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Everyday Mom Outfits for a Glam/Artsy Soul?

Keturah

Veteran

Help me out Fabbers I realize the one hole in my wardrobe is everyday-mom friendly clothing. I have a three year old. He get dirty. He wants to be outdoors 24/7 and I need to be with him. So I’m wondering what ideas you all have for me. Or suggestions. I realize these young years won’t last forever. But it feels challenging. I tend towards to bombshell and sensual/bohemian styles. But I don’t really love the idea of scouring the toilet in my best skirt and cashmere sweater. And yet jeans and a T-shirt feels so uninspiring and dull. I work from home part time. I cook and clean for my husband and little one. It’s great but it can feel mundane.

I take time for self care and get out when I can. (I don’t get out tons; it’s too hard to keep up with the day if i’m gone to lots of mom dates or outings.) It feels like I have to choose between mom rags or wearing beautiful clothes and having them stained, snagged, etc in the line of duty. Does that make sense? Do I just need to get over it? Past times I’ve kept kept clothes so nice that I ended up getting rid of them because I never wore through them out and grew bored. Essentially, I am learning to live life more in my clothes and worry less about wearing them out. (It’s an abundance mindset issue for me.)

For winter/cold I have:

Bottoms
Plaid quarter/half circle skirt (recently purchased, tend to reserve for church or lunch dates)
Skinny jeans
Lysse moto leggings (I generally reserve more for church wear)

Tops
Embroidered pin tucked black chiffon blouse
Chambray shirt
Denim shirt
Dolman sleeve grey sweatshirt
Grey brewery T-shirt (my only tee ha!)

Toppers
Two chiffon kimonos for toppers (not sure why, not warm at all lol)
Grey and purple fair isle vest with shawl collar
Smoke mauve Sherpa yarn short, fitted vest

Dresses
Plum knit fit ‘n’ flare mohair dress with dolman sleeves
Black cowl neck sweater dress, mid thigh (bored with it tbh; I’ve worn it tons the last 3 winters)
Floral kimono/flutter sleeve maxi dress (tend to reserve for church or lunch dates)
Polka dot dress, short summer weight, I’ve listed it in case I could/should use it more than summer wear.
Small capsule of fitness gear for weightlifting and outdoor walks.

3 or 4 pairs of black patterned tights (pin dot, brocade, matte)

Shoes... socks (indoors) or snow boots (outdoors) due to long, snowy mountain winters. Occasionally oxford booties, velvet booties, or knee height leather boots with stacked heel. Depends on the weather. We get 2-3 months of summer before cold and winter kicks in for the rest of the year.

I also realize posting more outfits for feedback would be helpful. I’m working on that. But any thoughts? What am I missing? I am a knitter and am currently knitting myself two vintage style sweaters. I feel jeans and sweaters could be my “uniform.” But even that feels like I’m boxing myself in. Fashion is my personal expression.

Whatcha think??

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Dreika

always trying

Veteran

There have been quite a few posts on here about lifestyles dictating our fashions. i can relate to you because my everyday wardrobe is geared to dogs- training, exercising, dog parks, and dog sports events. So my wardrobe consists mainly of bottoms-cargos of varying lengths, jeans, crops of varying lengths, t shirts of varying sleeve lengths and types, and various types of sneakers (necessary footwear for all this kind of stuff). When I get to wear nice jeans or pants, a dressier top of some kind, sandals or booties, I am happy I can play with my style, etc. So my motto is comfort, color, and doing the best I can for these days. then I an plan and enjoy getting to wear my real stuff.

Lynn

Veteran

For some reason when you said bombshell and I thought casual a 1950’s ad with a picture of a woman in slim fitting cigarette pants and a blouse knotted at her waist with bright red lipstick popped into my mind. If that appeals maybe high rise skinny or slim fit jeans with shorter tops that end at the waist or high hip. Sub cotton sweaters or buttoned cardigans for the cashmere sweaters or try your chambray shirt tied at the waist. For variety maybe cropped wide leg pants or culottes instead of a skirt with the same tops.

SarahD8

Veteran

Hi Keturah! I know that life phase of needing snot-proof clothing well. And even now that my kiddo is older and not likely to ruin my clothes with her antics, I work from home full-time with all the comfort vs. polish push-pull that entails.

A couple things that have helped me over the past year:
-I've purchased a couple pairs of nice mules as "house shoes" (one gold, one velvet with embroidery). They function like slippers (easy on/off, etc.) but they don't LOOK like slippers. They make me feel like my indoor outfits are "finished."
-I've identified a few accessories that are comfortable, unfussy, and compatible with my everyday activities to wear when working from home. For me these are small/lightweight hoop or dangle earrings, a lightweight collarbone-length necklace, and rings. Again I can put these on and feel a little more polished but still do what I need to do.
-Indoor outfits are sometimes plain -- jeans and a tunic-length sweater -- but I can pop on a scarf for instant polish if I go out. Oh, and I bought a patterned puffy vest that I've been having lots of fun with too, even if it's just for the school run!

Looking at your specific list, a couple of ideas:
-Duplicate those skinny jeans. Maybe a pair or two of skinny cords in a color in your palette?
-Can you just wear the moto leggings for regular instead of saving them? Maybe duplicate if that would be a prudent idea?
-For tops, can you look for some boho-lite, maybe floral cotton tops that would be similarly practical to the chambray shirts but express your style a little better?
-And how about some cropped, slightly fitted sweatshirts in a nice color or with a pattern or some sort of detail like lantern/puffed sleeves? (I feel like maybe Madewell could hook you up there.)
-I like the idea of those sweaters you are knitting!

Helena

Veteran

Keturah, off the top of my head, I just recently saw something about Marilyn Monroe's casual style and it is actually very practical ... Simple, fitted pieces with high waisted pants to show off her figure. Maybe Google some images for inspiration? Also, BR has some T-shirts that are wrap style, that might be practical, washable, and bombshell-esque.

Joy

Veteran

How about jeans and boho tops like Lucky brand. They have a boho vibe.
There are probably cheaper knockoffs too.

rachylou

Veteran

Your son is three already?! Ok. I’m convinced he skipped 1 & 2. (Lol, I used to tease dd, telling her I didn't remember her ever being 9, what happened to 9?!)

I have a number of hard-wearing, somewhat bodycon dresses + from Ross. Was mentioning them on another thread. I originally bought them for nights out to not really fancy places, but where you also want to be a little gussied up. However, I also wear them to the bakery as a change up, where everyone wears what amounts to gym clothes as a uniform most of the time. They are seriously tough. They’re so cute I’d probably cry if they got destroyed, but at the same time it wouldn’t be a hit, if you know what I mean.

It’s hard to get out for shopping with things to do at home and a little one... but I used to hit up Ross on the run for dog food next door...

The Cat

Veteran

Your style sounds exciting.

For homewear (and more) I suggest:
● Printed/patterned wrap skirts (worn with leggings or opaque tights in the colder months)
● Patterned (i.e. paisley or floral) jeans
● (Moderate) harem style pants, perhaps patterned
● Loose velour sweatpants (washable)
● Velour tees (washable)
● Metallic Birks
● Long cardigans (washable)
● Printed/patterned tunics (worn over tank tops, camisoles, tees or turtlenecks)
● Knitted or crocheted longer waistcoats
● Big printed/patterned scarves

DonnaF

Veteran

Wear aprons to protect your clothing. Ones with pockets are best.

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

This is tricky. Really the key problem is everything needs to washable and not too precious and fussy. An apron is a good idea, except that my problem is usually my sleeves get in the way of everything. Cotton boho tops seem like the right direction.

BlueJay

Veteran

I'm enjoying reading the comments and ideas. I, too, feel like I have a sartorial split-personality between mom rags and beautiful clothes. I have a four year old who also loves being outdoors and I work in an office. I come home and immediately change into my mom rags. I don't know if I have any ideas for you... I'm trying to bridge the gap too...it's not always practical to change clothes. I like DonnaF's idea about aprons. My daughter loves hers and pulls them out for us to wear together. (Thank goodness because tonight she was "making dinner" by squishing cherry tomatoes.) Cute, but messy!

Bijou

Veteran

Keturah - I love clothes and had this issue when my son (now 10) was little. I found denim skirts to be great because you can wear a nice top with them, but have the robust fabric in a skirt. These are some of my MOTG clothes - many were inexpensive purchases (like the silver top) - but still appealed to me and feel consistent with my style, but just a bit more casual that my work wear.

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Liesbeth

Veteran

Lol@ mom rags!
My best tip other than those already given, is look for styles you really like in fabric that are easier to maintain & move around in. Like why not a cotton sweater instead of a cashmere one, a stretchy pencil skirt, a cheaper jegging/skinny, an already distraught jacket... I'm also loving prints more than before for their ability to hide stains ;).

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Maybe add one pair of nice fitting jogger pants that are super comfy, washable but still stylish - find some with details or utility style or something? Wear those with simple tucked tops that slightly dress up the vibe if you want. Some decent "house" shoes in a fun style - leopard or metallic maybe.

To me I have "good" tees and lounge wear tees. My "good" ones are better materials with good drape, color and the right cut for me. I often buy two of the exact same one so I don't worry so much about ruining one. If I get something on them I use dish washing liquid as a great stain remover.

lucylove

omg, Bijou, those Western boots are to die for!

Keturah

Veteran

Ladies! I am overjoyed and overwhelmed to find all of your helpful responses this morning! Like wow, you really gave me some good ideas and also made me realize I need to embrace washable fabrics and ease.

always trying, good reminder on lifestyles dictating fashions. I haven't looked up those posts--didn't even think to search for them! So I will have a gander.

Lynn, oooo! Okay, so the funny story is this year I chose a very 1950s styled sweater pattern to knit. I have tended more towards 1940s or 70s. But there is something very easy about a slim, waist length blouse or sweater with pants. I have a pair of high waist, wide leg trousers coming (more 40s I suppose?), as I am a little tired of skinny legs.

SarahD8, hi!! Snot-proof clothing, well said! lol! I love your suggestion to try house shoes. Mules wouldn't be warm enough for me. But I wonder if a pair of felted ballet slippers (I knit and have made them before) would do the trick and make me feel more put together. Thank you for that inspiration <3 Also, a very good point about accessories. I don't take enough time for those and am woefully lacking in them. I have a few very expensive items gifted to me by my husband. But nothing that I consider unfussy. I think too, it might be time to duplicate some items, especially pants. Moto leggings can be shifted to everyday. I've had them a long time and it's probably time to really use them up and worry about replacing them later. I thought about puffed sleeves. I'm taking this all in!

torontogirl, you are the second fabber in this thread to mention a 50s look! I know exactly the Marilyn look you're talking about. BR is a brand I haven't visited in ages. So that is a good reminder. I love wrap style blouses!

Joy, that is a fabulous idea! I have been scouting out new jeans. I'll give Lucky a try. I know I would like to reintroduce bootcut jeans to my wardrobe in general. And boho blouses, yes. I admit I got burned out on them but they are so easy!

rachylou, trust me I have no idea how he managed to grow this fast! lol! It feels like just yesterday when I posting about being a new mom and wandering through a style identity crisis. Your body con dress idea totally intrigues me! That is not a silhouette I had thought of, but it would be so easy to dress up or down. And yes, definitely better than gymwear!! (I tease Colorado is the capital of wearing gym wear and black leggings as pants for casual clothing!) Ross still demands a drive down the mountains into the city. Still, might be worth it! At the very least, this also gives me an idea to sew or knit some body con skirts or dresses in inexpensive yarn. (I know that may sound bizarre. But I am hoping it will look darling.)

The Cat, mmmm!! Love your suggestions! I used to do more wrap ballet style skirts with leggings. And I tend to wear harem pants a great deal, especially in summer. I need more scarves!

DonnaF, oh I could hug you! I knit standing and walking now due to some nerve compression in my hip. An apron would solve so many issues, including motherhood dirt and grime!

shevia, a very good point! Some of my clothes are washable. I think I fear wearing them out and having to replace them. (Feel free to laugh, I am totally laughing!) I had a rayon dress from Old Navy this summer that started to do some odd surface wear pilling after two months of gentle, cold water, line dry care. But I may need to just get over my evil eye for pilling and not worry so much about replacing items when they wear out.

BlueJay, I am so glad we can relate! It is difficult. I just want to cut loose and live life. But I can't help have that nagging fear my clothes will get mussed and ruined. All the comments and ideas here are really helping me sort it out. That said, the apron is SUCH a practical and great idea. I even wonder about making a waist apron to put my yarn in so I an walk around and knit more freely. Keep me updated with your mom clothing journey! I want to hear about it. DM if I miss a post from you <3

Bijou, oh! What beautiful items! I also like your idea for a denim skirt. I think that could really suit me, especially in a pencil shape.

Liesbeth, lol! Mom rags lept to mind, I don't know why. I can't say I truly own clothes considered as rags. I think it's more they could become rags with the amount of abuse they take ha! Yeah, I think I need to surrender to easier fabrics. I've been holding out for some kind of magic formula--which is probably obvious solution of wearing items that don't require hand washing. Prints, yes! Such a stain-hiding lifesaver! I admit I don't have many prints, maybe one or two things. But a good reminder to see if I can find prints. I tend to love fairly bold and colorful florals, they just seem harder to find in colors I like. (I'm not into dusty colors or earth tone shades, which are all the rage lately.)

texstyle, mmm! I forgot about joggers! I had one pair of jogger pants last year that I lived in. They simply bit the dust and I forgot about them. I'll have to see about finding another pair. There were very comfortable and I was able to dress them up really easily!

Anonymous

I totally understand- though my kids are all the furry variety! How about sweater dresses for winter? Warm and cozy, but still appropriate to leave the house in. Ditto to stretchy skirts.

Anonymous

I’m probably not a help for advice on this, but between gardening getting dirty and when I see my little niece and nephew jeans and a tee or casual top have always been my favorite so I don’t get my good clothes dirty or any stains. It’s also best for comfort and running around.

I figure why get dressed up if I will be home or just out gardening, however to treat yourself you could go out and get your nails done after a pedicure and have them look fancy

Dreika

My little DD is one and my older is 8. Have stayed at home with both for a year when each of them was born and felt so constricted by the things that I could wear when trying to save my nicer clothes for when they’re older. So can relate fully to how you feel and the craving for more expression and looking nicely and authentic even when chasing a toddler. My solution to that in most cases is sporty luxe with an emphasis on luxe. Meaning that sweatshirt, leggings and combat boots could be very sassy if chosen right - leggings with zips or leather details (or both), sweatshirt in big floral pattern or with asymmetric hem and nice pair of biker boots or fashion sneakers for milder weather, all are sporty pieces but with fashion character. Very often when I’m with the kids and it’s not summer I would wear some combination of jeans, sweatshirt, sweater or button down shirt and make sure that at least one of them is not basic - floral sweater, asymmetric sweatshirt, wrap plaid shirt, trendy jeans, something that would express my style. None of these items feel precious because of the fabrics - cotton, denim, viscose and various blends, yet they feel interesting and true to my style because of the details.
Your style sounds a bit different but maybe you could take some ideas. For example if you already wear sweatshirts maybe you could find some patterned ones. I really like the suggestion for high waist jeans/pants. Maybe jeans with cropped floral shirt and cardigan on top? Or a cropped sweatshirt with frills? Also - what about jewellery? Do you like wearing some? Maybe a romantic pair of earrings could bring the outfits that you already have closer to the style that you feel?