Fashion mistakes moms make

Too pink? Too keen? That’s me!

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.

Kim Flanagan

Meet maven Kim!

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.

Jody robbins calgary fashion

They say if a trend comes around a second time in your lifetime you shouldn’t take the bait. (Photo credit: Pete Heck)

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.

cut offs and hippie purse

Rockin’ a boho 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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