16 September 2009 – Mom Uniform, originally uploaded by academichic.
Sources:
- Purple cardi: Gap Outlet
- Gray nursing tank: Target
- Brown cotton skirt: BR Outlet
- Red Wedges: Naturalizers, via DSW
- Apple print romper: gift from a local baby boutique
End Notes:
On the days when I don’t post — when baby e. is having a rough day or the breaks between feedings don’t seem long enough or a meeting runs long or grocery shopping turns into an epic ordeal — I’m probably wearing something like today’s outfit. I think this is my new mom uniform: a soft or swingy skirt, a nursing tank, a cardigan, and a pair of wedges.
Earlier this year, Tricia Royal (founder of the wardrobe_remix community blogged about her daily uniform. I loved reading the comments on that post and hearing people articulate what they conceive of as a set of pieces that are stylish and livable.
I’ve watched enough episodes of What Not to Wear to be properly scared of the “mom uniform” of t-shirts and yoga pants that Stacey and Clinton repeatedly trash, and I promised myself while pregnant that I would find a mom uniform that wed functionality and aesthetic appeal. Behold:
- A cardigan is easy to change if I get spit up on, it provides some coverage while breastfeeding, and when paired with a full skirt it has a sweet old timey feel.
- A full skirt is good for dancing with baby e. and has enough movement so that sitting on the floor is not a problem.
- Wedges are comfortable but chic, stable enough to walk around with a baby and polished enough that they make the outfit feel complete.
This is not what I wear every day, obviously, but it’s my fall back plan, my grab, go, and feel good outline of an outfit. It’s a completely different way of thinking about my daily uniform than I would have a year ago, but it works for this season of life and its particular demands. So let me pose Tricia’s question to you. Do you have a uniform? If so, what is it? Are those pieces about practicality? Body flattery? Style statements? Or a mix of all three?
(And no, I don’t always match my shoes to my baby, but today’s complementary outfits prompted me to make sure I actually took a photograph.)
16 September 2009 – Mom Uniform, originally uploaded by academichic.
I think a mom uniform is a good thing, if it’s a bit nicer than yoga pants. :)
There’s a reason moms fall into a rut and that’s because they really don’t have the same time or lifestyle as before. So, if you establish something nicer as the uniform, you can do better.
Mine is usually jeans (it’s colder here) with a nicer top and a jacket. I like to add colorful accessories (love my orla bag!) and jewelry – it helps!
I want to be you when I’m a mom :)
I love the outfit (I think Stacey and Clinton would definitely approve) and baby e. continues to be adorable :)
And I think it’s always nice to have a “uniform” you can modify to your day’s needs. Accessories tend to be a big part of that for me—I might go to class some days in jeans + layered Old Navy tank tops, but wearing a favorite necklace + shoes help me feel more put together.
My mom uniform (and I’ve been one for fourteen years now): Dress. Or, a swingy skirt with a wrap top. My glasses of course. Cool necklace (well, not when they were babies.) Fancy flip flops (or slippers as you call them) or a wedge with open toe. I live in Florida, I wear those year round.
Everyone always asks me, “Why are you so dressed up?” Seriously? A jersey dress and sandals is dressed up? Oooookay. I was at my daughter’s open house at the high school last week and was horrified by what the other moms were wearing. I saw a lot of exposed butt cracks and cleavage.
I went through a phase with the yoga pants and tee shirts, and I’m now sufficiently horrified when I see pictures of myself from that time period.
very cute look…I love the colors! Your skirt is beautiful!
First of all, baby e is SO adorable! I can’t get enough of his lil round poofy baby cheeks! Secondly, what a great daily uniform! If everyone’s fallback clothing uniform looked this good, this planet would be so well dressed :)
I don’t normally comment… but I just had to say that your baby is beautiful! I also love the practicality of this outfit- and it suits you so well. Can’t wait to see what you do when it gets really cold!
I always look to this blog for style and tips- and you fit my personal style the best of the bloggers on here. I LOVE your style!
I like to steal pics from blogs and pop them into an ‘inspiration’ folder. Would it be ok if when I feel particularly inspired, I popped the pic on my blog with a link & credit to here? I have a few of your outfits as inspiration ;)
: ) Thanks
Brilliant, E. You’ll look smart and be comfortable, and the template has all the pragmatic details you need to deal with your new life.
What a lovely photo.
You look lovely here, but baby e. has definitely stolen the show. He’s gotten so big!
I’m not really a skirt-wearer because I’m self-conscious about my legs, so I tend to gravitate towards blouses/tees + trousers or wide-leg jeans. I do experiment a lot with shoes though (my favorite accessory) and always try to inject a bit of color there.
Baby E is adorable!!
I live in yoga pants! They are so comfortable, and not to mention they’re extremely flattering for the bottom and legs. My Favorite brand is with out a doubt Tea Party from RepeatPossessions.com. Their styles and colors are endless! Shipping is quick and world wide!
How darling is he!! and your outfit!
What a chic mama and adorable baby. I hope to stay chic when I’m a mama someday.
Both you and your little one are adorable! I especially love your posts since I am 6 months pregnant and have a hard time finding fashion inspiration with a growing belly :-). I am hoping to continue following your wardrobe creativity so that I can find a stylish “mom wardrobe” after I deliver! Thanks so much for filling a fashion gap!
Gorgeous outfit!! LOVE the shoes, and baby e. is ADORABLE!!
I really did want to believe that you matched your shoes to your baby every day . . . ;)
You look amazing as ever – I am constantly impressed by your chic mother-styles.
I like your website. It’s fun to get ideas; however, I have a sincere question: why is your Mom uniform dressier than your academic clothing? Academia was too casual for a while and is going back to professional (yet still comfortable for teaching) attire.
Also, I had gotten a little (tad) too casual. Can you post more profession/preppy for those who don’t love preppy looks?
Thank you!
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