The Mom Uniform
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The fashion sense of Moms
gets a bad rap.
The “Mom uniform” is the term used to generally describe the kind of comfortable, practical clothing worn by moms. The reality is the life of a mother is so demanding, and there is so little time for self care, that the kind of clothing a mom will typically reach for is, well lets be honest - whatever is easy, comfortable, and clean. Style barely fits in the equation.
Believe me, I get it! When I was 1st in the depths of those early baby days, I remember realizing I was exclusively wearing only my dark colored sweatshirts. Why? The same equations as above - because it was comfortable, easy access for feedings, and the dark color didn’t get spit up stains.
I am not here to glamorize it, I’m here to help.
Motherhood is the toughest job on the planet. Moms manage: a multi-member institution, juggle multiple conflicting schedules, are in charge of team building exercises, training & tutoring, cafeteria & janitorial services, managing the accounts, mediation & therapy help, diplomacy, and interfacing with the outside world. Thats a tall order for anyone, much less a wardrobe.
If you are up to the task then your clothes should be too.
I have curated an assortment of affordable, good quality pieces that are either part of my own “Mom uniform” wardrobe, or I would add to cart in a heartbeat. I actually recommend everything linked above. Promise.
There are a few checkboxes I do believe need to be considered when shopping, especially as a Mom:
DURABLITY
DOES IT FIT YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW
DOES IT BRING YOU JOY
DURABLITY: The stuff that is going to take the most wear & tear needs to be the most durable. Now, this means it might not be the most comfortable version, but it is going to go the distance and serve you the best in the long run. Things like: Shoes, Jackets & Outerwear, and all Denim. How do I know its “the most durable version” - the fabrication & construction of the garment. 100% Cotton denim (or at least 95%), real leather shoes, waxed canvas jacket, reinforced stitching, back-stitching at the buttons, 100% linen, stitched leather handles & seams, etc. - these are all signs of a quality product, that will endure the worst you (or your kids) can throw at it.
DOES IT FIT YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW: Oh this one is hard. It’s about detaching from the cocoon of the pre-motherhood version of you, and embracing the wings that came with motherhood. I remember vividly tearing up realizing I might not ever fit in my favorite pair of jeans again, or thinking about the gorgeous corporate clothes I had diligently invested in and tailored (to my old shape) and how I might never wear them again. I loved that version of me, and it killed me to accept that I no longer wore that look on a daily basis. It wasn’t just a blazer - it was my identity as a smart, professional, physically slimmer woman.
BUT, you know what? WE ARE NOT STATIC. Life keeps marching on to bigger and better things, and we have to get up, and dress for the body shape, age, and life we are being gifted with today. Because it is a gift - the ability to change, evolve, and grow is SUCH a GIFT. So have a good cry, and resell or give away those clothes that no longer fit your life right now, and have fun shopping for the new you. New you is going to be fabulous - just wait and see!
DOES IT BRING YOU JOY: Motherhood is such a trip. You can be in heights of joy & gratitude one second, and in the depths of frustration & exhaustion the next. And this rollercoaster isn’t just perception, there is actual science behind why Moms have the extreme emotions they do. The hormonal shifts that happen monthly to women get exacerbated while they are pregnant, and then again afterwards in postpartum. The research is fascinating, but the short version is the hormones of mothers can be severely effected by each pregnancy, complications, stress, and PP experience. So, no offense, but we are literally emotional rollercoasters - or at least our body is, and its effecting us and how we relate to others.
So it is imperative that you help yourself find joy and peace in your life whenever possible. It is also scientifically proven that color effects mood, either for the better or the worse. So I’m not saying, go buy the rainbow, but if the rainbow brings you joy, then do what brings you joy. If calm neutrals are soothing to you, then wear tons of nuetrals! But seriously, look at your clothes, and ask yourself what makes you happy to wear? I personally hate to wear black, it depresses the schnitzel out of me - but, a fellow mom I used to work with described black as her “soothing color”. So just get honest with yourself about what actually brings you joy in your wardrobe, and wear lots of it!
So, you lovely, incredible MOTHERS, I hope this inspired you and helped you feel empowered and seen.
see you next week.
