Just because we’re moms doesn’t mean we have to wear beige pants and drive a mini-van. I don’t know about you, but I can admit to letting my sense of style go (somewhat, a wee bit, occasionally a lot) after having my daughter. Guilty of making many fashion mistakes, I turn to Calgary’s Kim Flanagan whenever I’m in a rut.
Fashion mistakes moms make
As a fashion stylist and coach, Kim Flanagan has dressed hundreds of women across Canada. She’ll tear through your closet, trot you around the mall and if you’re lucky enough to know her, she’ll give you the hard word on your wardrobe. Kim and I had a great catch up over a delightful bottle of red, a few weeks back. She was wearing a funky leopard print blazer over these great jeans and ankle boots. I galloped in sporting J.Crew capris and a Target T with holes in the armpits. Naturally, I was inspired to grill her about fashion mistakes mom make during our wine date. Here are her top offenders.
The yoga pant camel toe
Sadly, some yoga pants outline all your lady business. Nobody wants to know what your vajayjay looks like (except maybe your partner). Take that too tight lycra to your teenage niece and you’ll both be better off.
Ill fitting clothing
Most of the time, moms error on getting clothes too large. Ignore the size and go with what fits you. If you’re guilty of buying loose, comfy clothing, get to know a tailor.
A word on jeans: If you don’t feel hot and cute in your jeans don’t wear them. Women tend to get addicted to boot cut, and they’re not a great fit on most. A straight leg cut is pretty universally flattering and easiest to wear. Consider treating skinny jeans like a legging. Putting a dress or long top over skinnies looks cute and creates balance. Best is we don’t have to worry about our tums and bums with the extra coverage. Note: if the label says the jeans have 2% stretch or more, they’ll give a full size, so you’ll want to buy them tight.
Not wearing a properly fitted bra
Get fitted, already! If you’re boobs aren’t in the right spot, nothing is going to look good on you. (Remember this when you’re shopping for a cocktail dress.) Moms need a proper bra in addition to a lying down one (AKA Victoria Secret). Sex bras don’t count as good bras, no matter how much you paid for them.
Shopping sales racks exclusively
Women who go from working to not working tend to get addicted to the sales rack. Kim’s golden rule? Never buy something on sale you wouldn’t buy at full price. This way you’ll avoid a bunch of ill fitting garments stashed in your closet with the tags still on. You probably have an annual budget for your kid’s clothes, so treat yourself to one as well.
Capris are not your friend
There’s a three inch difference between capris and ankle-length pants. Doesn’t sound like much, but it makes a world of difference. An ankle length pant will have you looking like Audrey Hepburn, a capri like an ice cream cone. Our rear ends are not at our best in capris. If you’re dying for some kind of short pant, go with a walking short for a more flattering look.
Don’t Fit In
Be brave. Be yourself. You don’t have to match the other moms. Just because everyone else wears a uniform of Lulu pants or Uggs or hoodies, doesn’t mean you have to. If you like heels, wear them! Says Kim, “Your kids need you to be yourself. Think about about your style and what you liked in the first place before kids. Be true to your original self.”
Do you believe in fashion rules? What are some of yours?
P.S. You might also like reading:
A Funny Thing About Belgian Men
Why Your Home Needs a Professional Organizer
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Terrific advice!! I am definitely in a fashion rut and I’m hoping that this post is the motivation I need. The hardest part for me is finding the time. I suspect that if I had even a few choice pieces in my wardrobe I wouldn’t need as much time as it currently takes to pull myself together.
“Never buy something on sale you wouldn’t buy at full price.” Solid! I have got to remember that.
We all get into fashion ruts. It’s weird how being a mom shifts our priorities in so many different ways. Thanks so much for commenting. Let me know if pick up some items that make you feel fantastic.
Hmm…I like most of her points but I must admit I do like my capris. I hate ankle length pants because they remind me of the too short pants I wore throughout childhood. 🙂
You’re being true to yourself. You know what you like and that is the most important style rule of all. And it doesn’t hurt that you’re leggy and can pull off most styles. Envious…
Great advice! What about some of these trends listed on this post: http://designerswap.ca/fashion-tips-practical-style-trends-for-moms/
Thanks for the suggestions, Karen!
I couldn’t agree more!!!!!!!! I think the biggest problem and excuse moms make is that they don’t have time to get dressed and honestly that’s just an excuse. The other problem is that they need to have the items in their closet. I write a fashion blog and I focus on the fact that just because we’re moms, doesn’t mean we can’t dress well. I know that after I had my son, i felt like shit, if i dressed how I had felt, I would have never left the house in things other than my pj’s and yoga pants. I made an effort and I felt so much better. Great post.
Agi:)
vodkainfusedlemonade.com
Yep. For me it’s also “where am I going to wear this?”
A great article to remind mom’s to take care of themselves – if you treat yourself as important, noone else will.
I have a question though – what is a ‘lying down’ bra? “Moms need a proper bra in addition to a lying down one..” I don’t own one (I think), but I maybe I need one ?
Thank you 🙂
I’d define a lying down bra as one that looks great when you’re horizontal, but offers no support when you stand up. Looks cute in the Victoria Secret catalogs, but you wouldn’t want to have to dash across the street in one. Really appreciate you taking the time to comment!
Your underwear is the foundation of your get-up, just like the pillars of the buildings. Mess it up and you’ll ruin your attire. Some people learn this the hard way, so take our advise and get fitted as regularly as possible. Especially when you experience weight change and pregnancy.
Solid advice!