Do you wake up in the morning dreading getting dressed? Do you feel rundown and a bit flabbier than usual? Do you live in sweat pants or the dreaded mom jeans? Does your hair desperately need a root touch up and your nails crave a date with your local manicurist? You don’t have to live like this anymore!
Here are 5 tips to looking and feeling fab. These are easy fixes and things that every mom can do. These easy tips will make you feel beautiful and confident when you step out the door.
1. Health
First and foremost, taking care of yourself is the most important task. Just because you are a mom doesn’t mean your needs don’t matter.
The American Heart Association recommends:
- At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise at least 5 days per week for a total of 150 minutes OR
- At least 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise at least 3 days per week for a total of 75 minutes
- OR a combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise AND
- Moderate- to high-intensity strength-training activities at least twice a week for additional health benefits
Unfortunately, most of us don’t have much time to hit the gym, but that’s no excuse. Eat healthy, exercise, give yourself a Sunday facial and a hair mask. Take a deep breath. Do some yoga or just take a walk. Do whatever you need to do to take care of you.
2. Hair, Skin & Nails
Have you fallen victim to mom hair? When was the last time you got “your hair did” rather than just throwing the mop on top of your head into a ponytail? Having the right clothes won’t make nearly the statement if your hair and makeup don’t match the look.
- Get your hair done. Keep your hair trimmed and style it. It can be as simple as a tight bun or a simple braid. A messy bun is even in style. Pretty simple right? Try some of these no fuss hair styles.
- If you color your hair, keep up with it. The average amount of time in between appointments is 4-6 weeks, since your hair grows on average ½” a month. Of course you may want to stretch your appointments out to 6-8 weeks to save time and money as long as you don’t mind an ombre look. Make your appointments ahead of time and keep them.
- Take care of your skin with sunscreen, moisturizers and anti-aging creams. Your skin care regimen can be as simple as just using coconut oil on your hair and skin or switching to The Oil Cleansing Method for cleaning your face. Coconut oil is a great moisturizer and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities that make it a great part of any skin routine.
- Keep your nails clean. If you like polish, take care of it. If it chips, remove it. Sally Hansen Miracle Gel or Essie Gel Polish are great options for busy moms. They last longer and keep your manicure looking glossy and new.
- Take on the 5 minute face. A little concealer or light foundation to even out skin tone, a blush or bronzer for color, a highlighter tapped on the brow bone, mascara and a little lipgloss or lipstick, and you’ve got yourself the perfect 5 minute face.
3. Buy clothes that fit
This is very important. Your clothes shouldn’t be too big or too small. If your clothes are too tight, you will get bulges and feel uncomfortable. If your clothes are too big, you are hiding your beautiful body. This is when a tailor can be your best friend. Here are some tips to help you buy the perfect fit.
Bottoms
- Pants should be purchased for the widest point and tailored. If you have wider hips, you may find the waist is too big. That is ok. Have the waist tailored to fit.
- Your pants should be fitted and comfortable. You should be able to move with ease.
- If your pants have stretch, be careful. They will stretch as the day goes on. You may find that buying one size down is a better option.
- Be wary of the saggy bottom. This is especially a problem in jeans with stretch. Look for a 2-5% elastic or spandex. Too much of something is never a good thing.
Tops
- Start with a proper fitted bra.
- Your top should fit comfortably across your bust with no pulling or gathering.
- You should be able to cross your arms across the front of your body comfortably.
- Depending on the top, it should fall above or below the widest point of your hips, but NEVER at the widest point. This will help to avoid drawing attention to this area.
4. Shoes
Look down. Your shoes can make or break an outfit. They don’t need to be high heels 24/7. There are plenty of fashionable shoes that are also comfortable.
Slip-ons, sandals, wedges and ballet flats are all great comfortable options. Animal prints or metallics go with almost anything and can be great additions to your closet. Even if you are on a budget, you can still have the perfect shoe collection.
5. Accessorize
The options are endless when it comes to accessories, from hats and scarves during winter to necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. It can be as easy as wearing a simple diamond earring.
You can keep your jewelry collection simple. One watch, a statement necklace, quality silver and gold stacks of bracelets, and an assortment of necklaces can be worn together or separately. Don’t stress about mixing metals; silver and gold can be worn together. Feel free to go simple or go bold. Let your accessories speak to your style.
Finally, check in on your bag collection. With a cross body bag, satchel and a clutch, you can easily take your look from day to night by a simple bag swap.
So, if you are feeling uncomfortable in your clothes and in your skin, start by improving your health and slowly add in each detail and before you know it, you will be strutting your stuff confidently all over town.
Photo Credit: Dani, GoldenerBerg, Ashley Sisk, Megan Ballard
