Let’s face it, ladies: those of us who work two jobs from home (we all know taking care of kids is a full-time job) could probably use a little help in the wardrobe department. Once you stop going into the office and opt to work in anonymity through the internet and over the phone, there’s really no reason to get dolled up anymore. So most of us end up spending our days in whatever is most comfortable and easy to throw on (read: sweats or pajamas).
Sure, you might put in a little effort on days you drive carpool or run errands (jeans and a hoodie), but for the most part you’ve given up on looking good. This is a sad state of affairs for you (and your spouse). But there are a plenty of ways you can get back on track with a wardrobe that has all the ease and comfort you prefer with just a little more style.
For starters, remind yourself that pajamas are clothes with a very specific purpose: they’re meant to be worn when you sleep! If you do nothing else all day, change out of your PJs and into a real outfit when you get up in the morning. And P.S., sweats don’t count as clothes, either. They also have a purpose, although I’ve yet to discover what it is. Unless you’re Rocky Marciano or you go jogging in a very cold place, you should never, ever wear this sad, saggy excuse for an outfit. Your spouse will thank you for burning your sweats.
Okay, this has been a little harsh so far, but it’s for your own good. And luckily, modern fashion has delivered a fantastic alternative called “activewear”. Consider the items in this category to be attractive sweats. The tops and bottoms generally found in the activewear category could be used for exercise or everyday life and they are made from soft, comfortable stretch fabrics that end up feeling like a second skin. You can find fitted pants (like a better version of leggings) or those that have a wider leg (like yoga pants). And you’ll have no trouble finding tees, long-sleeved tops, and hoodies to mix and match. Of course, this is still a very casual look, so you have the option to step it up even more, but for the active mom on the go it will certainly suffice.
Sometimes how you feel is closely linked to how you look, so if you want to put in the effort to look like the professional mom you are, consider waking up each day and preparing as if you were going to an office (albeit one that has a lenient dress code). Rise early to shower and do your hair and makeup (at least a touch of blush and a swipe of lipgloss to brighten you up). Then throw on some modern, fitted jeans and a nice, casual top.
Finish the look with a cute pair of trainers and a cardigan or casual blazer, plus a couple pieces of appropriate jewelry. You’ll look like a million-dollar mom driving the carpool in this outfit and you can head straight to a business meeting with clients if you have to (well, maybe throw a pair of kitten heels in the trunk just in case).
Carol Montrose is a writer for tshirtprinting.net (click here) where you can create your own custom tshirts, hoodies, and much more.
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I am very guilty of the pajama wearing crime! As a work at home Mom, I just get up and go. Since I don’t really go out of the house for work, I just pull up my hair in a bun then ‘off’ to work or to take care of my baby boy. I do however, make an effort to clean up when I head out for groceries or other errands.
Mr. Jacob’s Mom
http://www.mommyroxi.com
I find that jewelry makes a massive difference. So I just try to put on earrings, a ring, and a bracelet. That would look goofy with PJs, so that helps me stay out of them. These days I’m not working from home, but if/when I get back to it, I’ll be sure to keep the PJs in their proper place.
It will be great if all women who read this post, will take it into consideration and will follow all these pieces of advice)
I’m sloppy mom right now and I’m waiting for the dishwasher repairman to arrive. My big question is should I take a shower and change after my workout or will I miss him if I do. Oh the decisions we WAHM’s face. Normally I wear either good quality workout clothes (comfy and always ready for the odd sprint) or I wear decent clothes. I wear makeup even though no-one will see me and *always* jewelry.
Carol,
You caught me!! Today I am in sweats and a sweatshirt. But in my defense, I usually do get dressed in normal attire for blogging, today I was in a hurry to get online and write so I REALLY wanted to be comfortable.
It is so funny how moms, esp WAHM, “forget” to get dressed. But we can’t help it at times. I was watching the Middle last night. The mom was challenged by her teenage son to bring out her best. So she did. No sweats until she went to bed and dinner on the table. Her family still ignored her. It was funny but sort of sad. I feel like after 13 years of being a mom and 16 years of being a wife, my family could care less abot what I look like at home. This is a downfall for WAHM’s.
Yet most days I dress for success, sure cliche, but it works. I dress to feel good about myself.
I’ll ditch the clogs and sweats tomorrow. Today I am sloppy mom.
~Allie