Some of you may (or may not have) noticed that I don’t really do outfit posts anymore…at least not for myself.
The reason for that? Despite the fact that I am a stylist who tells other people what to wear, being a mom changes you and your personal style. No matter how much you don’t think that it’s going to, it just does.
I know that right now a few super chic mamas may be coming to mind (see exhibits: A, B, and C) and I would have to agree with you – they all look fabulous and totally still on-trend. But, I bet if you asked even these super stylish mamas if they had experienced some type of shift in their personal style (at least temporarily) after having their children, they would probably admit that they had.
For me, my style shift came as a result of my post-baby body and the logistics of motherhood. Nursing nixed quite of a few of my outfit options and dresses weren’t really that practical for getting up and down off the floor all day. A fluctuating size and less than toned bod relegated me to mostly loose, drapey tops. And heels? Yeah right. Have you ever seen all the crap that moms have to carry? Cute heels are not worth dropping a baby over…just sayin’.
But, does this mean that motherhood has rendered me style-less? NO! You don’t have to be perfectly perched on the precipice of all the latest and greatest fashion trends to still look pulled together. Don’t just give up on life and live in your yoga pants…please, for the sake of all that is holy! You can find a balance between comfort and style!
I feel like I’ve found it over time and I decided I would start sharing my style posts with you again…not because I’m the most fashionably dressed mama on the internets…but because, I am a real mama with a real budget and real body issues who many of you can probably relate to.
I want to keep you from falling into the trap of yoga pants…thus the title of these posts was born: 101 Ways To NOT Wear Yoga Pants. This edition is: sweatshirt chic…
A simple sweatshirt and jeans is wardrobe staple, for many mamas, but instead of your baggy college hoodie and ill-fitting jeans, find some with a good fit. My jeans are from the Junior’s section at Macy’s and I love them. They’re the Levi’s Curve ID and the only pair of jeans I really wear anymore – they’re perfect. The sweatshirt is a comfy crewneck I picked up at Target. Get yourself a crewneck sweatshirt stat. They’re surprisingly versatile.
Now you could just leave it at that, but accessorizing is the easiest way to elevate a simple outfit without a lot of fuss. I added…
An old leopard print scarf to make my messy top knot look a little more chic…
Cute stud earrings from a local Portland jewelry designer: Seaworthy…
And this cheap-o necklace from F21 that was a whopping $6.80. Remember…
And there you have it my friends. #1 of 101 Ways to NOT Wear Yoga Pants.
xo
Lauren
Oh I am so excited for this series! As a soon to be new stay at home mom, I am petrified of only wearing yoga pants. Love this look. Keep them coming!
I SO relate to this! Since I am a SAHM to a 21 month old, I find myself not really caring what I look like. However, I find that when I look good, I feel good so I need to make that more of a priority. Great post!
Erika
I did a little series similar to this called #alittlemoreeffort Played it with other moms on Instagram. It was nice to work a little bit more on my look.
I like this idea. You should come up with a hashtag so other mom’s can show you their non-yoga pant looks! How about #imnotwearingyogapantssuckas …. to hard…. I’m sure you can think of something catchy.
These are the two posts I did on it. Check the hashtag #alittlemoreeffort too.
http://oururbanplayground.com/?p=768
I bought a long-sleeved, lightweight top from American Apparel and I’m tempted to order it in every size. SO easy, SO comfy, and I don’t feel like a schlub!
Looking super cute, Mama.
true true! You are spot on mama L! xoxo
So cute. I have a similar shirt from Target in blue, love it.
Just reposted this on facebook for my clients to read – dang yoga pants! 😉
i always love comfort and sometimes at the cost of how i look. oops! but these are saving me lately. they are knit legging pants. they actually look like jeans but are stretchy and comfortable.. and i’ve been getting compliments on them. 🙂 http://www.uniqlo.com/us/store/lifewear/women-easy-knit-leggings-pants/075010-13-006?ref=womens-clothing%2Fwomens-bottoms%2Fwomens-leggings
always a plus when you can have both! 🙂
You do the best series! Can’t wait to see more ideas.
Love this look! I work in a super casual office so I love the sweatshirt trend. It’s such a fun comfy basic that you can punch up so easily with a bold necklace, or some heels since I am baby-less. 🙂
xoxo
Sequins & Shadows