Being a mom (or indeed, a mum) can be an exciting, chaotic adventure, but that doesn’t mean giving up your personal style. While the “mommy look” may come with stereotypes attached, that doesn’t have to mean living in yoga pants and ditching makeup forever. Accepting your new role while remaining true to yourself is completely achievable. Don’t feel the pressure to go out with a full face on, however, here’s how you could combine practicality with personality so that you look and feel just as fabulous as before.

Photo by Sai De Silva on Unsplash

Finding the Balance Between Chic and Convenient

Parenthood often forces your schedule around nap times and school pickups, but finding the balance between chic and convenient can be done. Start by investing in good quality staple clothing pieces, a ‘capsule collection’ if you like, that can manage your busy lifestyle. Classic jeans are great, along with stylish tops that allow free movement, and BF access if needed, and layering is your friend here for sudden temperature shifts and adding depth to an outfit. Add statement accessories like a beret, bold sunglasses or colourful scarves for quick wins of style without compromising comfort.

Embrace the Power of Makeup and Simplicity

Time is of the essence in the mornings, so making each moment count with an efficient makeup routine can make all the difference. Try investing in quality BB cream for quick application and an instant hint of glow. Mascara and tinted lip balm often suffice in creating an attractive appearance. Natural yet put-together looks help maintain that ever-elusive sense of self while meeting daily demands.

Hairstyles That Work as Hard as You Do

On those busy mornings when time is of the essence, having a versatile and easy hairstyle can be your ally. Look for styles that transition seamlessly from playdates to board meetings. Ponytails or quick top knots may come to the rescue. More complex styles could include heatless curls – twisting your braids the night before so they will unfold into beautiful waves by morning.

Utilise Tutorials for Your Hairstyle

The internet offers numerous hairstyle tutorials that can help simplify your morning routine. From quick buns and braids to elegant updos and more, online resources have you covered for any type of style you might be in search of. YouTube and Pinterest offer step-by-step guides from professional stylists and everyday enthusiasts alike, giving you access to invaluable tutorials that can teach you techniques that will enable you to transform your look with minimal effort. Investing a small amount of time learning from these videos could equip you with techniques for effortlessly altering your look. Start with a low ponytail tutorial as your starting point, and add twists or braids for unique variations. Not only will this approach save time but it’ll also inspire creativity allowing you to experiment and discover styles that suit both your personality and daily needs.

Accessorise Carefully

Accessories are the perfect way to give your hairstyle an added layer of character and add flair. Just a few clips, pins or headbands can transform even a basic style into an eye-catching one in no time at all. For busy mornings and reduced effort required in using accessories such as hats, or hair scarves which tie quickly in just seconds while adding instant style. Headbands also work great at taming flyaways while adding flair.

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

Being a mom may make time for “me-time” seem impossible. Yet prioritising yourself is important not only to maintaining sanity but also expressing yourself uniquely. Find activities that help ground and rejuvenate you such as monthly spa visits or reading a favourite book before bed, anything that helps keep the balance. Being a parent shouldn’t take over who you are as an individual.

Find Joy in Making Your Own Rules

Now is the time to forge your own path towards fabulousness. Fashion doesn’t come with one size fits all rules, rather it should be an exciting journey filled with trial-and-error. Have fun experimenting and switching patterns or looking into diaper bags that could double up as fashion accessories. There isn’t an obligatory style guide attached to parenthood, feel free to make up rules as you go.

Revel in Your Natural Beauty

When it comes to personal style, embracing your natural beauty is an age-old approach that never goes out of style. Letting your natural hair texture flourish and showing off unique features can be very empowering and liberating. Not that this means forgoing makeup or styling completely, just focus on accentuating natural features instead. Using gentle plant-based products for skincare purposes as well as maintaining an effective routine that addresses skin needs will create radiant canvas complexions. Staying natural simply means acknowledging and celebrating what makes you beautiful.

Conclusion

In motherhood (or fatherhood), remember who you are first, an individual first and foremost. Your style reflects this identity through stitches, stains and all. Adopting parenthood doesn’t have to mean forgoing your personal flair. With some creativity injected into daily activities you can navigate “mommy look” gracefully and enthusiastically. Be the stylishly unique lighthouse standing proud on shore among parenting cliches.

This is a collaborative post.