I used to be a big fan of the show What Not to Wear that aired on TLC. You might still catch it in reruns. I was always intrigued by the suspense leading up to the big reveal and became somewhat of an expert on what clothing suits various body types (hint: it usually involves straight-leg jeans and a blazer). While I wouldn’t call myself a fashion guru, I definitely thought I dressed better than the women featured on that show. Admittedly, part of the fun was critiquing their style choices.
The show’s typical subject was often a frumpy mom who dedicated herself to everyone but herself, and I often wondered why these women hesitated to embrace their makeovers. Free professional advice and $5,000 worth of new clothes? Where do I sign up? Dress me however you want, Clinton and Stacy; your expertise is far beyond mine!
Fast forward to my life as a mom, and I have a different perspective. No, Clinton and Stacy, you don’t know better than I do. I totally get why those women were reluctant to part with their sweatpants. Chasing after little ones all day isn’t a fashion show—it’s a chaotic adventure, sometimes with literal messes!
And let’s not forget about hair and makeup. Carmindy, the makeup artist, would teach women how to achieve their “5 Minute Face.” I’d love to see her try and steal five minutes with toddlers around, rummaging through cabinets and snagging lipsticks! Five minutes can turn into chaos when you have little ones nearby but not the center of attention.
At least Nick, the hairstylist, usually left enough length for a ponytail. I once tried to pull off a tousled bob, thinking it would encourage me to style my hair daily. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work.
While Clinton, Stacy, and their crew may be fashion experts in the conventional sense, I consider myself a fashion expert in the practical sense. I’ve crafted a sensible wardrobe that works for my daily life, and I prefer to refer to myself as a Practical Mom rather than frumpy. Sure, I’m in decent shape and rock some fitted yoga pants, but I haven’t quite reached the status of Sexy Yoga Mom. Let’s be real: my “effortlessly messy” ponytail is just that—messy.
So, I proudly embrace the Practical Mom title, and there’s no way I’m running errands or cooking dinner in straight-leg jeans, a blazer, and ballet flats—thanks, but that’s date night attire in my book.
What these fashion experts need to realize is that my outfits are as thoughtfully chosen as a designer gown, albeit perfectly average for a reason. My running shoes provide essential support for pushing a double stroller, sprinting after toddlers, and spending endless hours in the kitchen. My yoga pants give me the needed flexibility to bend down and pick up toys, hoist one child while holding another, and even crawl around pretending to be a horse for their entertainment.
My go-to tee from a discount retailer allows me to feed my kids spaghetti with sauce without worrying about messes or sticky hands. And my makeup-free face and untamed hair help me save precious time in my daily routine, allowing me a little more opportunity to actually leave the house.
I admire the women who prioritize their beauty routines, whether it’s by choice or necessity. I don’t claim superiority over them, nor do I feel inferior. My clothing choices aren’t about hiding behind frumpy styles; I simply enjoy the perk of not rushing in the morning. Instead, I wake up when my kids do and forgo the beauty regimen.
Of course, I enjoy looking nice and do put in the effort for special occasions, like family dinners or nights out. But on ordinary days, when my biggest interaction is a casual chat with Lisa, my favorite cashier at the grocery store, I’m perfectly content in my practical attire.
I wholeheartedly believe clothing conveys a message, and the message I’m sending is, “Thanks, but no thanks, Clinton and Stacy,” and “See you tomorrow, Lisa!”
For more on balancing motherhood and personal style, check out this post on Cervical Insemination. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, you can find reputable kits at Make a Mom. For further information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine here.
In summary, my choice to embrace the Practical Mom persona comes from a place of understanding my daily needs and prioritizing comfort over convention. I’m not frumpy; I’m practical, and I wouldn’t trade my current style for anything.
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