Mom Wardrobe

It has taken me some time to find the right attire for being a stay at home Mom. I have to have clothing that is comfortable, easy to clean, and still makes me feel put together (this is the hard part). Oh and on a budget! (The even harder part.) I don’t find jeans to be very comfortable, and lounge sets just look like cute pajamas to me. Not to say I don’t have and wear both of these, but to feel like I’m prepared to tackle the day I need true comfort that doesn’t look frumpy.

When it comes to cost I know some items are worth a little more money because they are made better and will last. The question is will I still want to wear them? Raising little kids is it's own world and the clothes I want and need now probably won't be the same in a few years. So today I'll stick to the more affordable options. Being very mindful of budget is also part of how we “afford” me being a stay at home Mom. These are the pieces I've found that fit my current mom wardrobe needs. TIP: If you are drawn to anything that is out of your budget (happens to us all), put it in your online cart and watch for it to go on sale.

Bottoms - Leggings. Even better, leggings with pockets! Soft fabric leggings (vs. shiny workout ones) with pockets are my favorite. Pocket's for my phone so the toddler doesn't snatch it, and a snug fit so they aren't in the way. (Anyone else find looser pants get stuck on stuff or in the way?) I do go the sporty athletic look some days, but I don’t like it as my everyday only option. I like both skinny leg leggings or flared yoga pants.

These are the one’s I’m currently wearing most often, and you cannot beat the price.

Pros: Soft fabric, they are sold by length (though the short ones are still a little long on me I"m 5'2"), they don’t have tummy control so they’re comfortable for all day all the time wear, they are a little thin but not too cold, the price for a four pack great, and they have pockets!

Cons: They have three seams all the way down the legs which by the end of the day gets a little irritating/digs in, and they have a funny smell. I think I’ve mostly got the smell out, but I’ve had them for months and washed them a lot and it is definitely still there a little. When these wear out I’ll try something else.

Tops - T-shirts, tank tops, or long sleeve shirts. Usually these are pretty simple/basic. Some of mine have fun phrases on them, and others are just plain solid shirts. They are always comfortable machine washable materials. Occasionally these are even cropped lengths (as I embrace my new Mom body.) Nothing fancy here, just practical and comfortable.

Layers - This is where I like to pull it all together, depending on the weather. I have one denim jacket that is perfect for throwing on as I walk out the door and easily elevates my leggings and t-shirt look. Sweaters, pullover or cardigan style, are also great when the weather allows. My favorite item right now though, is the quarter zip sweatshirt. Sweatshirt material so it’s comfortable and washes well, but the quarter zip or buttons at the neck elevate the look from frumpy sweatshirt, to cute adult top. This quilted one from Target is my favorite!

Dresses - Sun dresses for the win! Dresses are not practical for chasing little kids, but I stick to stretchy washable fabrics, t-shirt dresses a re the best, and add a pair of spandex shorts (usually with pockets) underneath and am ready to tackle whatever activity I’m doing with the kids, but look cute too.

Shorts - I have a few longer lined shorts that I like to wear when I know I’ll be seeing people. These are nicer, tailored fabric shorts or jean shorts. For everyday though I tend to just wear my biker short. Like my leggings, these spandex shorts have pockets, so helpful. I love this pair and went with a shorter 3" length so they wouldn't show under dresses.

Undergarments -

Bras - Since I’m mostly in t-shirts I love these sporty strapped bras. But when I need a “real” bra Target has really pulled through. Their Auden brand is so affordable and they actually have extended sizes. This one is my favorite but I recommend buying a few styles and sizes online so you can try them on at home where you’re comfortable and returning what doesn’t work for you. This also makes finding time to try on easier, because your kids won’t be in a dressing room going

crazy.

Underwear - I’ve switched to Parade. I prefer high waisted full coverage no panty line styles. Since I wear high waisted leggings most often this underwear style doesn’t add a weird middle muffin line to my stomach, or glaring panty lines on my booty. They are a little pricey for my budget, except when they have awesome sales! I got a number of their invisible sculpt high rise briefs for only $5 a pair, and was able to add a coupon code onto that! The high rise briefs is a little narrow in the crotch and a little cheeky on the bum, but very cute and still pretty comfortable. For true full coverage the invisible sculpt high rise boyshort is amazing!

Shoes - As I’ve gotten older I’ve found I cannot run around all day in shoes without good support. Yet I don’t always want to wear my workout tennis-shoes, like if I’m in a dress. I have gone for the keds style tennis-shoes instead and it works for me. As cute as the little white ones are, they’d be so dirty after the first wear, so I have these dark gray ones. I also swapped the laces out for these rubber ones turning them into slip-ons because what mom has time to tie her own shoes?

I hope this helps give you some basics and guide you on your own Mom Wardrobe journey.