Have you prepared school lunch for the kids? Have you taken the dog out for a walk? Were all the lights turned off before going to bed? If you’re a mom, these are just some of the things you probably have on your daily checklist. And if you’re a working mom, that list of everyday duties is much longer. Traditionally, moms have been given the role of primary caregiver. But you know that you also serve as the personal chef, the housekeeper, and even sometimes, the judge.
With many roles to take on every single day, it’s hard to find time for yourself. In fact, the New York Post reports that parents only have 30 minutes to themselves everyday after completing their checklist of parenting and work duties. But this shouldn’t be the case, as you deserve to honor yourself with the time and effort you provide others. And besides, if you don’t take care of yourself well, you wouldn’t be able to care for your loved ones well, either.
The term ‘self-care’ tends to get thrown a lot nowadays, but it deserves all the attention, as it’s a method of promoting one’s overall wellbeing. And as we’ve previously shared in our list of ‘Great Tips for Working Moms’, you should set some time for yourself to rest, relax, and recharge self-care allows you to do just that. A great place to start practicing self-care is in your closet.
Why Should You Treat Fashion as a Form of Self-Care?
Now, you may be thinking, ‘But I don’t have the time to dress up!’, and that’s totally understandable. Many moms find themselves scrambling with so many chores in the morning that putting on a pair of sweatpants may sound like the most convenient option. However, style doesn’t have to be complicated. Although it’s often associated with glitz and glamor, fashion can actually be freeing for you. Think about this way: Wearing clothes that you actually like in the morning can help empower you to conquer the day.
Contrary to popular belief, caring about your personal style isn’t superficial or selfish. Choosing clothes that make you feel great about yourself also means that you’re choosing to be the best version of yourself for both you and your family. Putting the time and energy in piecing your outfits together even helps set a good example for your children. When they recognize that extra boost of confidence, they’ll learn that taking care of yourself matters, and they shouldn’t put themselves last.
How Can You Practice Fashion as a Form of Self-Care?
If you’re concerned about not having the time to properly dress up, there’s no need to fret, as you can cultivate a wonderful sense of style with a few simple steps. First, be sure to streamline your wardrobe so that it won’t feel like a puzzle you have to figure out every single morning. Hone your signature style by picking pieces that inspire you or speak to your personality. Another way to save time for getting ready is by investing in clothes that come in neutral colors, such as these classic white tees featured on The Strategist, as they’ll be much easier to pair with other pieces.
It’s also key to know what works well with your body so you can dress accordingly and comfortably. Don’t be afraid to try out new things that aren’t necessarily popular among your peers or have been part of your go-to wear in the past. For instance, why not trade your skinny jeans in for a more relaxed and sophisticated pair of trousers? Case in point: These straight-leg pants from Woman Within come in a soft knit fabric that provide a good relief from restrictive stretch denim, and come with those oh-so-necessary pockets for your everyday essentials. They also look much more chic than sweatpants! Pair them with a tailored button-down for a polished look or a basic tee for more laid-back days.
Last but not least, don’t forget about your feet. With all the errands you have to do every day, you’ll want to wear a pair that lets you move with ease while still looking stylish. Remember that comfy shoes go beyond sneakers, as a pair of chic ballet flats like the reddish-brown ones from Cole Haanwill attest to. After all, you’ll want to put your best foot forward (pun intended!) with your outfits.
So, don’t be guilty if you make the task of taking care of yourself a top priority, as it will help bring out the best in you. Remember: When you look good, you feel good and can do even more good in your day.