Being a mom is a full-time job, and one of the biggest challenges is finding the time – and energy – to maintain a sense of personal style. Between managing daily responsibilities and chasing after little ones, it’s easy to fall into a routine of prioritising comfort over fashion. But who says you can’t have both?
“It’s about adapting and making it work for you.”
Emily May, a style enthusiast and mum, has made it her mission to redefine motherhood fashion by blending practicality with effortless style. “Just because we’re mums now, doesn’t mean we have to compromise on style and comfort,” she says. By carefully selecting pieces that work for her lifestyle, she has created a wardrobe that is both functional and fashionable.
Here are her top tips on how to dress stylishly as a mom – without sacrificing practicality.
- Comfort is key
For Emily, comfort is the foundation of every outfit. “At the end of the day, that’s the number one thing we all want when we’re getting dressed as mums,” she explains. “We want to be comfortable so that we can move easily through our day.”
Comfortable jeans are a staple in her wardrobe. “Yes, comfortable jeans do exist!” she says. She prefers jeans with a bit of stretch, which she often pairs with oversized shirts and chunky trainers or sandals. Aside from denim, she also loves wide-leg linen trousers, stretchy black flares, and knitted trousers. “I can wear these trousers with any old T-shirt, vest top, or shirt, and it looks like I’ve made a real effort – when I actually haven’t!”
Shoes are another crucial element. For winter, Emily swears by chunky trainers or flat boots with good support and grip – ideal for chasing after a toddler. In the summer, she opts for Birkenstocks or chunky black sandals.
- Embrace white, fearlessly
Many mums avoid wearing white due to the inevitable spills and stains that come with parenting, but Emily doesn’t believe in limiting her wardrobe. “Whoever said white isn’t for mums is just lazy with stain removal,” she laughs.
She has a simple solution: keep a stain removal bar and a toothbrush in the laundry room for quick clean-ups. When out and about, she relies on baby wipes as an emergency stain remover. “Baby wipes are fantastic at getting rid of stains, so if something happens while you’re out, grab some water and a wipe!”
- Accessories are your best friend
Accessories can instantly elevate even the most basic outfits. “You can wear jeans and a T-shirt, but adding accessories makes all the difference,” Emily says.
Her go-to accessories include hoop earrings, a pendant necklace, and dainty rings. She has even simplified her routine by wearing the same pieces daily. “I keep my diamond necklace and small huggies on at all times – even in the shower and to bed. It’s such an easy way to skip the hassle of taking things on and off in a rush.”
Other must-haves include stylish tote bags, sunglasses – “perfect for hiding tired eyes” – and hats, which she describes as “a quick way to make any basic outfit look effortlessly cool”.
- Build a versatile wardrobe
A well-curated wardrobe saves time and makes getting dressed easier. Emily focuses on pieces that can be mixed and matched seamlessly. “If you choose one T-shirt, it should easily pair with any of your trousers, and vice versa,” she advises.
She emphasises quality over quantity, investing in neutral basics, layering pieces like overshirts, and throw-on dresses. “Dresses have been a game-changer for me,” she shares. “I mostly wear midi and maxi dresses since they’re practical for running after my son. If I do wear a mini dress, I pair it with nude anti-chafing shorts for extra coverage.”
- Self-care through fashion
While it’s easy to overlook self-care when prioritising kids, Emily believes that dressing well can positively impact mental health. “Our outfits have a huge impact on our mood,” she says.
Loungewear is one area where many mums compromise, but Emily encourages putting effort into at-home outfits. “Just because you and your kids are the only ones seeing you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t feel good in what you’re wearing,” she says. “A matching loungewear set can make you feel cute and put together – even if you’re just at home.”
The same applies to activewear. “There’s nothing wrong with wearing activewear throughout the day, but I try to make it look intentional,” she explains. Adding a cap, ribbed socks, and an oversized sweater can make a casual outfit feel more polished.
- Stay true to your style
Ultimately, the key to dressing well as a mum is staying true to your personal style. “Motherhood doesn’t mean losing your sense of fashion,” Emily insists. “It’s about adapting and making it work for you.”
She encourages mums to have fun with their outfits and wear what makes them happy. “If you love white, wear white. If you love accessories, pile them on. Don’t be afraid to express yourself through fashion – because when you feel good in what you’re wearing, it reflects in everything you do.”
With Emily’s tips, dressing stylishly and practically as a mum is entirely possible. By focusing on comfort, embracing versatility, and adding small but impactful details, you can create a wardrobe that not only looks great but also works seamlessly with your busy life.
Compiled by: Justine Fortuin Source: www.emilyelizabethmay.com
