Re-Styling Your Mom Uniform
Stay at home mom life is no joke. It’s a lot of running around, going to activities, and always making sure there are enough snacks on hand. It can be exhausting and usually means I don’t have enough brain power to figure out outfits. But sometimes I miss the fun of getting dressed up to go to the office (I’m weird, I know) and I want to branch out from my mom uniform.
The only problem is that my mom uniform is a uniform for a reason. It’s an outfit that’s ready to chase after a toddle, deal with messes, climb on the playground, and sit on the ground. But the personal stylist in me needs to mix it up every now and then. That’s why today I’m focusing on sharing the different ways you can use parts of your mom wardrobe to put together new outfits.
Mom Uniform: The Original
Here’s my summer mom uniform. I should probably say first that there’s NOTHING wrong with this outfit. It’s basic, it’s easy, it’s ready for the DC heat. It’s what I wear most days. The crossbody bag makes it easy to be hands free, but also have everything I need at my finger tips (that isn’t in the bottom of the stroller). The shorts have a stretchy waist band (AMAZING), so they feel more comfortable than regular denim shorts. Finally, the tee is something easy to clean (or replace) if it gets stained with whatever things my kid has on his hands today (normally freeze-dried strawberries).
Mom Uniform Restyled: Keep The Denim Shorts
Top | Bag | Belt | Shorts | Shoes
For our first re-style, I kept the denim shorts from the original outfit (they are my favorite item of this summer!). I also kept the spirit of the original outfit with a crossbody bag and sneakers, but I picked ones that are a little more fun. The faux-leather cognac bag looks nicer than the nylon option (but it’s still in the same price range!). For the sneakers, I sub-ed out my plain white ones for this fun floral pair. I love floral (and plaid) sneakers and I think they elevate any outfit they’re paired with. Finally, I added a button up short sleeve top and a belt. The belt does an excellent job of bringing an outfit together and personally, I think adding a belt to any outfit makes it look like you actually tried. (I don’t know why it does, but it does.)
Also, I know that you’re staring at the white top thinking “Dana, what the heck?!?” But hear me out. First, I’m not telling you to wear this top to roll around in the mud or go to a painting party. Wear it to somewhere where you know that the mess is less likely (like going to the museum or library). Second, I think I’ve decided that white tops are my secret weapon. No one can tell when you’re actively sweating and bleach (or my favorite clean up spray) can fix any stain. If you have an infant, whatever they’re spitting up is going to be white, which won’t show as well on a white top as it will on a navy top.
However, if you don’t want to wear white, that’s okay. Any button up will do!
Mom Uniform Restyled: Keep The Tee
Tee | Pants | Crossbody Bag | Earrings | Sandals
After my little rant earlier, I’m done talking about white tops! Let’s talk about the rest of the outfit instead. For this outfit, I wanted to take your basic tee and make it a little more fun. I love a brightly colored bottom and these linen pants are perfect. They’re great for summer because they’re linen (so breathable), and have a wider leg, so you won’t feel super constricted.
I kept the crossbody bag (because we already know the perks of being hands free), but switched it out for a woven black bag. Since the pants are so fun, I wanted to keep the focus on them, hence the neutral bag. I also picked sandals that are basic, but so comfortable. Like wear them on a walk comfortable. They’re also really inexpensive (unlike the originals they’re based off of).
Finally, the jewelry is super simple. I miss wearing fun jewelry, but right now if I’m wearing any necklaces or dangly earrings, my kid loves to grab them. It means I need to settle for smaller earrings, but that doesn’t mean they need to be boring! I love how intricate these earrings are, but they’re still small and won’t get caught on things.
Mom Uniform Restyled: Keep The Sneakers
Are you looking at this outfit and thinking that I’m crazy? Well, I may be crazy, but this outfit is more reasonable than you would think. Would I wear it to crawl around on the floor? Obviously not. But there are plenty of other places I can wear it (shopping for groceries, running errands, the playground when my kid only wants to be pushed on the swings).
You deserve to get dressed up a little if you want and you don’t need to rule out dresses if you don’t want to. If a shirtdress isn’t your think, you could pick a swing dress, shift dress, a tee dress, or even a maxi dress (which is much easier to sit on the floor in). The possibilities are endless and when paired with sneakers, you can still do most things.
What should you do with the scarf? Thanks for asking. I have a whole post here about the ways you can tie your scarf. My favorite for this outfit would be to tie it in your hair or tie it to your bag’s handle.
Do you like this post? Want me to show you more ways to restyle your outfits? Reply to this email with some suggestions and you may see it in a future newsletter!