What Is ‘Mum Style’ Anyway?

Many women come to Style With Cindy for an all too common and relatable reason.

“Ever since I became a Mum I lost my sense of style”

There are a few reasons for this which we can all relate to which include:

My body has changed shape

I don’t know how to dress anymore – I don’t know what looks good

I can’t wear what I used to wear it’s no longer practical

I don’t have time to shop or think about it

I can’t justify spending money on clothes anymore

It just isn’t a priority

For the majority of mum’s out there, one or more of these statements will resonate to some degree, and couple the demands of motherhood with a woman’s tendency to put the needs of others ahead of our own, the majority of us do not find time to address how we are feeling.

It all begins in the lead up to baby’s arrival, your priorities and focus shifts and you spend a lot of time nesting, shopping for prams, baby bags, perfecting those hospital packing lists, and preparing for birth.

In reality, when the baby arrives you realise you haven’t prepared for what to actually do with this new bundle of joy… what are the techniques for soothing, feeding, settling and having them sleep for longer than 45 minutes?

How you are going to look after yourself is another of those overlooked things that at the time wasn’t obvious and now it is something that you desperately need but don’t have time for.

It can begin with the anxiety of nothing in our pre-baby wardrobe fitting to tears in a store change room when nothing fits the way it used to.

Or it can be a resistance to even bother trying, that it is way too hard and you just ‘don’t care anymore’, but you really do because you don’t feel comfortable in yourself when you get dressed anymore.

You spent months purchasing, coordinating, washing and folding tiny little outfits for your bubs but what are you going to wear?

This is a question that still rings true for women months and years after baby’s arrival.

I’m talking about what you wear every day.

Not how to look fantastic and glamourous post-baby, I mean how to dress practically, comfortably and feel confident in yourself when you leave the house. Most importantly, to be able to put as little thought and time into your outfit as possible because frankly, you don’t have time for that!

It’s about reclaiming you, putting the oxygen mask on yourself first so that you can help others and set yourself up to have a great day, week and year!

Mum style is definitely not ‘Mumsy’.

Mum style can be both effortless and stylish with a few smart purchases.

 

The Autumn/Winter Mum Essentials 

Invest in a fantastic coat

A great coat is one that you can throw on to go out to the shops, coffee with girlfriends, mothers group or lunch on the weekend.

What you are looking for is a statement piece you love so that every time you put it on your style is elevated, comfortable and most importantly warm!

Make sure the jacket looks great undone and done up so that you can wear it in a number of versatile ways.

You also need a warm jacket for walking, days at the park and watching sports, practically, a black longline puffer jacket with a hood is a great option.

 

 

Shoes 

In the beginning, invest in a great pair of black runners for walking and that will look good if you pair with your favourite stylish black track pants or active wear.

Equally, a pair of white sneakers or plimsoles such as Converse or your favourite pick from Seed go with everything.

Anything you can slip on is a bonus, a stylish slide or mule is perfect for the warmer months.

A pair of fantastic leather boots in black or tan with or without a heel depending on your preference and wardrobe style is a must.

As your baby grows, you can graduate into higher heels and a greater range of options as your wardrobe grows too!

 

Pants 

With practicality in mind, jeans are a great option, but sometimes you just want loose comfortable pants that look stylish and go with everything.

Enter the perfect pair of soft pants for dressing up or as an alternative to jeans for a day out or the office.

Choosing the right cut of pants is essential to get this look right, so if you are unsure of your body shape and the correct cuts and styles to select simply book a session with one of our personal stylists.

You will need to buy an ‘at-home pants’ option for days with the baby you would be comfortable leaving the house in.

Look for a tapered leg track pant or a drop crotch from retailers such as Seed and Bonds that look stylish.

A great pair of mid blue or light blue distressed denim is a fantastic staple also.

When you are feeling more confident and ready to wear pants with a tighter waistband, investing in a pair of black jeans is essential.

A pair that holds you in, flattens, lifts and flatters.

I recommend a pair of high waisted stretch denim in either a skinny or straight leg, which can be determined by a stylist trained in body shape.

 

Great Basics 

Quality basics such as white and black camis and tees, or long sleeve layers are essential for ease of mix and matching with anything.

You can also buy breastfeeding friendly options at speciality retailers such as Ripe, or more affordable prices from Jeanswest, Kmart and Target.

 

Knits 

Quality knits in neutral colours will be your most worn essentials in the colder months. If you are breastfeeding, you might prefer to go for a cardigan style, but it is great to have one or two jumper options for when bub is a bit older and not needing to feed while you are out.

 

 

Layers

You don’t have time to change your outfit when the weather heats up or cools down so regulate with layers which also give your style a more considered and streamlined look.

Longline cardigans are your friend in terms of flattering your figure and throwing on easily over any outfit for an extra layer of warmth in all seasons.

Adding a shirt underneath a knit or cardigan is an easy way to look like you spent time considering your outfit and just creates an overall more polished look. See how Briana looks more stylish and ‘put together’ with just the addition of a white shirt underneath?

 

Colour

When you are in the newborn fog, colour can be just what you need to lift your complexion, really brighten your day and get you started on a more positive note! It really is the little things at the beginning that can make all the difference. While the bright orange doesn’t work for everyone, it is an example of how a bright colour can really impact your appearance and mood… Briana just seems brighter in this hue!

You can also work a more neutral colour into your wardrobe like the below tones, or head towards the blue palette. Either way, these more toned down colours will work day after day and you won’t get sick of looking at them!

 

 

Dresses

A versatile dress that can be worn dressed up or down with layers, sandals, boots, or coats is a perfect piece for your wardrobe that will work in all seasons is a great find for the mum wardrobe.

 

 

Blazer

A blazer is another key piece for those who like to have a more elevated daily look which is also suitable for the office.

A blazer brings polish to any look and really brings an element of easy cool to your wardrobe.

Similarly, a great print brings personality and a more fashion-forward vibe into your wardrobe.

Leopard print is a great choice as it is timeless, easily mix and matched and for some a ‘neutral’ pattern that goes with everything.

 

I hope these styles have given you the inspiration to make a few purchases to make your wardrobe easier and more joyful to wear!

Any essentials you would love to share?

Cindy x