Mom Style

It’s a common “phenomemom.” A friend becomes a mom and instantly turns into a frump grump. She could care less about her looks or her wardrobe. It’s all about the kids. (They usually look great by the way.) But after a few years of being down in the frump dump, whether you’re a new mom or an older mom whose kids have long flown the coop, it’s never too late to pick yourself up, give yourself a pat on the back as well as give your closet back a sense of style that will last a lifetime.

Here are some fashion dos and don’ts for Moms of all ages:

Do build your wardrobe on the classics

If you start with timeless basics then you can always add updated pieces every year to keep your looks contemporary. But the backbones of a working wardrobe are always in style — the pencil skirts, the white shirts, the trench coats, the menswear trousers and the tailored blazers. Yes, the silhouettes may change throughout the years, but there is a reason that these classics have stood the test of time.

Don’t be afraid to be a mix master

Reinventing a classic wardrobe with current trends is one of the best ways to inject our own unique personalities into what we wear. This is a good thing. Think high and low. Mix your more expensive classics with of-the-moment trends. This goes for both clothing and accessories.

Whether you’re a new mom who is up half the night and would just love to wake up and pull on a bright new orange hoodie and giant silver hoop earrings or a retired grandmother who can envision entertaining her family at a fancy restaurant in a sparkly sequin tunic top and a jet black beaded choker, adding special pieces to your wardrobe will definitely boost your spirits.

Be open to inspiration

One of the first steps to reinventing your wardrobe at any stage of life is to seek out positive fashion models — and not just those in high fashion magazines. Stay out of the frump dump by just becoming more aware of the style icons around you. You may admire how a close friend dresses — check out the places where she shops. Skim the internet, read blogs and follow your favorites on Instagram. You don’t have to be a copycat, but you can definitely find inspiration in hundreds of places.

Don’t forget the flattery factor

Of course you can have a huge closet stuffed with all kinds of clothes, but if you have never really taken a close look in the mirror at your own physique, and you haven’t really assessed what kinds of clothes really flatter your own body shape, then you may be wasting hours of shopping time…the precious time you could be spending with your family. So educate yourself: Most of us know what works for us; it’s usually obvious. But if you don’t, get some help from a friend or friendly salesperson. Then take their advice. If you have a big butt, cover it; if you have a flabby stomach, skip the bikinis.

Do get creative with color

No matter what age you are, no matter what shape your body is in, color can be your best fashion friend. A personal testimony: After years of wearing head-to-toe fashion editor black, my own personal style history has dramatically changed with the addition of a few bold splashes of color — mainly turquoise and ruby red. (Yes, black is a salvation for moms of young children I admit!) But if you really want to give your wardrobe an ageless twist, embrace color. Then wear it in unusual ways. Layering teal blue with emerald green is my latest favorite combo.

Don’t underestimate the power of hair and makeup

This is probably one of the most important “Mom Style” tips of all. And of course, it applies to all women, whether you happen to be a mom or not. Don’t neglect your outward appearance. It may be easy to skip the appointments with the hair stylist and forego the foundation when you’ve got a million things on your to-do list, but attention to personal grooming is a “must-have.” You’ll not only look better if you take care of yourself, but you’ll feel better, too.

Update your classic wardrobe with seasonal trends. Simply Vera Vera Wang tank top with slinky sweater and cropped cuffed capris. www.kohls.com.

RELEASE: 04/26/2016

To find out more about Sharon Mosley, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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