Sprucing up Your Style: Going from the Housewife to Modern Chic Mom Look

Being a mom is the most exhausting, time-consuming job on the planet, and everyone who’s a mom and even those who’ve lent a helping hand to one every now and then, know that motherhood is a full-time job. Having a serious shortage of time for yourself takes a toll on your appearance, and before you know what’s happening, you realize that track pants and hoodies have become your standard uniform. Still, you know you’re more than a mom, and as wonderful as the job is, you also want to feel like a woman, and that’s certainly not asking too much. You deserve to have it all, but since you have a small window of opportunity and no luxury in the form of time for some serious pampering, we’re here with a few quick and simple tricks that will help you look not only presentable, but actually dazzling, with hopefully time to spare.

The instant pick-me-up

The most noticeable and simplest first step you can take in order to start feeling like yourself again is paying a visit to your hairstylist. Now, if you have long hair and don’t wish to part ways with it, ask your stylist for tips on easy at-home styling. If, on the other hand, you feel like grooming your long strands is not something you have the luxury to do at the moment, get a nice and chic bob or lob, which is totally on-trend right now, and there are numerous celebrities rocking it. It’s easy to maintain, and with the addition of a few highlights, and a do that complements your face shape, you’ll already start feeling like a brand new woman.

Matters of skin

As a mom, you’re well-aware that pregnancy can take a toll on the skin, and this isn’t something you want to neglect. Make the time to take care of your skin. If you can’t afford treatments to deal with pigmentation or melasma, there are amazing topical solutions to help deal with, and even prevent them. A broad spectrum sunblock should be a priority, as well as a great skincare line – everything from cleanser, toner, serum and moisturizer. This is as short as the list gets and it’s considered minimalist skincare, but it will do the job, just make sure you pick the right products.

The cool mom factor

It’s completely understandable if you’re not feeling quite as confident about your body just yet, but give yourself a break, you just brought a new life into this world. There is no room for desperation, as you can still look incredibly chic. Those maternity jeans you’ve been wearing – keep them. The styles are often amazing, and you can cover the stretchy part on the waist with cool plus size kaftans. If you add a trendy checkered blazer into the mix (any blazer adds to the chic effect) and put on some cute loafers or a pair of Adidas originals, you will definitely exude that ‘cool mom vibe’. If you’re on the market for new jeans, high-rise flared ones will definitely give you the boost of confidence you need.

The chic mom

The one thing to always keep in mind when shopping for new clothes when you’re still not a 100% you, is that ruching and draping are your best friends. Ruched dresses and tops do a great job at concealing everything you want hidden, and give your figure justice. In addition to that, Tom Ford made ruching trendy again, so you know you’ll be up-to-date with current trends as well. Stretchy A-line skirts are also super comfortable and chic, and you can wear them with mid-heel ankle boots or even sneakers.

Don’t underestimate the details

Sometimes it takes so little to make us feel so good, and the little in this case revolves around a few carefully chosen accessories. Longer necklaces, either beaded or chains with pendants which end at your cleavage or lower, can create an elongating illusion, making you look slimmer. Silk scarves will also help you achieve the same effect, plus, they’ll give you the much-needed pop of color. Bonus tip: you can even use the scarves to create cute head wraps on those days when your hair just refuses to cooperate.

Almost perfect

Lugging around a diaper bag everywhere you go doesn’t make for a stylish statement. However, there are very fashionable alternatives to traditional diaper bags that frankly don’t even look like diaper bags. Add a pair of killer specs and you are almost good to go.

Finalizing

What every great makeup artist will tell you is that you don’t need an extensive makeup routine to look fresh, rested and beautiful. All you really need is a good concealer on the days where taking the time to apply foundation is mission impossible. An eyebrow pencil, just to give the brows more definition and shape is all you need, aside from a coat or two of mascara. You can choose to wear a lipstick in your go-to shade, but nudes are the easiest to work with, and that little bit of color on the lips makes for a world of difference.

And there you have it, super-polished with a minimum amount of effort.

About the author:

Tracey Clayton is a mom of three girls. She’s passionate about fashion, home décor and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.”