any situation shy of a Guns N' Roses concert.
A pair of jeans with a slightly flared leg are universally flattering, and a structured cut and darker wash make this style universally compatible as well. Dress them up with a slinky top and sexy heels, or dress them down with a plain white t-shirt, a fitted jacket and flats. Low rise jeans are flattering on most women, with the waistband hitting just below the belly button. A dark wash free from any fading or whiskering in the seat and thigh area provides a maximum slimming effect. A trouser or wide leg cut also creates a slender silhouette by skimming over any problem areas and balancing out curves.
Extremely low rise jeans are risky for any woman to wear, especially a woman grappling with small children. To ensure a proper fit, try on several sizes in an assortment of brands, making sure the waist does not gap, and that the seat does not bring the term 'stuffed sausage' to mind. Keep in mind that every brand is cut a bit differently, therefore while a certain size in one brand may fit like a glove, it may be too large or too small in another brand.
Wearable Trends That Flatter
Sometimes the hottest trends look fantastic on the runway, but don't relate to regular day to day life. While a pair of sky high, over the knee platform boots may look phenomenal, they probably won't last very long at the grocery store. On the other hand, a very comfortable, easy to wear style of the moment is a belted tunic over leggings, with ballet flats. Creating this style is so easy, and it takes the same amount of time to slip on as those old sweats, resulting in a look that is very pulled together and sophisticated.
Another current style is the monochromatic look, which is a great way to create a long, lean illusion. Combine articles of clothing that are in the same color family, varying only a couple of shades from piece to piece. Keep the color palette as close to the same hue as possible, and add fun accessories for an unexpected flair.
Pairing a simple sheath dress with opaque tights and boots is becoming a hot trend for fall. This is a great way to get extra use out of those flirty summer dresses. A cheerful dress pops against dark tights and boots, creating a playful vibe, with little effort.
Stylish Accessories
To finish off any ensemble, use simple accessories to make a bold statement. Small silver or gold hoop earrings are an elegant touch to just about every collection. Layer necklaces of assorted metals and textures to create a more substantial piece of jewelry. Bangle bracelets and hair clips are great ways to add personal panache to an outfit. A quick fashion tip: when wearing hair pulled back, a pair of dangling earrings can help draw attention away from a tired face, which is what most moms see in the mirror each morning.
Being a mother has its challenges. Sacrifices are made on a daily basis. One thing that a mom never sacrifice is her personal style. Style is not merely the physical feature of wearing clothes a certain way. Style has a psychological aspect as well, boosting a woman's confidence and self worth. When a woman looks good, she feels good. Using these basic tips, even the busiest mom will be able take five minutes each morning to start her day self-assured, and feeling positively fierce.
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