Fashion Tips for Moms

1. Think outside the box when shopping, and check out unlikely places like children’s departments (the large sizes will fit a petite woman, and they will be a relative bargain) and juniors stores/departments, particularly for trendy pieces. The prices are unbeatable, and you can buy something cute and trendy without committing to the price tags in the women’s department or a boutique.
2. Know the difference between staples and “disposable” clothing. Staples are the types of things you should spend the bulk of your wardrobe budget on, because you will have them for years and wear them often. These are the staples that belong in every stay-at-home-mom’s wardrobe.
A. A great pair of jeans. Look for a bootcut in a darker wash for maximum versatility and flattery. Spend as much as you can afford on these, because the more expensive ones are really better, and you can wear these every day if you want to.
B. Good quality t-shirts in assorted neutrals and your favorite brights/pastels. Expect to spend at least $20, and as much as you can afford, for a shirt that wears and washes well. It’s worth it. Replace your white tee every year or two.
C. Great pants in black or khaki or both. Again, they should be bootcut and the best that you can afford.
D. A great black dress that you can wear to take the kids to the mall or to go out to dinner. It should be easy: easy to wear, to wash, to feel comfortable in.
Disposable clothing includes trendy items that you may wear for only a season or two. This is the place to look for bargains. Look for them at places like Charlotte Russe, Rave, Styles, and Target. This season, you can update your wardrobe stylishly and inexpensively with a few key items from these stores. Here are a few key trends, and where you can buy them inexpensively.
A. Sweaterdress: These are so cute and comfy so they are perfect for a new mom. British designer Alice Temperley made an amazing black/white one for Target. It’s $50 but looks like $500. Charlotte Russe has a simple gray sweaterdress with boatneck for $21.99.
B. Babydoll dresses or tops: If it flatters your figure, go for a babydoll dress, as long as it’s not too juvenile. Old Navy has a great selection, and I bought a few on sale for $13 each. Otherwise, stick to babydoll tops over jeans or capris. They are very forgiving, figure-wise, and just as fun and trendy.
C. Leggings are so comfy and so cute when worn under tunic and babydoll tops, and anyone can wear them. Just be sure the length of the legging stops at the thin part of your leg for maximum flattery. I’ve seen inexpensive ones in juniors departments everywhere, like a $13 pair on sale at Macy’s.
D. Wide-leg pants are another trend and they are very flattering. Just make sure that they are in proportion to your body. If your petite, they shouldn’t completely swallow you up! Macy’s has a pair by BCX for only $26. These are also great as they can be dressed up or down.
E. Chunky sweaters: Since we are in Florida, I go for sweater vests or sleeveless sweaters designed to be worn over long sleeved shirts, or maybe a cardigan you can throw on if it gets a little nippy. Old Navy has some adorable ones, and so does Target.
For the most part, hold out for good quality shoes and bags. It’s better to have one or two great pairs of shoes a season than to stock up on several cheap pairs that bring down an entire outfit. A great bag and great shoes can elevate a bargain outfit and make it look more stylish and expensive. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. I have found some great shoe and bag bargains, and if it’s something you absolutely adore, go for it.
Accessories are one of the best places to bargain shop. While classic jewelry will last you for seasons, fun, funky trendy jewelry is available everywhere at great prices, and it’s a great way to update your wardrobe and make it more interesting.
Never skimp on a great bra, particularly if you are busty. Buy a few good quality bras in neutral colors, and rinse them out after every other use (baby shampoo works great for this!) and hang them to dry. A bra can improve your entire shape and take years and pounds off of your body. If you are well-endowed, look for Wacoal bras. You can find them at SteinMart for half of their usual $50 price, and they are worth every penny. A friend of mine said that, after wearing a Wacoal bra for the first time, four friends came up to her at church and asked her if she lost weight. Now she won’t wear anything else!