What’s a stay-at-home mom to wear & not look dumpy?

Nagore Aramburu with daughter Ane in Madrid;

I totally get where this reader is coming from as I remember this dressing predicament from when my son was little. What’s a stay-at-home mom to wear can be frustrating, if not a bit sticky. Let’s help her out with some stylist tips…. they work to for a solo-entrepreneur who works from home with a virtual staff.

Q:Dear Sharon:  I am a stay-at-home mom and I never know what to put on. Most days I exercise and go to the store or run errands. On the days I don’t leave the house I just put on T-shirts and yoga pants.

When I go shopping for clothes I never know what to buy. Can you help? I just don’t want to look so dumpy all the time. Thanks! (D.B. via Fashion Advice)

>> READ: Uma Thurman’s Motherhood was my yucky pill 
 

A:

 I totally understand how you can be complacent to style when you are home every day. And, it fine.

Steve Madden Prizzze buckle ankle boots add a stylish touch to casual clothes
Steve Madden Prizzze buckle ankle boots add a stylish touch to casual clothes

Once in a while.

Yes, every so often, we are all allowed to slip on style a little and pig out at home in yoga pants and a baggy T. It’s normal. But NOT every day.

The more you forget about your personal style, the more you lose self-esteem and fell like a dumpy, schlumpy not-so-terrific force to be reckoned with.

Vince Mixed Stripe Pullover is a casual way to look polished for errands
Vince Mixed Stripe Pullover is a casual way to look polished for errands

BUT YOU ARE A FORCE.

You deserve to look great in a way that is respectful to yourSELF and realistic to your lifestyle.

WHETHER A STAY-AT-HOME MOM OR A SOLO-ENTREPRENEUR, YOU WANT TO LOOK POLISHED, at least for your own self-esteem.

When we spend most of our days at home, we have a tendency to not want to “waste” wearing good clothes when no one sees them. I get it.

BUT it is YOU who counts the most.

>>READ: Alicia Keys Mommy Chic Fedora & Scarf

A featherweight oversized scarf adds zing to the most basic pieces: MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Solstice Print' Silk Scarf in Hazy Rose Multi
A featherweight oversized scarf adds zing to the most basic pieces: MARC BY MARC JACOBS ‘Solstice Print’ Silk Scarf in Hazy Rose Multi

The answer can be found in maintaining a casual and even washing-machine friendly vibe yet in pieces that are polished and not sloppy.

See how adorable Nagore Aramburu looks in Madrid with her daughter Ane as they rock a day in the park (photo at the top)… easy-peasy mommy chic style.

When it comes to a T-shirt, instead of grabbing one that you would wear to exercise, select one that has more smart style and  presentable.  Try a flattering well-cut T-shirt, layered sweaters,  and maybe a cute blazer to throw over it when you race out, or even a fashion-forward parka.

Oh, yes, and a good pair of jeans, corduroy skinnies, or black twill will most definitely step up your yoga pants. On the days that you DO have to wear yoga pants, throw on a chic oversized sweater and some killer flats or stylish sneakers to take the feel away from the gym and more laid-back daytime.

Nagore is wearing Chloe 'Suzanne Studs' Buckle Booties, but I pulled some more wallet-friendly ones below
Nagore is wearing Chloe ‘Suzanne Studs’ Buckle Booties. I pulled some wallet-friendly ones below

DO NOT FORGET to pull together a few good accessory pieces like a huge, featherweight scarf, a rugged statement belt, and a structured leather bag to tie it all in.

 I pulled a few shopping pieces that are not too far off from your current stay at home style, but most definitely have a WHOLE LOTTA  design value to amp it up:

>>RELATED: Mommy Chic Tips

JUST ASK: Do you need some quick stylist help to amp up your style?  Email us for Fashion Advice.

 

Lead Photo: Nagore Aramburu with daughter Ane in Madrid; Solarpix / PR Photos

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