A Busy Mum’s Guide to Staying Stylish and Classy This Spring

Tracey Clayton - 13 Apr 17

One of those Catch 22 moments we keep on talking about is the stigma of a well dressed, fashion yes-yes mum, as if being a mother is a prerequisite to being sloppy, greasy-haired, makeup-less and blind for all-things-fashion. While baby barf does tend to become a mother’s dominant scent (at least to a point of baby’s teething), that doesn’t mean her love of NYFW or Lancome is gone.

If you are a mother who loves her baby but loves herself also, here are just a few style tips that will help you bring your fashion mojo back, look fierce and still keep on being the Wonder Mum you already are.

Get a new hairstyle

Yes, looking good for your darling husband and your (envious) friends counts for much, but the most important person to look good for is – yourself. Us mums tend to lose track of who we were BC (before child) the moment that little bundle of joy starts gurgling in our arms (so cute!). Since you are letting your looks go, there is a decrease in self-love, leading to all sorts of bad emotions. Change that, immediately! Treat yourself to a new hair colour or a new hairdo, and look at your face light up! Not only will you feel fresh and gorgeous, but you’ll yet again feel powerful about your life. Getting a new do is symbolic to changing something in your life – and this time around, you are doing it for you.

Upgrade your style game

Pregnant clothes are cute and so is your post-baby belly (don’t even worry about it, it goes away); however, wearing that same clothes now that you are not pregnant is charming to no one. Find it in yourself to go and shop for something fresh, even if it’s one piece.

If you don’t want to burden your budget, pull out all of your pre-baby clothes from the back of the closet and start putting together little pieces you’ll be wearing out. These days, fashion is a form of futuristic nostalgia; so, pairing up your wide shoulder jacket from the ‘90s will look perfect with a modern metallic shirt and jeans.

If you are still tied to the baby and have all the activities linked to them, dress the part – be a fabulous mum who enjoys going out looking fantastic. Don’t be thinking “Yeah, like I’ve got time to waste on THAT”! Just… do it. Do it for yourself. You’ll immediately feel better, fresh, desirable, proud of yourself for having managed to juggle it all. The moment you remember what it felt like caring for yourself, you’ll promise to keep on doing it. And by the way, there’s something very sweet about a tall, proud, stylish mother walking behind a stroller – I love it!

Ask for help and go for a class

If you are lacking sleep, there’s no outfit or piece of makeup that will hide how tired you are. Relaxing is important (like you don’t know this!) and it’s a must to all of the mums out there. To keep your sanity in check, go for a yoga or spin class at least two times a week. If these two aren’t your forte, opt for something that’s setting your engines on fire.

And who’s going to watch the kid while you are away? Your husband, your mum, his mum or a babysitter. You’ve got the right to ask for help, your honey bunny isn’t just your kid – it’s your husband’s, too. You deserve a break, so demand it!

Treat yourself

Between formulas, diapers, baby shoes and teething, mama loves herself a little brand. While all the expenses currently revolve around the baby, no budget will crumble and fall if you treat yourself to some designer handbags, branded lipstick or statement jewelry piece  (ok, don’t go for all three at once – choose your chic efficiently).

Make it a lifestyle

Taking care of yourself shouldn’t be a temporary thing; make sure you gradually adopt little habits of caring for yourself (like eating well, dressing well, not skipping pampering, finding the time for yourself, telling your name at least once a day before you tell your baby’s name, playing with your favorite jewelry, etc). Psychologists say it takes twenty-one days for a habit to form – so make sure you honor it and learn to love yourself again.

Style, elegance and class are all inborn traits; for someone who already had them, but left them aside for a while due to the baby, it’ll come naturally to grace up again. It is up to you to start practicing it immediately and enjoy the process!

Tracey Clayton

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