Dressed To Stress Less :: My Mommy Wardrobe
I used to LOVE clothes. I would use them as a way to express my creativity and feeling like my best self. Well, after 3 kids in 4 years, my body has morphed and changed and so has my style.
At first I mourned that I could not fit into my pre-mom clothes. I would keep them tucked away in my closet hoping, wishing, and praying they would fit me one day.
Eventually in a postpartum rage, I took ALL my clothes out of my closet. Each piece had to fit into one of these categories:
- Would I wear this TODAY?
- Would I wear this to a specific event in the next 365 days?
- Am I going to beat myself up if this doesn’t fit me again?
I donated piles and piles and PILES of clothes that did not fit one of these criteria.
While it was a little painful, it was mostly a relief. I kept pieces I KNEW I fit into today OR were classic, high-quality pieces that I wanted to hang onto.
As I started filling the holes in my closet, I asked myself a few questions before I purchased anything.
- Can this be worn with at least 5 other things?
- Are you buying this for one singular occasion? If so, try again.
- Will you be comfortable wearing this today?
This helped me to simplify my closet and made getting dressed not only easy, but enjoyable again.
I am NOT a fashion blogger, but I always like to see how other people dress to give me some ideas. So, here’s some of the same.
My sizing for reference: 5′ 9″; Jeans size 10; tops size L-XL
Top: Adeline Clothing (local online retailer!)
Jeans: Loft (their curvy fit is chef’s kiss)
Shoes: Target
You don’t have to tell me how glamorous this series of selfies is. I have been gravitating toward solid, plain tops that pair well with any style jeans and/or shoes. My style is more classic than trendy, and I lean toward more conservative pieces.
Sweater: Maven Womenswear
If you’re looking for mom-friendly pieces that are not boring AND last, you need to go to Maven. They have by far and away the best in-store customer service. They always help to style me and figure out how to wear the pieces I get in multiple ways. It’s usually a splurge, but all the pieces I have from there have lasted YEAAAAARRRRRSSSS.
Top: Loft
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Amazon
I will wear skinny jeans forever…I don’t care how much of a millennial I look like! I’m also very into all black outfits. Easy to style, slimming, and can be dressed up or down.
Sweater: Adeline Clothing
Jeans: Target (Universal Thread brand)
Sneakers: Adidas, purchased at Politics
I am not normally an animal print girlie, but I have gotten countless compliments on this sweater. Also, count me in for any sweater with a mock neck and feels like a blanket. I also wear my Stan Smith Adidas with almost every outfit. White sneakers are a great wardrobe staple.
Dress: Quince
If you’re looking for timeless, high-quality pieces that don’t break the bank, you need to browse Quince. They have amazing clothes that fit my more classic style, but they also have trendy items that you won’t regret buying a few months from now. They’re my new go-to for work clothes.
Top: Nordstrom Rack
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Target (again…I love these clogs)
Nordstrom Rack is my favorite place to online shop. I find the reviews to be very accurate and the selection to be amazing. I wear this top at least once a week not as an elevated basic. Throw fancy sleeves on a t-shirt…count me in. Also, Old Navy is usually my go-to for jeans as far as pricing goes, but be aware that I wear 3 different sizes in Old Navy jeans depending on the style and the day.
T-shirt: Downtown Lafayette
Jeans: Loft
Shameless plug: Downtown has the coolest t-shirts that are SO SOFT. Comfy + community support is a win-win. Also, for a slightly higher price point and a lot longer wear, I highly recommend Loft jeans. Their curvy + tall selections make it easy for a tall, curvy gal to feel great in a pair of jeans.
Like I said, I am no fashionista. But I hope you’ll find some stores or styles that help you to feel like the best version of yourself.
