Rediscovering My Style: A Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming Fashion After a Three-Year Hiatus
Alright, let’s get real for a second. Motherhood is amazing, but somewhere between the sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and the sheer chaos of keeping little humans alive, my personal style took a backseat. Fast forward three years, and here I am, staring at a closet full of clothes that scream “Who even am I anymore?” If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry—we’re about to tackle this fashion crisis head-on. Here’s how I’m rediscovering my style, one fabulous piece at a time.
The Why Behind the Wardrobe Woes
Let’s start with the why. Finding your style isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good too. It’s a form of self-expression and can seriously boost your confidence. As a mom, taking care of yourself is crucial for taking care of your family. I’m a firm believe in the “look good, feel good, do good” motto and I’m so sorry if that’s not your vibe. I feel like that can be triggering for some, but for me it’s the ONLY way I will do a single thing. I must get up and get ready, even if that means putting the same shorts on I’ve worn 5 out of 7 days this week.
My Story (AKA The Fashion Struggle is Real)
Since my second child was born, my wardrobe has been a disaster zone. Everything is old, worn out, or doesn’t fit. I’ve lost 55 pounds along the way, and thank goodness baggy is in because not much fits right now. Before my weight loss journey, I bought larger sizes while embracing and learning to love my body. During, I didn’t want to invest incase it changed. Now, I don’t really have much money to buy smaller clothes. Trends have come and gone, and I had no clue where to start. But I’m deciding enough is enough. It is time to reclaim my style and, in turn, a piece of myself.
Steps I’m Taking to Rediscover My Style
1. Assess the Closet Situation:
First things first, I Marie Kondo-ed my closet. I took a hard look at what I had and got rid of anything that didn’t spark joy. Goodbye, outdated jeans and ill-fitting tops. It’s time to make space for pieces that actually make me feel good. But, maybe put them in a box because mama is in the ebb and flow of life. Ya never know.
2. Find Some Style Inspiration:
I’ve been spending way too much time on Pinterest, Instagram, and fashion blogs, but it’s all in the name of style research. I created a mood board with looks that I love and want to try, liking the content that inspires, and filling carts I many never purchase. This gives me a clear vision of where I’m headed.
3. Understand My Body:
Understanding my body now has been a game-changer. It’s a process, but it helps me choose clothes that flatter my figure and makes shopping so much easier. There are tons of online resources to help with this, and knowing what works for my body has been a confidence boost. Everything is different, I may be back in old pre-baby sizes, but I am not the same. That’s okay.
4. Start with the Basics:
I invested in a few high-quality basics to form the foundation of my wardrobe. Think well-fitting jeans, a versatile oversized blazer, a classic white shirt, and a little black dress. These pieces are timeless and can be dressed up or down. I also utilized Banana Republic Outlet, did you know that was a thing? I now almost exclusively type in warehouse or outlet before typing in the regular name of a store.
5. Add Statement Pieces:
Once I have the basics, the idea is that these statement pieces add a pop of personality to my outfits and make me feel more like myself. I haven’t gotten here yet, but it is a common theme I see in the media I consume.
6. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize:
Never underestimate the power of accessories. A great necklace, a stylish hat, or a pair of chic sunglasses can elevate any outfit. I’ve been loving this Dr. Martens Women’s 1460 Vonda Fashion Boot I got when I was pregnant. I paired them with Spanx faux leather leggings and a huge oversized black turtleneck sweater from Gap. They’re edgy, practical, and perfect for adding some flair to my look. And the students said my outfit “ate”. Which they said was good. So there is that.
7. Experiment and Have Fun:
I’m not afraid to try new things. Fashion should be fun, so I’ve been experimenting with different looks to see what makes me feel confident. Remember, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to personal style.
8. Shop Mindfully:
When I’m ready to shop, I do so mindfully. I choose pieces that I love and that I’ll wear often. No more impulse buys that don’t fit into my overall style vision. And with a budget in mind, I’m focusing on versatile pieces that I can mix and match.
9. Give Myself Grace:
Rediscovering my style is a journey, not a destination. It’s okay if it takes time to figure out what I love. I’m giving myself grace and enjoying the process of finding my new look.
Conclusion
Rediscovering my style after a three-year hiatus can be both exciting and overwhelming. By taking it one step at a time and focusing on what makes me feel good, I know I can create a wardrobe that reflects who I am now. It was something I once loved and know I can again, fashion is about expressing yourself and feeling confident, so let’s have fun with it. Cheers, happy styling!
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