Mom Fashion at the Park Question - YouLookFab Forum

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Mom Fashion at the Park Question

Thistle

Veteran

So, we usually take a nightly walk after supper. DD has recently “discovered” the park and absolutely loves it. So, we stopped again the other night as the park is literally a block from our house. It was a gorgeous night and had loads of other kids and oh so stylish moms. I felt pretty out of place in my Nike walking pants, New Balance walking shoes, and stretch tee.

Is it possible to look good in gear we can walk in and still stop at the park? And no, Louloumon doesn’t make clothes in my size. Not sure I want to buy their clothes anyway after the remarks their CEO made about women of my size. I don’t know of any other “cute” workout clothes maker.

Also, what would be fashionable to work out in? I never really thought much of it before, but it seems the park is sort of a hang out for moms in our neighborhood, all of whom I have only met once when I was there with DD.

Dressing

36 replies

Latest reply was from goldenpig

rachylou

Veteran

You don't sound unfashionable. Nike and New Balance came before Lululemon. Maybe it's a matter of fit and colour. Like, maybe the tee is too big and boxy for you. Or you're doing grey topper, white tee, and black pants - all neutrals.

cciele

Veteran

You've posted some nice casual non-gear outfits that seem like they could work for an after-dinner walk. Or are you looking for cute gear for the comfort? What are these moms wearing, and are there any pieces you think would work for you?

As far as working out goes, I wear an old t-shirt or muscle shirt and some pull-on workout pants or shorts, depending on the weather -- not very fashionable Then again, I don't do yoga but I see a lot of cute fashionable workout wear in that arena.

Scarlet

Veteran

I am a little confused by the connection between walking to the park and workout gear. I walk my son to the park all the time, although he is as of yet too little to play on the playground. I just wear whatever I wear that day and shoes comfortable enough to walk in, which might very well be my suede booties or whatever. Admittedly I don't have to dress up for work (even when I am working), so it's not like I have to change out of my nice clothes into something more comfortable at home. But maybe I am not getting how sporty you walk/play?

Anyway, regarding workout gear, lots of companies make cute stuff. I have a coolmax outfit from Adidas that has been going for years. Basically a v-neck tee, yoga pants, and a zip up jacket. All black. Boring but easy and looks fine, I think. I like the fact that it dries quickly. I would like to get some warm-up pants that aren't so clingy too.

kellygirl

Veteran

If I were going to the park, I'd just wear the usual bermuda shorts, sandals/Cons, knit tee or tank. Working out is a different capsule and is strictly gear (and not stylish.) I don't see many moms around here in Lululemon at the park--just at yoga and school drop off/pick up. When I go for a walk after dinner (not that often) I usually wear whatever I have on and just change into sneaks--but my everyday wear is pretty casual compared to most.

What were the other moms wearing that made you feel unfashionable? FWIW, I don't think you have to look stylish to work out and to exercise--just presentable and appropriate.

unfrumped

Veteran

It's really important to feel comfortable and move easily in your clothes for getting out and walking or doing other exercise. Plus important not to put any extra barriers in the way of getting out, like feeling you have to style an outfit--you need to be able to grab & go.

I agree with rachylou--don't worry about labels, but just see if your gear fits reasonably well, isn't too tired-looking, and maybe include colors that energize you and are flattering. Shoes are tricky because they should be REALLY comfortable, but I had good luck with changing from my big white shoes to more streamlined versions of walking or track shoes and they were still comfortable, and I liked grays or darker colors better than the white.

Jules

Veteran

Thistle, welcome to the park phase
It's actually a really nice way to meet other parents and kids. Just the other day a neighbour who is now a friend was lamenting on fb about how she doesn't know anyone at the park anymore (her kids are past that phase). It can be a really nice vibe.
As for how you want to dress for it, there is definitely park/SAHM style in my area... comfortable and practical, but not purely gear, I must say. The universally most admire mom wears simple stuff with great accessories - scarves and jewellry that is on-trend but somewhat unique too.
When/if the park becomes the point of the outing, rather than the walk (and with an active toddler you may find yourself at the park several times a day on weekends), you can wear your casul capsule stuff instead of the gear, and get some more ideas from the moms whose style you admire

Glory

Veteran

I know my kids are a bit older now but I used to go to the park every night like you. All the women were dressed just like you are so I may be biased but I think what you have is perfect for the activity. If you want to refresh your capsule you could try some of the gap fit or the ON work out wear - I have a couple of items from them. Here in Canada Reitmans has very stylish w/o wear and they do ship to the US.

Anonymous

I never wear gear to the park (except maybe a fleece if it is cold). I usually just wear jeans or shorts, a tshirt and comfortable shoes. My son is super active and I am constantly racing around after him or lifting him up to the slides or onto the swings.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Maybe it is just the style/fit of the tee and colors as rachylou mentioned. But I am curious how the other moms are dressed.

I'm not sure if you need true workout gear for casual short walks to the park but of course you want to feel comfortable. I don't really have much "workout specific" gear myself but I am pretty outdoorsy most of the time already in my wardrobe. To go for a hike or something I usually just wear one of my many slub cotton v-neck tees, shorts or loose pants if it's cold, hair in a ponytail and a baseball cap. And my Merrell hiking shoes. Sounds so fashionable doesn't it?

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

The outfit you posted today along with your choice of walking shoes would look cute!

I am no help with the cute workout clothes question, as I haven't worked out or done yoga in years. And it shows (have you noticed I never wear fitted tops). I walk frequently, that is my sole form of exercise right now.

ClaraT

Veteran

If you are looking for plus-sized workout gear, Athleta has some plus options. In fact, if you go to Athleta.com and type 'plus' in the search box, the results are all available in plus sizes (meaning you don't have to click on every single item that you like to see which are made in the plus range). (The regular large or XL may also work for you; not sure what size exactly you are seeking.)

I think a walk to the park may not need gear per se, just a comfy (washable) outfit. Probably the MOTG posts by Angie and others could (re)inspire you.

(I, too, am a walk-after-dinner girl. It's the best part of the day!)

Thistle

Veteran

So, I stop at the park at the end of our walk and I am dressing for the walk part. Maybe not super strenuous exercise, but something I cannot wear my work clothes or shoes to do.

I live in a very hilly neighborhood, at the top of a large hill, so we have to walk up and down hills. Some days faster than others I figure its 30-45 minutes of walking and pushing a stroller, so reasonable exercise. Some days with a half hour trip to the park tacked on!

I will take a closer look at the other moms next time we are there. I know the one I was most awed by was wearing cute little sandals, mid length black shorts and a flowy black and white dotted top. Hmmm, not even close to workout wear, now that I really think about it!

Jules

Veteran

If you are out primarily for a workout people will understand that, or assume it from your gear anyway If you're still in work clothes people also get that.
I found the most stylish casual moms had been SAHM for a while, they had had time to develop that look and of course no need for a fancy work capsule, so more effort went into casual.
Nothing wrong with a workout capsule that makes you happy however, since you are also starting weight training, a few nice pieces are well-deserved!

Scarlet

Veteran

Oh, I see. Especially in summer one could really work up a sweat doing that. I agree with the other people what you wore sounds okay to me. Maybe just pay attention to the color scheme and that the clothes aren't too tired.

rachylou

Veteran

Well, now, that's interesting. *Day clothes.* Could you do your walks in day clothes and New Balance? Or sandals?

I confess to buying Payless shoes to do all my walking. So I can have cute and not go broke at the rate I go through shoes.

unfrumped

Veteran

I must say I really hate the idea of wearing "smart casual" to go walking and running around after a toddler. But I understand the desire or need to fit in with the culture.
The direction I might go is in overlapping true walking gear with the sort of after-work casual capsule. And to some extent it's more about figure-flattery, right? Meaning the crowd is wearing cute sandals and shorts and things instead of golf socks and tennies (which to me are more comfortable!).
So if you have the energy--and I'm not sure where that comes from after a day of work and looking after a toddler--you could see whether a wrap top (but not AT) is as comfortable as a T but looks better; if certain active wear pants have better silhouettes; some color coordination--that sort of thing.

For me it might have to do with how many times a day do I have to change clothes--can I come home and change from work clothes into sort of "active casual wear", fix supper and later go for the walk, then hit the jammies when I get back.

Sara L.

Veteran

My workout gear consists of almost entirely black bottoms - I have yoga pants, running tights, capris, and shorts/skorts in black and then the tops are in bright colors like pink, lime, neon yellow etc. It allows me to mix and match and feel like I look sort of cute (ignoring the sweat, red face and straggly hair).

Thistle

Veteran

Energy is at a premium!

I usually come home, throw on work out gear and get some toddler snuggles. Then, we give her something to occupy her and quick make dinner. We eat, clear the dishes, and then go for our walk.

Once back, it is wind down time, with some books or 15 minutes of Elmo. *sigh* She loves Elmo. It's like toddler crack. We then start the bedtime routine, and hopefully she is down by 8:30 for mom and dad time.

DonnaF

Veteran

If I were you, (and I live in a hilly neighborhood, too!) I would start with the shoes: sturdy with some grip. Whether they are Cons or other cross-over shoe or gear shoes depends on the terrain and your feet. Then I'm wondering if you need a diaper bag or large bag for snacks, drink, diaper for Little Thistle. If not, then you need pants, shorts, tunic, or jacket with at least a pocket for cell phone and house keys, right? I build from the bottom up.

FWIW, I exercise walk for an hour/day at close to 4.5 mi./hr. For this amount of hard foot abuse, I need to wear gear shoes. For pants, I wear REI nylon(?) hiking pants that have cargo pockets because I can put ID, AAA card, and credit card in one, cell phone in another, tissues in another, and keys in yet another. With a particular pocket devoted to a particular purpose, this prevents me from forgetting anything since I leave the house before 6 a.m. before any coffee. Not stylish at all, sorry, but deep/velcro fastened pockets keep me from losing the stuff. I wear tops in gear fabric on top because I get pretty sweaty but YMMV.

I think if I were taking a (grand)child to the park regularly, I would buy a fashionable utility vest and utility jacket in navy blue, thank you, because olive, putty, and/or tan would make me look ill. I would not want to be encumbered or strangled by a bag at the park, but the need to carry Cheerios would not have disappeared.

kkards

Veteran

I'm not a mom, but I think target has the best gear/ comfy/ end of day clothes. They are always have some current of the times style, either thru the colors or some other feature. They stuff functions well, has a variety of sizes and a reasonable price.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

If you're walking for exercise, then go for it - and wear your gear. My own gear is the last thing from stylish, but it includes a bunch of interchangeable black bottoms of different types, and wicking tees and tanks.

I used to walk and take my daughter to the park (sometimes in hilly conditions) and never wore gear to do it -- just casual clothes. Sensible shoes are key, and Clark's have a bunch of walking shoes that might fit the bill, even some that look like Mary Janes! And some sandals, too, for your hot summer. They're not super fashionable by any means, but they are stable, walkable, and a sort of acceptable cross between gear and style, if you know what I mean. At least I found them that way. (My own shoes weren't Clark's but something similar -- sometimes I had Aerosoles.)

In my hot summer, I rarely wore jeans, but I would wear shorts or a skirt, and just simple tee or cool top. Basically, weekend wear.

Gaylene

Veteran

My husband and I do a lot of walking under much the same conditions as your describing. I'd second DonnaF, Suz, and the others who suggest building your walking/playground outfit from the bottom up (capsule sounds a bit grand here).

Once you've figured out what to wear on your feet (sandals, athletic shoes, Cons, gear-style shoes, walking shoes, or whatever), then look for a pair of well-fitting, washable, comfortable bottoms--ponte knits, stretchy jeans, cute skirts, longer-legged shorts, crops, cargo pants, exercise wear. Spend enough money to get something that actually looks good with the shoes because these bottoms will make or break the outfit.

Once you've got that sorted, all you need are a couple of nice-looking, washable, decent-fitting tops that work with the bottoms; a sweater, or fleece, in a color that makes you happy; and some sort of jacket/windcheater. If you need a bag, look for a smallish cross-body bag that can hold the necessities for you and your daughter.

My walking outfit for warm weather is a pair of walking sandals, bermudas or casual skirt, and T-shirt, worn with a hat. In the spring and fall, I wear a walking shoe similar to the ones that Suz talks about, a pair of dark ponte pants, a shirt or pullover, and my windcheater. In the winter, I wear boots, jeans, turtleneck, fleece vest, parka, hat and gloves.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I live near the ocean & go for walks summer & winter. I also take my grandson to the park when I visit him. I never wear gear, I always start with comfy boots, shoes or sandals & work up from there, pretty much like Ceit & Gaylene.

Isabel

Veteran

Wow, we live in very different places, LOL. The preferred park wear here are sneakers and workout/yoga gear. I agree with the others that if you are exercising, then your clothes are fine. Gaylene is right on about that. I also think that you can go for your walk in almost anything if you are wearing good walking shoes. I like the idea of walking shorts and a cute top. JCPenney has some very cute exercise tops at a reasonable price. So does Sierra Trading Post. I would even do a lightweight, linen top as the weather gets warmer.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It's very interesting the degree to which regional differences and geography may play a role in this. I expect people do dress differently in different locales, and it would good to take a look at what the other mommies are wearing so you can decide how far you want to buck the environmental norm.

K. Period.

Veteran

I think you are probably the best dressed mom out there in your gear because you are in your gear! You just got done going on a big walk with your DH and daughter and now you are ready to play. How fabulous are you!!! You are wearing the right thing for that part of your life. Be kind to yourself and give yourself a big pat on the back for it, Thistle!

I see lots of moms who dress up for the park. I do a little bit if I'm running errands and dropping by the park on the way. But you know what? I wear my cons or some other good shoe. The worst shoes to wear at the park are cute sandals. They aren't for playing with your kids and running after them (the whole point of the park!), they are for looking cute. I see moms--I kid you not on this--in stacked platform heels at the park sometimes. I can't get over it. They may be dressed up, but they aren't dressed for what the park is for. They are usually hobbling after their kids (how fun could that be? about zero percent?) or sitting down texting on their phones.

With all that said, it is probably a great idea to invest in workout gear that makes you feel good. How about looking over Athleta, Lucy.com, and (my favorite for real gear) titlenine.com? They all have a variety of cuts of pants and tops that are meant for working out. You should create a small capsule of work out gear that feels great. If anyone makes you feel less than fab about wearing it in the park, remember, you are dressed to play. They are just playing dress up.

Sarah A

Veteran

Most moms here wear gear to the park. Some you can tell put their gear together to be cute, some you can tell dont really pay attention. A few with the jeans tee scarf other statementy peice look and I am usually more overdressed becuase that is what makes me feel comfortable. I am sure my neighboor was laughing at me the other day running up and down the street in my strappy (flat) sandals and silk shirt chasing my daughters on their bikes but when I have changed into leggings/sneaks or such to go to do these things I just feel very frumpy and unlike myself. I am still very much in the phase of meeting new people and being dressed nicely makes me feel more confident to get out of my introvert shell and say "hi". So... Id say find what elements help make you feel fab and confident and try to build some of them into your walking outfits.

Laura B.

What about workout casual gear hybrids? Like these:
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/.....?cid=46849

I especially like this one! http://athleta.gap.com/browse/.....=409103012

A walk after dinner sounds like a great family tradition

Nadya

Veteran

I like Zella's plus size line - the small end of that might work for you. Nordstrom carries it. Athleta also carries extended sizes - I've never bought anything but I've drooled over the catalog.

Now I want a new workout set

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