So I have what I call my mom uniform, roughly speaking it is made up of a very casual top, usually a crewneck sweater or something similar, actual mom jeans (but always high-waisted), or a good quality pair of leggings (definitely not the piled ones, Alo and Lululemon girlies this is your cue), comfortable shoes – I gravitate between Jordan 1’s and my Chanel Espadrilles (yes, your girl is bougie sometimes!)
But basically, my mom uniform is my go-to outfit that always keeps men looking like I care, like I had time, and honestly cute, without trying. All this is truly necessary because after spending two hours play fighting (possibly actually fighting) while getting Baby K dressed, I usually don’t have the energy to do the most for myself. Even on days when he’s not coming with me, I am often too wrapped around his little finger to realize that I am running late and will only have five minutes to get ready, so mom uniform it is.
And while my mom uniform really saw me through the year and simultaneously kept me mildly unbothered about my weight gain, I certainly missed the process of getting properly ready… the hair, the makeup (waiting on the lash glue to get tacky anyone?), and putting together outfits. So I slowly started taking the extra time to do all this when I would go out sans baby.
It was thus at this time that I realized that I maybe wasn’t into all the same styles and pieces I loved before, and as cute and functional as they are, I can’t wear maxi dresses forever (yes, life is unfair like that?). The process of rediscovering my style outside of my mom uniform and maxi dresses has been daunting. I have made many mistakes, there have been a couple of wins, but it’s all still evolving.
Weight gain issues aside, I finally gave up the crop top. In this season of my life, it’s not just me anymore, which I am actually okay with. I genuinely think I don’t have it in me to shop the cropped top section whilst pushing Baby K’s stroller anymore- I have passed the baton on!
Cargo pants have become a thing for me now… this absolutely blew me away, because at thirty-three years old, I would have never pictured myself in a pair. However, the fact that when I throw on heels instead of Jordan’s I am literally transformed into a cool, sexy mom… add a cute top instead of a t-shirt? Smouldering!!
Another item I have been leaning into as well is the midi dress. It’s basically the maxi dress’ little sister who is sleeker and does a bit more for the legs! My favorite thing has been how easy it is to throw an oversized cardigan over a midi dress to completely switch the look up or to tone it down if I’m feeling a little too razzle-dazzle. I’ve stuck to midi’s that tend to be more forgiving of my growing waistline but honestly, they are now a staple!
Speaking of oversized cardigans- I have been into pairing them with like really cute tank tops, some mom jeans, and cute shoes for the most effortless look ever. It sounds very basic because it truly is, but it doesn’t look that way. I think the key to making a regular cardigan work in this way is to accessorize, jewelry, sunnies, a cute bag, and good shoes (both heels and flats work!).
That’s mostly all I have figured out at this stage, my closet is still a work in progress but it hasn’t been the worst process curating a new and (hopefully) improved capsule closet situation that is forgiving of where I am right now as a mom, but is also an ode to the stylish woman I’ve always been and that I am finding my way back to… although heels higher than 4 inches remain my nemesis!
