How to Be a Chic Mom

Remember the effort you put into your looks before you had children? Once the babies arrived it's likely you started putting more emphasis on what the kids are wearing than on your own style. Perhaps you’ve let yourself go. Well, if you’ve been longing to trade in your slouchy fashions for a more chic look, here are seven ways to begin.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Willingness to believe you're worth it.

1. Stop with the Excuses
   Yes, you’re busy. But let’s be honest here. Are cleaning house, doing laundry, cooking dinner, doing dishes, volunteering at school, car pooling, wiping noses and reading stories really valid excuses to let yourself go? If you answered “no,” then you’re ready to proceed.
2. Repeat after Me: “I deserve to look good"
   Yes, your hair, your body, your skin, your appearance does matter. You know the saying about not judging a book by it’s cover? Well, guess what ladies? We judge each other’s appearance every time we’re in a room together. And it’s not just men looking at the ladies. Us moms give each other the once over too.
3. Make Yourself Top Priority
   When was the last time you felt good about how you looked? If the answer is more than a year ago, it’s time to put yourself at the top of your makeover list. The kitchen may need remodeling, but so do you. I say put yourself first.
4. Design a Uniform
   No matter how rushed you are, you can still look chic if you keep to the simple basics. A very chic mom of three designs her daily outfit around a white T-shirt, black capris and a wrap-around sweater. Occasionally she adds bold accessories.
5. Visualize a Personal Style
   What color brings out the best in you? What pants, skirt, dress looks good on you? Remember, the goal is to be comfortable while looking chic. Some moms get stuck wearing sweats and jeans, and while that may be easy, ask yourself does throwing on a pair of sweats, bring out your best look? Describe a personal style. Perhaps your new look might be “comfy with a splash of elegance,” or “basic black with a splash of color.” Think out of that rut for fresh alternatives.
6. Purge Your Closet
   Get rid of the stuff you think you might wear someday. Instead of wasting money on fancy outfits that you wear once a year, invest your clothing budget in your daily uniform. A good jacket, good fitting jeans, comfortable shoes and a great bag will give you classic style. You don’t need multiples. A few well-made clothing items are better and easier to manage than a closest full of mediocre.
7. Make Looking Good A Habit
   Don't reserve looking spiffy for a special occasion. When you keep yourself looking good on a daily basis, it becomes a habit. It sends the message you are confident and feel good about yourself. Eat right, put on a little mascara and lip gloss, shave your legs more than once a week, put on your sassy uniform and you'll have plenty pizzazz to get you through the day.