As any mother knows, parenthood can be a full-time job in itself, and can be especially challenging when you’re trying to juggle work, friends and time with your spouse as well. When you’re busy, taking time to yourself can be hard, and you might find yourself in a style rut of comfortable basics and shoving your hair into a ponytail. I mean, don’t get me wrong, this is often my go to. And that’s how I know that if you don’t want to slowly drown in an abyss no-makeup and yoga pants, you probably need some easy style hacks to help you feel stylish, no matter how busy you are.
Accessorize – a little sparkle or bold colors can go a long way. Use different accessories to get your hair out of your face, without resorting to the messy bun all the time. When you’re running after a toddler, or spending time making messy crafts, it’s easier to have your hair out of your face. Treat yourself to some pretty hair bands or clips, and play with different plaits or ponytails to give yourself a different, but still practical, style.
Night Time Quiet Time – a rarity, but impactful. After the kids are in bed, use this time to take your shower or bath. You’ll have more time than trying to snatch it in five minutes peace before they wake up in the morning. It can help you to relax after a busy day and you can take the time to give yourself a bit of a pamper. If you don’t have time to dry your hair before bed, braid it and sleep with it like this to create easy waves for the morning.
Plan out what you’re going to wear each day the night before. Hear me out. I hardly ever do this. I mean well, and intend to and on the days I do, so much easier. I just have to work harder to make it a regular habit. Getting children ready for the day can be a battle, and you won’t have much time to spend choosing a nice outfit for yourself. To get out of resorting to pulling on the same comfy clothes everyday, spend some time the night before laying out your clothes. You’ll get to enjoy more of your clothes and feel more put together.
Don’t forget your nail polish. Chipped nails always look scruffy, no matter how great an outfit you’re wearing. A fresh coat of paint goes a log way, regardless of if it’s on your toes or the walls of the home. If you never have time to paint your nails, think about skipping it, and just keep your nails looking tidy. If you really want a color, consider investing in a gel manicure, which can last up to three weeks before any chipping.
Opt for hard-working beauty products. Beauty products that do double or even triple duty can save you a lot of time when you’re getting ready. A great basic is a tinted moisturizer with an SPF, combining moisturizing, makeup base and sunscreen in one easy step. Easy Peasy.
Think about eyelash extensions. If brows a lashes are our thing that is. If not, this is one option that’s definitely not going to be fore everyone. If you spend time putting falsies on every day though, lash extensions can be an awesome solution. Lash extensions are fuller and darker than natural lashes, which means your lashes will still look great without bothering with mascara. You’ll feel more put together without needing to put on more makeup.
Make getting dressed easier by making a wardrobe that works well together. Choose clothes in a small group of colors, so everything goes together. This means you’ll be able to easily mix and match items for different outfits, saving a lot of time choosing what to wear. Also, while a very versatile color, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you should have a closet full of nothing but black. Some days demand color so be flexible.
On the same topic, fashion versus function. Shop for wrinkle resistant fabrics. If your clothes aren’t getting so easily creased, you’ll be able to spend less time ironing, and your clothes will still look good even if you’ve been playing the children all day. Look for clothes with a high polyester count, or sturdy fabrics like denim and chunky knits to reduce wrinkling.
Choose a stylish backpack. I carry a small purse inside my backpack. if I don’t need it all, I can take the small bag, but you better believe the backpack is in the trunk with all the necessities. It’s inevitable that as soon as you go out anywhere that the kids will want you to carry some of their things. Whether you’re loaded up with toys, snacks, or other essentials like drinks and sunscreen, all that extra stuff can take a toll on your handbag. Backpacks aren’t just for school anymore, and come in a range of stylish fabrics for grown-ups. Choose a sleek style and you’ll look good, but will have plenty of room for lugging around the kids things. A backpack is also better for your back, as the weight is properly distributed across your shoulders.
Scarves. Accessories are a great way to elevate a simple outfit, but when you have small children, jewelry can be difficult. Scarves are a great accessory that can add color and interest to your style, but without risking your little one pulling on a necklace or grabbing at a shiny earring. They can be used as a hair accessory as well, which is where you’ll usually find me using them, since tend to stay away from high collars and things around my neck..
Layering is a great way to make an outfit more interesting and more cozy. Choose thin, light layers, like vest tops and leggings, so you can layer without adding bulk. I usually wear a cami, a top and then some type of jacket or outer layer. It makes transitioning as the weather changes throughout the day a lot easier when changes are already incorporated into your outfit.
Parenting means you often need to move fast to keep up with little ones who are racing around, so you’ll want clothes that don’t restrict your movement too much. Maxi dresses and skirts are a great option for the summer. The flowy fabric means you can still move easily, and you’ll keep cool while still looking pretty and on trend.
Try a romper or jumpsuit. One pieces don’t have to be just the baby, and can make a chic, fun outfit for you in one easy-to-wear item. Honestly, I don’t like them on me, but I love them on other people, if you feel good in it rock it, and I’ll cheer you on. Like a dress, you’ll look instantly put together with just one item of clothing, but will be able to play much more easily, without the movement restrictions of a dress.
For a stylish, but simple outfit, pair a shirt dress with comfortable leggings. This is an easy look, ideal for the school run or running errands, as you’ll be comfortable but still look put together and smart. In the fall, throw on a pair of boots instead of sandals and your super on trend. It’s cool, I can keep a secret.
Choose comfortable cuts of smart pieces. You want to be able to move, even in smarter pieces. For example, instead of cigarette pants, choose a looser culotte style, which has more room to move. Instead of a button-down blouse, choose a breezier peasant blouse style. All of this is subjective of course, but if you’re already rocking the cigarette pant and cute shirts, you really should be giving tips to the rest of us on how to pull this sorcery off.
Be sensible about fabrics. Choose clothing in a fabric that washes easily and will stand up to repeated trips through the washing machine. Motherhood is messy, so your clothes need to be able to cope with it. Stay well away from dry clean only items, as these won’t stand up to busy Mom life. Wanna know how many times I’ve ever set foot into a dry cleaner? Zero…high maintenance doesn’t fly around here so just take that into consideration when picking out the perfect pieces.
What’s your best parent survival hack, tip or trick? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!
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