I can admit that I might not be the best person to address what anyone should wear, or specifically, what moms should wear. There are some obvious reasons why I’ve never started a fashion blog, including but not limited to: my lack of photography skills, my very basic closet, and the fact that my super-fancy style secrets don’t go beyond “zip up jacket,” “tuck in shirt,” and “wear a scarf.” And, I’m often asking myself the same questions as everyone else, like, “where can I find cute and versatile pieces for a reasonable price?” “can I pull off this neckerchief?” “are hypercolor t-shirts ever going to come back in style?” and “is this leotard going to become one giant wardrobe malfunction if I try to play with my kid at the park?”
While I enjoy dressing up on special occasions as much as the next guy or girl, the reality is this: On a regular day at home with my son, I’m not really thinking about clothes that much beyond the occasional “it’s probably time to wash these jeans” or “I really wish I had more opportunities to wear this puffy vest.” That said, I realize there are plenty of other ways to approach fashion, and it’s natural for new moms to reconsider some of their habits. Fashion goes hand-in-hand with self-image and identity, two things that are on the forefront of becoming a mom, right? That said, I think all moms have a free pass to “do you” when it comes to fashion, and here’s why:
Kids Don't Know The Difference
Unless my shirt has ducks or dogs or trucks on it, my son could care less what I’m wearing. He recognizes that putting on shoes and a coat means we’re going outside for an adventure, but other than that, it’s all the same to him. And since he’s among the most important people in my life (an esteemed group which also includes my partner, Tina Fey, and Michael Bolton), I’m going to rest easy knowing that he’s totally fine with my Mickey Mouse sweats and old college sweatshirts.
You’ll Feel Better When You Feel Like you
I mean, feeling like Leslie Knope isn’t really possible, but that’s OK. I’ll take the opportunity to do my own thing and wear my own clothes because I’m pretty that’s what L.K. would do anyway.
If You Buy New Clothes, They Will Probably Get Stained
And by "probably get stained," I mean "most definitely get stained. Sorry to be Debbie Downer, but motherhood involves lots of fluids, and sometimes they’re expelled at you or at least near you. For this reason, I don’t personally invest in a lot of silk or cashmere.
Your Size Might Be Fluctuating
If we just consider the logistics of buying new clothes after a baby, it’s nearly impossible to figure out when you’ll be ready for them, and at what size you should buy them. So there's a good reason to not change how you dress after having a kid: You kinda don't know what your body is going to do.
What Is A Mom Supposed To Wear Anyway?
I mean, aside from actual maternity clothes and nursing tops, do any stores have “MOM” sections? I’m ~pretty~ sure all styles are open to moms and non-moms alike.
Unless Your Clothes Have Spikes, They’ll Work Just Fine
On a functional level, it’s just hard to carry a small child when what you’re wearing is sharp.
You’ve Probably Spent Years Accumulating Your Wardrobe And Defining Your Style
I may or may not* still have clothes from high school that I routinely wear.
*definitely
You’ll Look And Feel Like Yourself In Pics With Your Kiddo
If your early days of motherhood are anything like my early days of motherhood, getting out a favorite shirt and letting someone take a picture of you holding your baby is actually going to feel really, really good. My identity is already somewhat in crisis, guys. I don't need to start dressing like a completely new person to go with it.
One Less Thing To Worry About
Secret: I have daydreams about trimming down my wardrobe and keeping only the stuff I really love wearing, kind of like a capsule wardrobe. I’ve been slowly and steadily working toward this for months. However, it’s a lot of work to sort, purge, and clean, let alone buy new (plus expenses). It’s easier to just not.
Someone Implied That You Should
Perhaps my inner teenager is more petulant than most, but I think a perfectly good reason not to do something is that someone judgmentally implied that you should.
Exception: YOU Want To
Of course, if you want to get new clothes and change up your style for you, then these reasons can all go out the window, since what you want is ultimately the most important thing.
