https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:31:29 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian/page/2#post-1112394 Fri, 13 Dec 2013 00:00:42 +0000 Helena 1112394@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>&nbsp;I second the comment&nbsp;that I am so OVER the so-called mommy wars, in all their various forms ... I find online newspapers love to stir this particular pot as it always generates conversation, whether it's yoga pants vs. not, stylish, vs. not, breastfeeding vs. formula, sleep training vs. co-sleeping, working vs. stay at home ... it's all a variation on the same tired myth that&nbsp;women are unable to get along with other women. I call BS on the whole thing!!&nbsp;</p> <p>Full disclosure though: I didn't read the article, just the discussion here. Didn't want to give them another click!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian/page/2#post-1112231 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 21:01:17 +0000 Anonymous 1112231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the purpose of style is to look and feel one's personal best, but not to make others feel inferior.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian/page/2#post-1112013 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 17:15:11 +0000 gryffin 1112013@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I can only speak for myself but when my son was born, I went on a hormonally driven major wardrobe upheaval.&nbsp; Here I was a former rectangle with a hanger like body who was now providing full time baby food service with a chest that&nbsp;I had no idea how to dress.&nbsp; Diaper bag, fine, was a coach tote but you try and be elegant carrying around your breat pump!!&nbsp; My work clothes didn't feel right, my casual clothes looked wrong, my jeans (yes,&nbsp;4 wks and I got into my old ones although they left zipper and seam impressions).&nbsp; Plus you need stuff that is machine washable and indestructable.&nbsp; So I bought new clothing that a year later, when I was back to hormonal and figure baseline, I could not even understand how I could have bought.&nbsp; I think this is such a change in role, figure, hormones, stress - sleep deprivation&nbsp;that mom's should be cut all the slack in the universe.&nbsp; If you manage to get a shower, wash your hair,(wow put on some make up)&nbsp;have clean clothes that fit and flatter, you are doing a-okay in my book.&nbsp; Personally I was just happy when I could sit without my "donut"&nbsp; They can talk about how the mighty have fallen but honestly isn't it closer to survival of the fittest!!&nbsp; PS what is wrong with bretons, cons, and wearing clothing that is tried and true, practical and washable!!&nbsp; and I second the comment from Jeanie,&nbsp; what is a mom coat...gosh could i have missed out on something good!!?!!&nbsp; Thanks for bringing this up Mander, we should support moms or all ages and sizes no matter what they wear!!&nbsp; Mommies of the world unite! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1111702 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 08:30:55 +0000 Jeanie 1111702@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What is this mum coat that she is going on about? &nbsp;I can't picture it....perhaps I have one! &nbsp;I agree with Deborah. &nbsp;The tone of the article is not so nice. &nbsp;I think we should seek to uplift each other. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1111656 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 05:54:11 +0000 Ariadne 1111656@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Exactly, rachy! &nbsp;I'm going to wear my faux-Breton and Cons tomorrow, I think. And if it rains, my waterproof hooded jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1111644 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 05:28:41 +0000 rachylou 1111644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Now wait a second. Breton tops are totally the latest in fashion. Ok, I admit they've been the latest in fashion for the last 75 years, but whatever. Think about all those St. Jameses. Hipsters live in them and Chucks. I don't see how that's dowdy at all. Slightly unoriginal yes, but hardly frumpy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1111527 Thu, 12 Dec 2013 03:44:32 +0000 Ariadne 1111527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stacey, I'm with you 100%. &nbsp;It was a silly, lightweight article, and I'm still chuckling that she thinks a sweatshirt and Nikes is more fashion-forward than a Breton and Converse. I wear both looks often as FFBO "momiforms" and don't think of them as particularly amazingly fashion-forward. &nbsp;Sometimes I even wear Bretons WITH printed jeans WITH sneakers! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1110829 Wed, 11 Dec 2013 15:29:17 +0000 Anonymous 1110829@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This article was confusing. Her writing seems to imply that she prefers a more edgy look than most moms, but her outfit pictures look pretty ... normal? to me. Different items, maybe, but the formula is the same. She looks perfectly fine, but I wouldn't say she looks any more cutting-edge&nbsp;than a woman who wears&nbsp;Breton stripes and Cons.&nbsp;</p> <p>Whatever. I'm so very over the hysteria about moms who have let themselves go vs. moms who are&nbsp;stylish. I am solidly in the mom of young kids crowd and spend plenty of time with women on all ends of the fashion spectrum. The people who cared about fashion before kids, still care about fashion. Those who never did, still don't. It's not as much of a "mom thing" as people make it out to be. That sort of criticism just really bugs me, and I wish I could better articulate why.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1110009 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 21:49:30 +0000 londonkiwi (now back in NZ) 1110009@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>erm, stripy top yes, converse yes. It is so my go too outfit. Looks tidy, and is practical. I also have a denim skirt.</p> <p>The Breton stripe does reflect my personality. Converse are more my style than high-tops.</p> <p>Never did have a special diaper bag. I had this great roll thing that either went underneath the pram or in my handbag. I carry more with me now I have a 2.9 year old, than I did when I had a 3 month old! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1109806 Tue, 10 Dec 2013 18:08:39 +0000 Anonymous 1109806@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In the pictures she posted, she looks like a mum to me. Washable separates and comfy shoes. Not bad, but not particularly stylish.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1108300 Mon, 09 Dec 2013 03:01:26 +0000 catgirl 1108300@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, I couldn't tell if the pictures were examples of what she was saying to do or to NOT do.&nbsp; I find that sort of tone so annoying.&nbsp; But the COMMENTS were priceless! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1108247 Mon, 09 Dec 2013 02:11:05 +0000 Deborah 1108247@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting to read everyone's thoughts. With respect, I thought her look was very ordinary. Not edgy. As others have said she looks like loads of other mums I know (style wise) and I think they look good. For some women the desire is simply to look good in what's current and not necessarily be angling for an edgy more unique look. That's not for everyone. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1108244 Mon, 09 Dec 2013 02:07:22 +0000 Jaime 1108244@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This conversation is far more interesting than the original one. Cocolion's point about the pro-fashion/anti-fashion camps has struck me also. Laura, I agree that she is not the best illustration of her own points, but she has generated clicks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1108241 Mon, 09 Dec 2013 02:01:34 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1108241@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree, Caro. Very confusing, not clearly written at all. Now that I've thought about it some more, I think her point was that the Breton/converse crowd were mainstream, and that she didn't want to be mainstream - thus choosing edgier pieces that were less traditionally flattering. I think? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107995 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 21:25:30 +0000 Peri 1107995@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh good...so if I wear anything awful I can just claim to be ironic. Easy out!</p> <p>Just kidding. But thanks for the explanation! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107992 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 21:20:10 +0000 Caro in Oz 1107992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><span><i>"Yes, our priorities change, but this is a rally for us to make an effort – and this doesn't mean spending extra money or time on what we wear. It just means swapping mediocre items (eg a cosy jumper) for a great one instead (eg a blingin' sparkly knit). It's not rocket science, but it makes ALL the difference."</p> <p></i>If this is her point then I agree with it, but the delivery is very confused.&nbsp;<br /></span> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107981 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 21:06:12 +0000 FlorenceFearne 1107981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So I only just read the article in question, and I have to say I think breton shirts and converse would be miles cuter than her current, allegedly improved look. Her look now&nbsp;is something I'd wear to the gym. But I guess I'm not the "hippest" person either, so what do I know?&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107969 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 20:56:41 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1107969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Maybe it's a cultural thing, but I don't really understand the nuances of her references. Are the pictures with the article supposed to be what she wants to wear, or what she wants to not wear anymore? Because in the pics she looks like every other mom of young children I know - practical, washable separates and comfortable shoes. She doesn't look bad, exactly, but it's not something I'd be particularly proud of either. Maybe some brands are in and some are not, but that's a very narrow view of what makes fashion fashion.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107955 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 20:36:17 +0000 Alassë 1107955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for that explanation, Florence. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107949 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 20:25:42 +0000 CocoLion 1107949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes Florence that is a good explanation. &nbsp;Here is another example: &nbsp;wearing a trucker cap with something like "Valvoline" on it, but wearing it with ripped skinny jeans, an ovoid coat and stiletto heels. &nbsp;That is irony. &nbsp;In fact, ripped skinny jeans with stilettos is a form of irony.</p> <p>This article was written to generate response, hence the snarky tone. &nbsp;Don't be too judgmental of the author for that reason, she has editors. &nbsp;But the article and responses bring me to raise a point I have been thinking about of late. &nbsp;That is, that there is the pro-fashion take on the world, and the anti-fashion take. &nbsp;We see both perspectives, even on YLF. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107940 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 19:39:53 +0000 FlorenceFearne 1107940@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@Peri - "ironic" fashion is one of my pet peeves. It's wearing a garment that's ugly, or tacky, or really cheesy, or&nbsp;extremely dated or whatever, but when it's worn the wearer is&nbsp;essentially saying, "this garment is so hideously&nbsp;bad that I am wearing it anyway as a sort of inside joke to be shared only with other people who have my same tastes in clothing." See the recent proliferation of Christmas sweaters among teens as a case in point.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107934 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 19:32:04 +0000 celia 1107934@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The article really comes across as judgmental.<br />If her intention was to advocate expression of individuality for moms she didn't do such a great job because she ended up stereotyping in the other extreme.<br />For what is worth I would feel frumpy ( or at least too sporty for me) if i would dress in 'ironic' shirts and fancy athletic shoes because it would not suit my body type or my personality. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107916 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 19:10:10 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1107916@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow. &nbsp; I skimmed the article, and the first dozen or so comments. &nbsp; 90 seconds of my life that I will never get back. &nbsp; &nbsp;Another 'We need clicks to get money from our advertisers', unhelpful 'style' article. &nbsp; I'm surprised it didn't headline on Yahoo! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107776 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 16:27:18 +0000 Catnip 1107776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just went out to pick up some food for brunch.&nbsp; It's about to rain here and everyone, including kids and guys, was wearing a mum coat.&nbsp; What's wrong with that?&nbsp; We all want to be warm and dry.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107770 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 16:19:53 +0000 RoseandJoan 1107770@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To be honest I find both sides of the argument to be judgmental on the one hand the blogger comes across as superior but some of the comments imply a new Mum should have no time for herself as her sole purpose it look after her offspring and to my mind&nbsp;this view&nbsp;is equally as offensive. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107742 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 15:54:41 +0000 rae 1107742@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think her main point was that she feels most mums dress alike in a bland, generic way, and that she'd like to see other mums recover their individuality in more statement pieces.&nbsp;</p> <p>Unfortunately, she presents it in such an offensive and judgmental way that it comes across as, "My style is young and cool and classics are lame."&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107734 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 15:42:02 +0000 Isis 1107734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><i>loved </i>the comments; thanks for pointing them out Deborah.&nbsp; </p> <p>The long thread about posing made me laugh! </p> <p>And, my take on this is that it is really difficult to be a mom of young children.&nbsp; It's OK to take a break from fashion (the best photo was the first because it had a laughing child and they were going down the slide)....</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107723 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 14:58:23 +0000 Peri 1107723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sort of a side topic, but here is one thing I really don't understand...what is ironic when it comes to clothing? Makes just zero sense! It is difficult enough to pull off when it comes to humor, and the term is misused half the time as it is.</p> <p>Now I keep reading about dressing ironically. As in, a certain look could be less than great, but it's okay as long as you wear it ironically. Huh????</p> <p>My guess is that no one really knows what it means. Some fashion insider said and now it has become an emperor's new clothes thing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107704 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 14:28:18 +0000 Jules 1107704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually another point (back to the diaper bags lol) - a big reason why I never got a cool bag or worried about my clothes when I was on mat leave (2 years total) was because I really didn't see 'mum' as my sole identity. I didn't feel the need to build a real wardrobe around the role and practicality and cost ruled. I could see that some of the SAHM put more effort in and good for them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/avoiding-mum-dressing-per-the-guardian#post-1107694 Sun, 08 Dec 2013 14:14:29 +0000 Jules 1107694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Stylish diaper bags have been a thing since I had my first 8 years ago. No<br /> one I knew carried a kid-themed one. Maybe South London is a bit behind on that one ;)<br /> Overall I didn't find that too bad, actually. Her specific advice is neither here nor there (I *like* Breton tops and converse), but the idea that you don't have to default to certain basics and can find items that are more you is good, I think. </p>