I walked down the stairs the other day and was met by my 6-year-old who excitedly proclaimed “Oh mom, you actually look really pretty today. I like your makeup and your curled hair.”
That was the second day that week that I showered, curled my hair, put makeup on, AND got “dressed up.” It did not go unnoticed. Besides being grateful to have tiny hype (wo)man for life, I also realized my kids don’t typically see me outside of my standard “mom uniform”.
For the first few years of their lives I lived in black leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. These last couple of years my style has evolved as I’ve come into my own as a mother. I ditched the leggings and oversized sweatshirts and switched to gray sweatpants with a gray top. Sometimes it’s an oversized gray sweatshirt, sometimes it’s a gray t-shirt, sometimes it’s a gray sweatshirt that fits properly. If I’m in the mood to mix things up, I will even throw on some gray fuzzy socks.
A true fashion icon.
My mom uniform is incredibly versatile. I like to mix and match pieces depending on the occasion.
When I’m at home I have two pairs of men’s baggy gray sweatpants that have about as many holes as a slice of swiss cheese. These are reserved for lounging, sleeping, and annoying my husband. I typically pair these with one of three gray tank tops I got in a value pack at Costco.
My school drop off uniform consists of the same gray sweatpants but I layer the tank top with a hoodie so I don’t have to put on a bra. Depending on the weather I will add a pop of color to the drop-off lane chic look by slipping on my buffalo plaid house slippers, black tennis shoes, or black and white rain boots.
The next in my gray on gray wardrobe is my “running errands” outfit. For this I like to put on what I refer to as my dress sweats. They are completely intact with elastic around the ankles so they don’t drag on the ground. These sweats are most often paired with a colored top of some sor.t. I’ve been told a “Groutfit” (aka gray outfit) makes me appear less “casual mom running errands” and more “escaped prison inmate.” I also opt for shoes that tie with this outfit versus my standard slip-ons.
When I’m feeling particularly fancy I will pair one of several Hanes crewneck sweatshirts with my only pair of jeans that fits. Putting on pants with pockets makes me feel like I really have my life together even though I most definitely do not.
Elements of a mom uniform
For me, there are a few key components to selecting the perfect mom uniform:
- Comfort
- Versatility
- The 2 P’s: Price and Pockets
Whatever your mom uniform, own it.
I may never be a fashion model, but on the runway from my living room to minivan, I’m crushing it.
What’s your mom uniform?
