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When we welcomed our two boys home last year, I was aware that everything was going to change. I knew that it would be hard, that I’d be tired, and that I no longer would have the freedoms I used to. One thing I was totally unprepared for, however, was the loss of identity I felt in stepping into the role. In the chaos of late night feedings, discipline, and all of the in between, I found after a few months that I didn’t recognize myself as I was before becoming a mom.
I also noticed that my clothes didn’t seem to fit the same way they did before. I’m a non-birthing parent, so it wasn’t so much that my body had changed, but more like my soul had changed… and my clothes didn’t reflect that anymore. I learned that this is a pretty common experience among my mom friends, so I set out to “reclaim my mom style.” Writing this was admittedly a little scary, as I’m not a fabulous influencer, nor did I go to fashion school. But I realized the journey and what I learned was far more valuable than the specific pieces. So without further ado, here are 5 tips to (hopefully!) help you reclaim your unique style.
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Tip 1: Create a capsule wardrobe with elevated essentials
We polled our editors that are also moms for their favorites – and they delivered! Editor Christine, who has twin 13-year-old boys, mentioned that she found it easiest to go back to staple items that helped her feel most like herself, like J.Crew Menswear and Veronica Beard jackets. Editor Julia agrees, citing Agolde jeans as one of her go-to essentials. Keeping up with trends is hard pre-kids, but next to impossible post-kids, so timeless wins everytime!
As a “scrunchy mom,” I’ve found a few favorites in DUER, which features a lot of technical (also read: practical) clothing, such as the LuxTwill High Rise Trouser ($139) and matching Jacket ($139). It is ridiculously soft and makes for the perfect travel-day fit. Speaking of jackets, another easy staple I’ve been loving is from new golf-inspired brand HONORS. Their signature blazer ($295) is the perfect blend of structured and comfortable, making it an easy slip-on with jeans, a dress, and even leggings. My favorite touch is the green text stitched on the inside that boasts, “my other jacket is green.” A girl can dream, right? For basic-basics, in my opinion, you can’t beat Quince. Take this adorable Mongolian cashmere sweater for a mere $79.90. The brand offers great quality at even better prices.
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Tip 2: Don’t forget to accessorize!
Judge me all you want, I was a ~cheugy~ millennial with my chunky colorful necklaces and peplum tops back in college. ICYMI, it was a great time to be alive. But, I think this might’ve traumatized me from accessorizing post-grad, so I had to relearn how to do this in a way that looked good – and worked for having two little kids around. Jewelry-wise, I love Artizan Joyeria. Their necklace sets might look a bit much for a plain Jane like myself, but I wear the The Herradura & The Snake Layered Necklace Set ($145) a lot. It spices up a t-shirt or sweater – and it pairs great with this fun spin on gold hoops ($53).
Editor Aliza loves her subtle Diaper Bag Crossbody bag ($160) from The Poppy Brand. She has 3 girls, ranging in ages from 1 to almost 10 and hauls all she needs – and looks good while doing it – with this. Julia also mentioned that for her, shoes went a long way. I feel you, Julia. I feel like a new woman in a kickass pair of shoes. KOIO is a recent favorite of mine, especially these Chelsea boots ($335). It’s also been the hottest of minutes since I got a new purse, so this asymmetrical shoulder bag ($89) from J.W. Pei is on my list.
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Tip 3: Nice athleisure might be your new bestie
I was an athleisure girlie before becoming a mom, but now more than ever, it is my jam. But, I’ve found that in order to feel good and function well, I needed the good stuff. Gone are the days of my Target tanks (no shade, Target). I’ve ushered in a new era of athleisure, led by Vuori. If you haven’t touched Vuori’s fabrics, you haven’t lived. Their sweats are the softest I’ve ever felt – and they look great. I have these cargo joggers ($108) and they make me feel fun, but pulled together, especially on WFH or busy errand days. Pair it with their Halo Performance Crop ($58) or swap it out for the Pose Sands Dress ($118) for an effortless, pulled together look.
Aliza loves Z Supply for loungewear and athleisure and I’ve been totally obsessing over the Warmup Dress ($108) from Outdoor Voices. From a shoes perspective, I love HOKA’s running shoes, especially the Gaviota 5 ($175). They are lighter than air and come in the most beautiful color palettes. And while this last one isn’t technically athleisure, it is darn close. Richer Poorer makes a fun Cargo Pant ($88) that I can’t stop wearing. We went to a motocross event (boy mom, in case you didn’t know) and I felt like the coolest mom in the place in these pants.
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Tip 4: Embrace your (new) body
It’s no secret that the post-partum bod is a challenge for many women. We at TQE think you look – and just are – amazing. You birthed another human, you superhero! Embrace your body, even if it’s changed, and find clothes that highlight things you love about yourself.
For me, I wanted to make a shift to slightly more modest swimwear that my boys wouldn’t be embarrassed of. I love Anthropologie’s one piece selection, especially the Malai Textured Wave Suit ($155). PP moms have stated it hides the “pouch” but still makes you feel just a bit spicy. If you’re looking to cover up a bit more, LAKE’s white linen Coco Coverup ($128) is just the thing. DUER’s Perfomance Denim Jumpsuit ($159) is also a fun way to embrace your body, while still feeling comfortable and looking cute. On my bloat days, I throw on this Crochet Knit Column ($98) dress from Richer Poorer to feel effortlessly cute, without the squeeze.
Tip 5: Stop feeling the mom guilt!
Look… chances are, you’ve probably bought your kids way more clothes than you have for yourself in the last however many months. I know I have! But caring for yourself, including feeling good in your clothes, is equally important. You are still your own being with your own hobbies, feelings, and preferences, so splurge! Buy that piece… the one you’ve had in mind or in your cart for weeks. Christine recommends High Sport’s pants for pants with “a flair without trying too hard” and Julia loves Toteme’s jacket selection. In sharing these items, our editors went back and forth about getting the CPW (cost per wear) down on these items, stating that getting that CPW down is “their MO.”
Motherhood Looks Good on You
Being a mom is all-consuming. It is exhausting, frustrating, among many other adjectives I don’t have the space for… and yet, so worth it. You work your tail off for those sweet babies of yours day in and day out and frankly, we think you deserve to feel and look amazing. Motherhood looks good on you, so go on… get yourself some clothes for the new, powerful mama-bear you.
